THE boss of a top Colchester business who fought back after being left with just £7 to his name has been named as one of the best people to work for in the country.

Jeff Dewing is the CEO of facilities management company Cloudfm Group.

The business mogul has been recognised after being named as a finalist in the 2022 Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

He has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Disruptor of the Year category.

He has been nominated due to being a "force for change" and "having a maverick approach to the industry", turning it on its head as well as having a candid people-first approach to business.

Cloudfm is also said to have become one of the most innovative facilities management companies in Europe.

The CEO is a self-made multi-millionaire and who hit rock bottom at one point, starting over with just £7.60 to his name, going bankrupt and having a family to feed.

Judges will be told how Jeff can be expected to do the opposite of what you’d expect someone in the industry to do to succeed as well as having good leadership.

He said: “I am honoured to be shortlisted for the awards this year.

“‘Doing the opposite’ is a belief I embody in every aspect of my life, especially business.

“We’ve gone against the grain to restore the trust back in the facilities management industry and transform the future of the workplace by changing what it means to be a leader by putting authenticity, vulnerability and transparency at the fore.

“Even despite having to make some tough decisions due to the major impact of the pandemic we remained upfront and honest throughout these challenges upholding our values.”

“I am particularly proud of the hard work and dedication from every single member of the Cloudfm team.

“We are back on the upward hill, better than ever with an even stronger sense of togetherness.”

Jeff is one of the business leaders to have been shortlisted from over 5,300 entrants across the nation.

The final takes place at a ceremony at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on November 21.