Shortlist Edition
Meet the 2020 regional shortlist
GBEA Alumni create awards night dinner menu
greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com Printed on recycled paper by
@entrepreneursgb
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BACK How does it feel to run a business?
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CON TEN T/ COLUMNS
SHORTLIST
FEATURES
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09 17 19 70 72
Words from the founder
Words from Starling Bank
South West
29 Midlands
35 41 47 South East
Three courses
Get the drinks in
Get the snacks in
Wales
Supercharging referral & retention
Scotland & Northern Ireland
Go to event for food & drink businesses
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London & East of England
59 65
North West & Yorkshire & The Humber
North East
AWARDS The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, in partnership with Starling Bank, has shortlisted 550 entrepreneurs and 433 businesses across eight regions in 15 categories, including Creative Industries, Disruptor, Scale-Up and Young. 2020 has been an incredibly tough year for do many businesses, but it’s why we feel that recognition and celebration is more important than ever. Anne Boden, founder and CEO of Starling Bank, said: “These entrepreneurs have gone above and beyond in order to allow their businesses to flourish in extremely difficult times and it is a true honour to congratulate each and every one of them.”
We help you take care of business It’s your passion for business that drives you. That’s why, at AXA PPP healthcare, we help you take care of your people so you can focus on making your business thrive. Visit axappphealthcare.co.uk/SME or call us on 0800 389 7413* to find out more about our small business health insurance, including what we do and don’t cover *Phone lines are open 8:30am-5:30pm Monday to Friday. We may record and/or monitor calls for quality assurance, training and as a record of our conversation. GBEA Limited is an introducer appointed representative of AXA PPP healthcare Limited which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. The private healthcare insurance plans are underwritten by AXA PPP healthcare Limited. Registered office: AXA PPP healthcare, 5 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1AD. Registered in England and Wales number 3148119. Write to us at: AXA PPP healthcare, Phillips House, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2PL. PB73244/07.20
COLUMN
Dear Entrepreneurs Firstly, huge congratulations! This year’s shortlist is nothing short of exceptional and we have been completely bowled over by the quality (and quantity!) of entrepreneurs applying, even more so when you consider it’s been such a turbulent time for so many! Secondly, a huge thank you to our partners, sponsors and judges, who have gone above and beyond to support us and this programme despite the challenges this year has presented. For those who are new to The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, we’re far more of a community than ‘just’ an awards programme. And while to us that means alot all year round, there’s never been a time in our existence when it’s been so needed, and that we’ve seen it so mobilised and strong. Like many of you, I run a small business and have had moments over the past few months of fear and uncertainty, worry; for my own sanity and for my teams, dread over tough conversations, making bold decisions in a changing landscape, but then also immense gratitude for what I have and the health of those dear to me. I’ve had to keep reminding myself of that last one when it’s all been a bit too much. Over the past few months, many of our worlds have been turned upside down and as entrepreneurs, while we’re already used to dealing with set-backs, having to masterfully pivot and dealing with ‘pull your hair out’ moments, this set of challenges is unique, especially in that none of us have been fighting alone. We can’t wait to celebrate with you on the 23rd September. You’re all incredible and we’re delighted to be able to celebrate and champion your successes and endeavours, albeit in a very different way than we’d first imagined. Beyond the regional finals, we’re here if you need us. If we can help with signposting, access to experts, promoting your successes outside of GBEA please do get in touch, and stay in touch! GBEA has grown because of some phenomenal supporters and individuals to be an ecosystem of support and encouragement, in the good times and the bad. Whether you’ll be joining us at home, in the office with colleagues, or perhaps in your gardens if the British summer time allows, we can’t wait to raise a glass to you, Great British Entrepreneurs!
