David Jackson, chief executive of Redhall Group, was a judge on last year’s Bank of Scotland Corporate Entrepreneur Challenge and returns to the contest this year.

He will help select a Northeast regional finalist who will be given the opportunity to convince a judging panel to award a £5m funding package in December.

And having scooped the title of Entrepreneur of the Year in January’s Quoted Company Awards, he will be well placed to spot sound business ideas.

He said: “Sitting on the judging panel last year was a fantastic experience and we had to choose between some outstanding businesses.

“Being an entrepreneur myself means I have been in the same position as many of the entrants and I understand the challenges they face.”

The Bank of Scotland is looking for growing businesses with a minimum £2m turnover to enter the contest, which closes to applicants on Monday, May 19.

For more information, visit www.theboschallenge. co.uk

Wakefield-based Redhall Group operates nuclear, oil and gas, food and pharmaceutical industries and has grown to a market value of £50m since Mr Jackson took over in September 2005.