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Delight for Genesis boss at role model honour

kevin feddy
4/12/2008

A DIRECTOR of Bury-based telecoms and IT business Genesis Communications today spoke of his pride at being selected as a black role model in a programme launched by Communities Secretary and Salford MP Hazel Blears.

Piers Linney, 37, who is from Bacup, Lancashire, was one of 20 businesspeople, firefighters, lawyers and other professionals chosen for the scheme out of more than 200 applicants.

They were chosen for their ability to inspire and connect with young black men.

Piers said today: "It's a great opportunity to put something back. My message is that you should set yourself goals and work hard to achieve them."

The son of a retired sales manager and health visitor, Piers studied accounting and law at Manchester University before qualifying as a solicitor.

Since then he has worked as a corporate financier, hedge fund manager and, more recently, investor in growing businesses.

In April 2007, he structured a management buyout of Genesis Communications from DSG International. The business employs 230 staff and turns over £35m.

Ms Blears said: "The election of Barack Obama and Lewis Hamilton's recent success is a powerful signal to young people that they can achieve. This programme is about increasing the pool of positive people that our young black men see and lifting their sights."