Francesca James, Founder 05
“The thing that made me fall in love with Starling was when I talked to customer services at 2am. I’m often up working late, so that’s really useful. The overdraft was also a lifesaver - I opened mine without any hassle.” Claud Williams Founder of personal development brand Dream Nation
Starling Bank’s here to support British businesses. Even at 2am. Find out how Starling could help you.
starlingbank.com |
@StarlingBank
COLUMN
Anne Boden, Starling Bank Helping business owners get back on their feet As lockdown lifts and businesses cautiously return to trading, at Starling Bank we know that we need to get the right support in our customers’ hands. For small businesses owners, this means giving them tools to make the most time-consuming financial tasks easier. That’s why I wanted to take the time to talk about our Business Toolkit. We want to provide tools that help small business owners, freelancers and the self-employed spend less time on their accounting and bookkeeping and more time on their trade - now more than ever. The Toolkit, which is available to Starling customers with a sole trader or limited company business account, allows you to save time and add value to your business. It includes: Invoice creation and auto-matching - this allows you to create and send custom invoices and we’ll suggest a match between issued invoices and incoming payments to keep track of which ones have been paid. Bill management - enables you to upload PDF or image files of payable bills and schedule payments to manage your cash flow and track expenses. Automated expenses - it’s tricky to know what’s tax deductible and what isn’t. That’s why we automatically categorise your transactions and provide handy hints in the category description to help you decide what you can claim for. Sole trader tax estimation - based on the information you provide, we’ll estimate the money you need to set aside for the self-employment part of your tax return, including Income Tax, National Insurance Contributions and Student Loan Repayments. VAT recording and submission - allows you to connect to HMRC and submit your tax returns through our Toolkit’s Making Tax Digital software.
Bookkeeping to-do list - for certain transactions, we’ll prompt you to attach a photo of a receipt and invoices so that you can keep digital copies for your tax return. At Starling we listen to our customers to find out what they really need and want. Earlier this year, we surveyed more than 1,000 UK businesses to find out what kind of impact financial admin was having on life inside and outside of the business. This culminated in our “Make Business Simple” report. We found that businesses spend ten weeks a year sorting their finances - the average micro-business clocks up 79 hours of work each week and 15 of these are spent on financial admin. That’s nearly one in every five hours, equating to ten weeks of the year. It’s also ten weeks not growing your business. We knew things needed to change, and that businesses deserved better services that didn’t cost the earth and helped reduce this time-burden. Our business accounts are built to serve the needs of SME owners: no monthly fees, 24/7 support and easy set-up.The Business Toolkit is £7 per month, but we’ll always provide our business bank accounts for free. We’ve also built a Business Marketplace, where you can connect your bank account to a range of third party providers, for example major accounting software Xero, QuickBooks and FreeAgent. I think one of the hardest parts of being an entrepreneur is getting to grips with every aspect of the business - you may not have a full-time bookkeeper and so when you do go it alone, having a banking partner who understands you is truly a game-changer.
The Business Toolkit is available to Starling customers with a sole trader or business account with a small, fixed monthly fee.
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W E ’ R E B R I N G I N G T H E AWA R D S , TO YO U
IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN LIVING ROOM , JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF CELEBRATING ALL THINGS ENTREPRENEURSHIP. WITH GREAT BRITISH ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS PARTNER THREE, WE’VE WORKED WITH OUR ALUMNI BRANDS TO CREATE THREE COURSES (SEE WHAT WE DID THERE?). RAISE YOUR GLASS WITH THE GBEA SPRITZ AND GET EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS ON SNACKS AND DRINKS FROM OUR COMMUNITY.
Please make sure you take lots of photos and tag us @EntrepreneursGB and #GBEA. Hopefully we ’ ll see you all soon! Team GBEA
GREAT BRITISH ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS PROUDLY PARTNERED WITH
GBEA REGIONALS 23.09.2020
COURSES FROM GBEA ALUMNI AWA R D S E V E N I N G M E N U : H O LY M O LY D I P S MINDFUL CHEF NORTHERN BLOC ICE CREAM & H E A LT H Y N I B B L E S
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shop.mindfulchef.com/collections/frozen-meals
For the main course LENTIL MOUSSAKA & CREAMY COCONUT BECHAMEL
Ingredients 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 aubergine 1 red onion 1 red pepper 1 sachet tomato puree 1 tbsp sundried tomato paste 1 tbsp nutritional yeast 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp nutmeg
Giles and Myles, winners of the Start-Up Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2019 for London and the South East, have sent us meal inspiration we can all enjoy together on awards night. Whip up a storm with the provided recipe, or you can purchase a Mindful Chef ready meal if you fancy just kicking back with our Awards Spritz.
