Aquapharm CEO wins Ernst & Young award

The awards recognise Dr Mearns Spragg’s entrepreneurial ambition in setting up Aquapharm as well as his pioneering and innovative work in developing new antibiotic compounds derived from the marine microbial environment. The independent judging panel included leading entrepreneurs and business figures. He will now represent Scotland in the national finals of the Entrepreneur of the Year 2008 programme. Dr Mearns Spragg founded Aquapharm in 2000, when he was only 28, using grant money as he completed his PhD and post doctoral research.To date, he has raised more than £6 million in private equity and grant financing. Commenting on his award, he said: “I am delighted to have received this award which is a reflection not only on my own passion and belief in the company, but also the commitment and experience of the growing team.