MetalFX Founder Makes Business Success Lists

MetalFX Technology's founder Andrew Ainge, who founded the company only three years ago, this week received the 'Innovation of the Year' award in the '42 under 42' list.

MetalFX Technology's founder Andrew Ainge, who founded the company only three years ago, this week received the 'Innovation of the Year' award in the '42 under 42' list.

Now in its seventh year, the list represents a snapshot of the Yorkshire regions young business talent, with 42 young business people, all aged under 42 years old, mentioned for special achievement.

A select few from the list receive a specific award.

The original idea was to focus on people 10 or more years younger than the average age of those in the regional business Insider magazine's 'Insider's Power 100' list and over the years it has given recognition to some of the brightest young people in the Yorkshire business world.

The event is sponsored by Invest in Bradford, KPMG, Royal Armouries (International) Plc and Yorkshire Forward.

Peter Baber, the deputy editor of Insider magazine, commented: "Andrew has pushed himself ahead of his peers with his strong track record for innovation and acumen for carrying them forward in to viable business models, becoming a mentor for business success.

In that time he has turned his business, which markets a revolutionary printing technique for producing an extensive range of bright metallic colours, in to a worldwide phenomenon.

With MetalFX, Andrew has developed a quality product that breaks through boundaries to give something new and different.

Licensing the innovation out to the wider world has proven a sound strategy that makes Andrew one of the brightest young stars in today's business world." Ainge has joined high fliers Justin King, now chief executive of Sainsbury's, and property developer Kevin Linfoot, who have appeared on the list in the past.

The Financial Times also caught wind of Ainge's success in the global market and has just dedicated a half page to the success of MetalFX.

An extract read: "In 2002, a young entrepreneur in Leeds risked everything he had to make his business a success, with an innovative technology licensing system.

The technology in question is a new method of printing metallic colours.

Since it was launched, the system has changed the industry's approach to the use of metallic inks and the visual results - on brochures, packaging, annual reports, and so on - have been stunning.

If a business like MetalFX can sell to more than 120 countries - using innovative ideas, key trade fairs and the power of the internet - then, frankly, anything is possible.".

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