240g lentils in water (drained)
THE RECIPE
2 garlic cloves 2 large tomatoes 2 tbsp oil
It’s not classic moussaka but you won’t mind once you taste it – our coconut-based béchamel is just as creamy, and our baked aubergine slices just as gooey. Lentils fill you up; spinach adds vitamins.
40g spinach 80g coconut yoghurt Medium handful of flat-leaf parsley
Method 1
Preheat the oven to 220C / fan 200C / gas mark 7 and boil a kettle.
2
Finely chop the garlic, red onion, tomatoes and red pepper. Slice the aubergine into very thin 1/2cm thick rounds. Roughly chop the parsley leaves. Drain and rinse the lentils.
3
Place the aubergine on a baking tray, drizzle with 1 tbsp oil and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Place in the oven for 10 mins.
4
Heat a medium-sized pan with 1 tbsp oil on a medium heat and cook the garlic, onion and red pepper for 5 mins until softened. Then stir in the cinnamon, oregano, sundried tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato puree, lentils, spinach, half of the parsley and 100ml boiling water. Simmer for 5 mins.
5
In a bowl, mix together the coconut yoghurt, nutritional yeast and only a pinch of nutmeg (to taste). Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper, and add a little water to thin the mix if needed.
6
Spoon the lentils into an ovenproof dish, top with a layer of aubergine, then top with a thin layer of the coconut béchamel. Place in the oven for 15 mins until turning golden.
7
Serve the lentil moussaka on two warm plates. Sprinkle with the remaining parsley.
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For people worth meeting Home Grown, the private members club for business as unusual, has re-opened its doors and is now ready to take on more members. homegrownclub.co.uk
Community of entrepreneurs and business professionals
Flexible meeting space
Destination bar & restaurant
35 luxurious bedrooms
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For starters HOLY MOLY DIPS
Holy Moly Dips work hand in hand with Mexican farmers to source the very best ingredients for our all natural dips. Our sunripened Hass avocados are handpicked and hand scooped in the heart of rural Mexico – it’s a labour of love, but the end result is worth it. But it’s not just what we put in our dips that matter. It’s what we leave out. No dairy, no gluten, no sulphites, and absolutely no preservatives. Just fresh, nutritious ingredients you’d use at home. It’s the Holy Moly way.
holymolydips.com
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For dessert NORTHERN BLOC
We are, and always will be, all about flavour. That means if it doesn’t taste absolutely amazing, it won’t go in our pots. And
we’re not trying to be quirky or cool. The
sometimes-weird sounding flavours (hello
Hazelnut and Tonka bean) are for a reason – because they taste amazing. And we’re relentless in our quest for perfection too.
In fact we tried at least ten versions of our vegan chocolate and orange blossom ice
cream before we were happy with it. That’s why we know you’ll be happy with it too.
northern-bloc.com
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whiteherondrinks.co.uk
The Awards Spritz
Winner of the Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2018 for The Midlands, Joanna Hilditch founder of White Heron Brands, has concocted a GBEA Awards Spritz for us all to raise our glasses with, to cheers to entrepreneurship on awards night.
Ingredients British Framboise Gin Prosecco Soda water Angostura bitters
Method Fill a glass with crushed ice. Pour over a good slosh of British Framboise and a smaller slosh of gin. Top with prosecco and soda water. Use a small dash of angostura bitters to bring out the flavours. Garnish with lemon.
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Supporting start ups and entrepreneurs At Equifax, we have years of expertise and experience working with businesses across all sectors - finance, telecoms, utilities, automotive... to name but a few. We currently partner with a wide range of businesses and entrepreneurs across the UK to deliver unique data, innovative analytics and technology solutions. Do you want to be part of it? Get involved by emailing eumarketing@equifax.com Equifax Limited is registered in England with Registered No. 2425920. Registered Office: 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ. Equifax Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Get the drinks in
FEATURE
GB15 - 15% off online
James Watt
Mark Smallwood and Liam Manton
Joyce and Raissa de Haas
Founder: BrewDog
Founders: Didsbury Gin
Founders: Double Dutch
Bio: Founded in 2007, BrewDog started with a mission to revolutionise beer and make other people as passionate about craft beer as they are.
