GREAT business personalities are born not made. That's not to decry Harvard Business College or the great British business training schools. They can groom sleek and sophisticated theorists capable of a firm hand on the tiller of mighty corporations.

But when it comes to great business personalities, those who argue for nature rather than nurture win hands down.

These are people whose personalities dictate effective business policy, not the other way around. They are less interested in jargon (or even trendy joggin') than they are in inspiring people to do the job their way.

And if their way is exciting, then the unity of purpose by all who work for him or her points one way - towards profits.

They are not all that difficult to spot hereabouts. As chartered accountants and business advisers, we at Garbutt & Elliott are constantly amazed at the level of inspirational business leaders at the heart of so many wonderful ventures in York, and North and East Yorkshire.

Powerhouse personalities are at the heart of the regional boom that was so palpable at last year's Venturefest, a gathering which occupied the entire Ebor stand, where this year's Evening Press Business Awards ceremony will again take place on November 18.

That's why last year's nominations for the Business Personality of the Year were so difficult. We were looking at the cream of the crop and whittled them down to three who were the crme de la crme.

Then we took each of them individually to lunch and simply...talked their dreams and achievements.

It was uplifting. All three were equally dynamic, equally successful, equally passionate about their goals.

In the end we chose Gordon Gibb of Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo.

Why? Because he had that extra gear, that indefinable breadth of awareness and life fused with the business he loved most - that extra something that did not merely guide him, but drove him.

He joined a long and illustrious line of top business personalities in this competition, from the awe-inspiring Rosie Pressland, of Pocklington Montessorie School, to the charismatic Derrick Potter, head of the Potter group, the Selby-based road and rail logistics empire.

Now it's your turn. Let's hear your nominations. Or don't be coy: Nominate yourself. You are bound to inspire us all...

Updated: 09:53 Tuesday, June 01, 2004