(Embargo to 12.01am Friday)

Wellington, Sept 12 NZPA - Michael Hill is one of five category winners named today to compete for the overall title of Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year.

The founder of Michael Hill International won the Master Entrepreneur category for leaders of established businesses who have demonstrated a significant commitment to entrepreneurship.

The story of how Mr Hill built a business that aims to have 1000 stores globally by 2024 from one store is a well known.

The simple U-shaped layout of the stores and accessible product range were the secrets of the success.

Brett Henderson of Holdfast NZ (Hamilton) won the product category. Mark Taylor of FrameCAD Solutions (Auckland) won the services category and Miles Valentine of Zeacom (Auckland) won the technology category.

The Young Entrepreneur winner was Anthony Gadsdon of Mix (Auckland).

New Zealand's 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year will be announced on October 23.

The overall winner will represent New Zealand at the World Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in Monte Carlo in May 2009.

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