Bio: A range of lovingly hand-distilled, 100% natural, fruit infused, veganfriendly gins. Crafted using the finest of botanicals and ethically farmed. pressed British fruit.
Bio: Low-calorie, vegan-friendly and 100% natural using sustainably sourced organic ingredients, the brand now sells over half a million bottles per month to 25 countries worldwide.
Chris Jaume and Abbie Neilson
Rowan Gormley
Michael Ballantyne
Founders: Cooper King Distillery
Founder: Naked Wines
Founder: Storywood Tequila
Bio: Cooper King Distillery is a self-built, crowdfunded whisky and gin distillery in York, producing sustainable spirits distilled with craftsmanship, honesty and adventure.
Bio: Naked Wines has a fast-growing and loyal subscriber base across its three markets and works with over 197 independent winemakers, producing 1,000+ wines in 17 countries.
Bio: Their mission is to bring new flavours to tequila through oak. They work with distilleries, wineries, and cooperages from around the world to hunt for the freshest casks.
Karina Sudenyte and Maciek Kacprzyk
Bradley Cummings and Gareth Williams
Alan Mahon
Founders: Flawsome!
Founders: Tiny Rebel
Founder: Brewgooder
Bio: Inspired by their nan’s recipes and the food waste problem, Flawsome! saves imperfect and surplus fruit and transforms it into perfectly crafted coldpressed juice.
Bio: Based in Newport, South Wales, Tiny Rebel is a multi award-winning brewery including the Champion Beer of Britain 2015. They’re building their own little world based on big flavours.
Bio: Brewgooder set out on a simple mission - to provide clean water for 1,000,000 people through the power of craft beer, by donating 100% of their profits to clean water charities.
GBEA2020 - free shipping over £30
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Get the snacks in
FEATURE
NoisyGBE - 20% off online
Rosie Ginday MBE
Noel Allen
Nick Coleman
Founder: Miss Macaroon
Founder: Noisy Snacks
Founder: Snaffling Pig
Bio: The gluten-free French macaroons don’t just taste amazing. Any profit is invested in helping young people who need a helping hand, to gain skills that will change their lives.
Bio: Every pack of Noisy Snacks is a sensory adventure waiting to happen. It’s the chance to try something new, surprise yourself and, most of all, make some noise.
Bio: With just £500 in his pocket, Nick set out to launch a pork-snack based business to get more people talking, revolutionising the simple and humble pork scratching.
Sara Trechman
Paul Rostand
Cecily Mills
Founder: Well&Truly
Founder: Great British Biscotti Company
Founder: Coconuts Organic
Bio: An award-winning snack brand that unjunks household favourite snacks. Stocked in over 3,000 distribution points in the UK.
Bio: The Great British Biscotti Company offers a full repertoire of enticing flavour liaisons (of both a sweet and savoury persuasion) and a couple of thoughtful foodie formats.
Bio: Coconuts Organic today is the same delicious, creamy, completely natural, 100% vegan coconut-based ice cream that Cecily was making in her kitchen back in the early days.
Melanie Goldsmith and Emile Bernard
Sara Roberts
Fraser McIntyre
Founders: Smith & Sinclair
Founder: Healthy Nibbles
Founder: The Biscuit Baron
Bio: Mel & Emile are on a mission to make ‘Adult More Fun’. They make unique alcohol-based products dedicated to making home entertaining and gifting a more joyful experience.
Bio: Healthy Nibbles is committed to enabling healthier choices, providing an opportunity for people to make positive lifestyle choices beginning with their health.
Bio: The Biscuit Baron sends biscuits from all across the globe! They are passionate about bringing you biscuits that are not only a tasty but also something that little bit different.
