THE boss of a television manufacturer in the region is in the running for a business award.

Brian Palmer, CEO of Cello Electronics based in Bishop Auckland, has been announced as a finalist in the Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year category of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards– which acknowledge the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and businesses.

Cello is the only British manufacturer of LED TVs, and over the last 18 years, has produced more than two million TVs from its factory.

Mr Palmer founded the company in 2001 with a vision of developing a wide range of affordable televisions to appeal to a variety of audiences without compromising on quality, coupled with his commitment to innovative product development.

From leading the way in Smart TV development to the launch of the world’s first solar powered television, Cello has combined radical, technically refined processes with contemporary styles to bring high quality products to market.

He said: “It’s an honour to be shortlisted for this award. I am very lucky to have the support of a passionate and dedicated team who have been fundamental to the success we’ve seen over the last decade. We have also had a major focus on Africa, and invented the world’s first solar powered television, to help those who have no access to electricity. Quality and care is at the heart of everything we do, and we take pride in being a British brand that provides affordable products to our customers around the world.”

The results will be announced at an awards event in Newcastle on October 29.