Anthony Gadsdon, co-director of Mix Limited which creates the Dominate hairstyling range and the Primal Earth shave gel for men, has been named Ernst & Young’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Mr Gadsdon says he was only 24 when the business started eight years ago. Their products are now sold in New Zealand, Australia and the UK, across 3,200 stores. Mr Gadsdon says the business was started in the back of the Ponsonby barber shop. He says New Zealand is a good place to build a small business, as products can be tested under the radar, away from the larger companies. Mr Gadsdon says it took a lot of hard work and some encouragement from his family to achieve his dream

Mr Gadsdon says he is lucky to have a very understanding wife, who supported him during the difficult times when the business was first starting. He says they funded almost everything on his credit card, and used a $200 washing machine pump.

Anthony Gadsdon, from manukau City, says he was surprised to win the award, competing against so many other great entrepreneurs.