Try20 - 20% off online
19
Express Train
between Heathrow Central* and London Paddington Heathrow Express is proud to be regional sponsor of GBEA 2020 for London & South East. Heathrow Central for Terminals 2 & 3 For full terms and conditions visit heathrowexpress.com
GREAT BRITISH ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS
REGIONAL FINALS 2020
The night
The hosts
Get your gladrags on and tune in for an evening with your two favourite hosts! Please make sure you take lots of photos, share your celebratory dance moves, and Three Question videos, and tag: @EntrepreneursGB and #GBEA
The order CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR DISRUPTOR OF THE YEAR ENTREPRENEUR FOR GOOD AWARD ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AWARD FAMILY BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
WYNNE EVANS Initially hosting the Welsh region, Wynne Evans has hosted the Great British Entrepreneur Awards since 2017. Wynne is a professional opera singer with over 25 years’ experience, working with The Royal Opera House, Paris Opera De Lyon and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. He is most commonly known as Gio Compario in the Go Compare adverts and hosts a daily show on BBC Radio Wales.
FASHION & BEAUTY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR FOOD & DRINK ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR HEALTH & WELLBEING ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR PIVOT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR SCALE-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR SERVICE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR START-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
OLI BARRETT MBE Oli Barrett MBE has hosted the Great British Entrepreneur Awards since its inception in 2013. Known as ‘the most connected man in Britain’, Oli is a serial co-founder who enjoys making useful connections between people and ideas. He is the founder of Tenner, the UK’s largest schools enterprise challenge, co-founder of StartUp Britain, a serial advisory board member and serial investor.
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We’re delighted to be partnering with the Great British Entrepreneur Awards to recognise the brilliant entrepreneurs of Great Britain. Everyone on the 2020 shortlist should feel super proud of their achievements.
3R203215
South West
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CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
CLAIRE MENZIES ISTORIA GROUP
RIN HAMBURGH RIN HAMBURGH & CO
CAMERON READMAN ROGUE EVENTS LTD
VICTORIA FORREST VIKA BOOKS
DISRUPTOR OF THE YEAR
JUSTINA PERKINS & KATIE DAVIS HABOX
ASHLEY HRIBAR-GREEN & MATTHEW CAIN HRIBARCAIN LTD
CHARLIE GUY LETTUS GROW
BEN SCOTT-ROBINSON & SAM WATSON JONES SMALL ROBOT COMPANY
ENTREPRENEUR FOR GOOD AWARD
ED BIRD BIRD SUNGLASSES
RORY ATTON DEWERSTONE LTD
LUCY WILLOUGHBY GOOD THINGS
LOU BANKS RISING VIBE LTD
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AWARD
NATASHA VIGILLE CORNUCOPIA EMPORIUM
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JAMES & KELLY WEST ONLE NETWORK
SADIE SHARP THE PLATFORM PROJECT CIC
NICK LOCK TREVISICKS PIE EMPORIUM
FAMILY BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
AMANDA MARSHALL 3 DONKEYS CLOTHING
SAMARA TUCKFIELD CLOUD9 ASPIRATIONAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
NATHALIE & NICOLAS ALPI COOKIESHQ LTD
HOLLIE & RYAN POWER SALONOLOGY
