Twisted Automotive founder and managing director Charles Fawcett has been nominated for a prestigious Institute of Directors Award.

The Institute of Directors Awards will be held next Thursday (5 July) at The Principal, York, and will be hosted by BBC News’ business and current affairs correspondent, Danni Hewson.

Shortlisted in the Innovation category for Director of the Year in the Yorkshire & North East region, the award recognises Fawcett’s work to develop Twisted into being a true industry leader, overseeing significant growth and evolution during the company’s 17-year history and, in particular, over the last 12 months.

The Yorkshire & North East Director of the Year Awards aim to raise awareness of the significant contribution business leaders can make to society and to economic prosperity in our region, while recognising the individuals who have displayed the highest standards of leadership in business, public and third sectors.

An authority and leader of the automotive aftermarket industry, Twisted Automotive specialises in re-engineering the Land Rover Defender to the exacting requirements of customers from around the world.

Fawcett has delivered year-on-year growth in terms of profit, turnover, personnel and overall brand footprint since the company was founded in 2001. And over the past 12 months, turnover has increased by 17% to £8.5m, with a further 10% growth forecast for the year ahead, alongside an increased profit margin.

Fawcett said: “It is a real honour to be shortlisted for an IoD award, which recognises the hard work of the entire Twisted team during the last year. We’re thrilled, too, to be nominated in the Innovation category.

“Without innovation, we would not have the strength of brand. We’re known for our production of the world’s best Defender because of our ongoing product development, and so we remain steadfast in our commitment to finding ways to make our vehicles that little bit faster, stronger, smoother, tougher, harder or softer.”

The judging panel was chaired by Simon Walton, managing partner at Berwick Partners/Odgers Berndtson, Leeds.

He said: “I’d like to thank my fellow judges for their efforts in choosing this year’s top directors. The standard of entries was excellent and we faced some very hard decisions. With the bar set high, I’m looking forward to an evening that celebrates business excellence on 5 July.”