Luxury Italian car manufacturer, Maserati, and the Centre for Entrepreneurs (CFE) have launched the second annual ‘Maserati 100’ index; a search to find 100 of Britain’s most successful philanthropists, investors, mentors and advisors, and, ascending entrepreneurs  who are supporting the next generation of up and coming business talent by generously giving their time and resource.

Nominations opened on 2nd November and will run for six weeks, closing on 14th December, with members of the public able to submit their nominations via a dedicated microsite: www.themaserati100.co.uk.

Once nominations close, the prestigious list will be curated by a judging panel of experts including; previous Maserati 100 awardees, CFE’s board of advisors and serial entrepreneur and Maserati ambassador, Luke Johnson. The final list of 100 individuals will be announced at a special event in early 2016 in London.

2015’s inaugural list featured a diverse and vibrant array of established entrepreneurs, with almost 50% of those included in the list originating from the technology sector. The other half was formulated from a variety of sectors including fashion, food and drink, travel, events and sport.

Those featured in the last year’s list included; Julie Deane, creator of The Cambridge Satchel Company, Sir Charles Dunstone, founder of The Carphone Warehouse and chairman of TalkTalk Group, and one of Britain’s best-known entrepreneurs; founder of Virgin Group, Richard Branson.

The Centre for Entrepreneurs was founded by serial entrepreneur, Luke Johnson, who is best known for his involvement with Pizza Express and is a former chairman of the Royal Society of Arts and Channel 4. He said; “Beyond their commercial ventures, many entrepreneurs also create significant social impact by giving their time, money and experience to benefit others – often without recognition or reward. The Maserati 100 fulfils an important role acknowledging and celebrating successful entrepreneurs who are helping the next generation of founders.”

Peter Denton, Region Manager, Maserati North Europe said, “Last year’s campaign was a real success and we’re delighted to be working with the CFE again to recognise the valuable contribution Britain’s entrepreneurs are making to the economy. Maserati and the Centre for Entrepreneurs share many values. As our business celebrates a remarkable period of growth we shouldn’t forget how it all began; with the entrepreneurial spirit of Alfieri Maserati and his brothers. We are proud to be a partner of an organisation which encourages and supports that same spirit today.”