FASHION & BEAUTY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
MILA STANZANI ARMA-MI
BETH COLDRICK BAO SKINCARE
ABI OYEPITAN & LIHA OKUNNIWA LIHA BEAUTY
SALLY BELFIELD MANNERS LONDON LTD
FOOD & DRINK ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
DOOR4 MONTPELLIER
ELLIE WEBB CALEÑO
TOM NOORI DOOR 4/ THE DRINKS VILLAGE
MIKE DUCKWORTH NUTCESSITY
LAURA SCOTT THE CONSCIOUS CANDY COMPANY LIMITED
HEALTH & WELLBEING ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
FRANCES LUCRAFT GRACE & GREEN
RYAN ANTHONEY RECHARGE FITNESS LTD
SIMONE THOMAS SIMONE THOMAS WELLNESS LTD
SIMON SCOTT-NELSON WELLITY
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PIVOT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
OLIVER BRUCE EASYBREATHING
CHARLIE TAYLOR & NATALIE TAYLOR JOHNSON KASK
PAUL HARRISON & STEVE WITT NOT JUST TRAVEL
JEN BAUGHAN SOLUTIONS FOR THE PLANET
SCALE-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
ANDY ROGERS & VLAD NANU AMDARIS
SAMANTHA CHARLES FLOAT DIGITAL
ASHLEY HRIBAR-GREEN & MATTHEW CAIN HRIBARCAIN LTD
CLAIRE MENZIES ISTORIA GROUP
SERVICE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
CARLA MACLEAN CARLA’S CAPTIVATING CONTENT LTD
SAMANTHA CHARLES FLOAT DIGITAL
MICK LINDSAY MOCEAN
BEN STEELE STEELE FINANCIAL LTD
SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
MOLLY MASTERS BOOKS THAT MATTER
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ELLIOTT MYATT PLAY AREA HYGIENE SERVICES LTD
SIOBHAN MILLER THE POSITIVE BIRTH COMPANY
HARRY SOLOMON WOMBAT CRICKET LTD
START-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
AARON STUART-KELSO, JON BONNAR & ROBIN HODGE COTSWOLD ENERGY GROUP
IAIN MCFARNON SOCIALIGHT
ELLIOTT HERROD-TAYLOR THE BUNCH
ALEXANDER YOUNG VIRTI
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
MILLIE FLEMINGTON-CLARE HUMAN BEAUTY
ALFRED FLETCHER PANDEMIC PIZZA
“
SINA SADRZADEH PEPPERCORN
HARRY PARSLOW TOURLIFE
JOSH WINTERSGILL, EASYTRAVELSEAT POWERED BY ABLE MOVE LTD 2019 REGIONAL WINNER
“
GBEA is utterly brilliant at recognising the wonderful and diverse entrepreneurial talent we have in Great Britain. Winning the Young Entrepreneur and Great British Entrepreneur of the Year for the South West Region was literally mind-blowing and is now inspiring me to push myself harder than ever before!
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Your print, your way
Proud sponsor of the
Excellent
Midlands
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CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
JANET GRAY FEED MY CREATIVE CIC
SARAH & STEVE BODEN IMAGINE THEATRE
LOUISE WEST LOUISE WEST LACE DESIGN
NICKI CAPEWELL PEDDDLE
DISRUPTOR OF THE YEAR
DANIEL BRIDGEWATER BUCKT
MELISSA SNOVER NOURISHED
YEN WEI GOO PAGURO UPCYCLE
SIMON WASHBROOK POPCORN
ENTREPRENEUR FOR GOOD AWARD
KRISTINA SALCEANU ADVENT OF CHANGE
DEAN JACKSON, GAZ JONES, GRANT THOMPSON, LEE MARPLES, LUKE SMITH & RACHEL HAYWARD DERBY SWAP SHOP
PAMELA ACULEY JUST LIKE ME BOOKS
CHRIS MEAH SCHOOL OF CODE
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AWARD
KERRIE-ANN WYNTER MOONSTONE DAY CARE
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ANGELA STEWART NURTURECARE LTD
CHANTEL HALL-REID & DIONNE BARRETT SISTER2SISTER
FUNGAI NDEMERA THE FLAME LILY HEALTHCARE
FAMILY BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
SUZY SANDERS ALCHEMY VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE
JOHN & LEO LASHLEY BROOKLYN BROWNIE CO.
