ONE of the south's leading young entrepreneurs is set for national business acclaim after being included in the latest Who's Who.

Darren Cooper, 30, a director of south coast Volkswagen dealership group Peter Cooper, is included in the newly published Who's Who of Britain's Young Entrepreneurs 2006.

The important reference work identifies the UK's eminent young business leaders, and forms part of the Who's Who professional book series.

The publishers say that Darren was selected as a young director because of his noteworthy business achievements and in recognition of his contribution to the business community.

Inclusion is exclusive and cannot be requested or paid for.

Darren said he was delighted to be included in such a prestigious title and that the success of the 155-staff company, which has dealerships in Hedge End, Portsmouth and Chichester, had received such recognition.

He said: "Heading up Peter Cooper is a real honour for me, and after learning all aspects of the business I feel well-placed to continue to take the company forward in the future.

"We are fortunate in having a great product to sell and a good team of people at all of our dealerships."

Since taking over at the helm of Peter Cooper, Darren has been involved in a number of entrepreneurial initiatives, including growing the group's area of responsibility with two further acquisitions and increasing the company's turnover to more than £42m.

"Entrepreneurial skill is vital to succeed in business and that is certainly true in the motor industry, which is extremely competitive as customers increasingly look for value-added services and top-quality products,'' said Darren.

"By looking at the business with a commercial but innovative way, I know that Peter Cooper will remain at the forefront of sales and success in the future."