Maker & Creator Entrepreneur of the Year - David Donaldson

LE Graphics is thrilled to announce that David Donaldson has been named as Maker & Creator Entrepreneur of the Year for Northern Ireland at the prestigious Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards. This accolade recognises the firms outstanding entrepreneurial achievements, resilience, and the impact they have made in their industry and community.

Now celebrating its 12th year, the Awards, often described as “The Grammys for Entrepreneurship” by previous winner Stephen Bartlett of Dragon’s Den fame, shine a spotlight on the individuals and businesses driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the UK economy. The awards, sponsored by Allica Bank, honour remarkable stories of entrepreneurial success, perseverance, and vision.
"Winning the Maker and Creator category at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards is an incredible honour and a truly overwhelming experience. To be in the prestigious surroundings of Grosvenor House in London’s West End, surrounded by so many inspiring and accomplished entrepreneurs, and to hear our name announced as a winner was simply unforgettable. For a small business from Fermanagh, this recognition means so much—it’s a testament to the hard work, creativity, and dedication of the entire team at LE Graphics. We’re immensely proud to represent our local community on such a significant stage, and this award reinforces our commitment to delivering excellence for our clients and continuing to innovate within the signage and branding industry." said David Donaldson, founder of LE Graphics.
Francesca James, founder of the Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, commented: "Every year, I’m in awe of the entrepreneurs who come through our programme, and this year is no different. The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards continues to receive thousands of applications annually, reflecting the incredible strength of entrepreneurship across the UK. This year’s winners collectively generate over £3 billion in turnover and employ over 20,000 people. These extraordinary individuals are not only transforming industries but also uplifting communities and inspiring the next generation of business leaders." Conrad Ford, Chief Product Officer at Allica Bank, commented: “As a former entrepreneur myself, I recognise the immense contribution that SMEs make to the UK and the challenges they face. It’s great to see some of the innovation taking place within SMEs across the country, and the appetite for growth that’s there, despite a challenging environment.
“These businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, it’s important we give them the support they deserve, and take a moment to pause and celebrate them! We’re proud to be supporting the Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Congratulations to all the winners.”
The glitzy awards ceremony, held on 18th November 2024 at London’s iconic Grosvenor House, brought together industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers to celebrate the exceptional achievements of this year’s winners.
The Maker & Creator Entrepreneur of the Year category highlights the innovation of individuals who bring their ideas to life through the art of manufacturing. Guided by precision and a commitment to quality, they’re the makers who bring innovation to life, shaping industries with their hands-on approach to designing, crafting, and delivering products that impact our daily lives.
LE Graphics, founded by husband and wife team David and Edith Donaldson in 1995, has been recognised for the quality and creativity of their signage and branding products. Over the past thirty years, their dedication to delivering the very best in signage, coupled with exceptional customer service, has not only driven growth in the signage industry but has also set a benchmark for excellence within the entrepreneurial community.
The team at LE Graphics is honoured to receive this award and extends heartfelt gratitude to their customers, partners, and supporters. This recognition from the Great British Entrepreneur Awards fuels their ambition to continue making a positive impact and inspires them to achieve even greater milestones.