JO & TONY MILN SOUNDGAS LTD
MARK DRABBLE & MELISSA DOWNHILL TIN MAN SCRAP METAL
FASHION & BEAUTY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
LAURA ELLA GRIFFITHS BY LAURA ELLA
FAZANE FOX FAZANE MALIK CLOTHING LTD
ROSE OVENSEHI FLORA & CURL HAIRCARE
SIAN HARRIS SD PMU LIMITED
FOOD & DRINK ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
KATHERINE JENNER BURNING BARN RUM
GEORGE BLURTON & HUGO HODGSON LONG SHOT DRINKS
ALEX ARCHIBALD & BETHANY TOMLINSON LYFBAR LTD
GITA RAIKUNDALIA NAKASERO FOODS
HEALTH & WELLBEING ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
LORRAINE HILL HAMPTON CLINIC
HOLLY MATTHEWS HOLLY MATTHEWS LTD
PENNY WESTON MADE & MODDERSHALL OAKS COUNTRY SPA RETREAT
DEE GARDNER THE MENOPAUSE EXPERTS
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PIVOT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
THEO MILLWARD FRANSCAPE
KEIRA O’MARA MAMA DESIGNS LTD
LEE NAZARI SWOOPE EAT
BEN & MICHAEL DYER THE INSPIRATIONAL LEARNING GROUP
SCALE-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
VEEJAY LINGIAH LEARNING LABS
JASON NESBITT & SOPHIE HAINSWORTH LOYALFREE
KIRSTY GALE RED CARPET READY LTD
JOHN FENNELL ROTHERWOOD HEALTHCARE
SERVICE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
LUKE TOBIN DIGITAL ETHOS
SAM CATTELL MINDFUL MORTGAGES
REBECCA SIMKISS SIMKISSGUY RECRUITMENT LTD
WENDY DEAB STRATEGI SOLUTIONS GROUP LTD
SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
LEON SMITH-MCCALLA LS RECRUITMENT LTD
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ALAN ELLIS PURCHASE IT
BARRY TONG STEPHENSONS ONLINE LTD
HANA GLOVER THE BEAD SHOP LTD
START-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
SAM HALLETT ENABLE LIFE LTD
CHARLOTTE WILSON & FRANCESCA TRICARICO FUTURE CLOUD ACCOUNTING
HAMISH LIGHT LOCAL E SOURCED
DATSA GAILE SOLAAIR SEQUIN WALLS UK
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
KATIE GILLIES KATIE GILLIES
CHARLIE RODMAN SUPER SOCKS
“
EMILY TOMLINSON THE PARTY PALACE & PRINCESS PROMOTIONS
REBECCA DEAN UNICO 3 LTD
GUY SCHANSCHIEFF MBE, BAMBINO MIO 2019 REGIONAL WINNER
“
I was thrilled to win the Entrepreneur for Good Award and the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Midlands. Entering The Great British Entrepreneur Awards gave us the opportunity to talk about all of the impactful work that we’re doing at Bambino Mio and winning awards such as these simply fuels our passion to raise awareness of the numerous benefits that reusable baby products have for our environment, finances and baby.
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South East
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CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
BEN & REBECCA REYNOLDS CAROUSEL LIGHTS
AINA GOMEZ FAMILY MEMENTO
MELANIE LLEWELLYN LOVE PORTRAITS
JENNY KITCHEN YOYO
DISRUPTOR OF THE YEAR
KAYLA ENTE BRIGHTON & HOVE ENERGY SERVICES CO-OPERATIVE (BHESCO)
CYNTHIA STROUD CURLY WIGS FOR KIDS/ SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR
JOANA PAIVA, LUIS VALENTE, MEHAK MUMTAZ & PAULA SAMPAIO ILOF – INTELLIGENT LAB ON FIBER LTD
DR RAJAN BEDI SPACECHIPS
ENTREPRENEUR FOR GOOD AWARD
ALESSANDRO ROCCHI GEORGANICS LTD
SIDI SACCOH MENTOR X-AFRICA
SANJAY LOBO ONHAND
CACEY BARKS & JOSH BLAND TWEEDY CLOTHING LTD.
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AWARD
JAMES AUGUSTIN CORONAUNITY LIMITED CIC
36
MADDY ALEXANDER-GROUT MY VIP CARD LIMITED
ABBIE HILLS THE DAZEY HILLS COMPANY
KAT MCFARLANE VIRTUAL CRAFT FAIR
FAMILY BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
MARITA LIETZ & RUPERT SMITH BUBBLE&
BEN & REBECCA REYNOLDS CAROUSEL LIGHTS
OLIVER BUTTS CHRISTINA MAY
ANA MARDELL THESIS TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS LIMITED
FASHION & BEAUTY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
ERIN PARNELL ETERNALLY CHERISHED UK LTD
JULIANNE MOORE MIMI
MARC BELLE MR BLACKMAN’S
ZOE JOHNSON ZOE BEE BEAUTY
FOOD & DRINK ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
DANIELLE BEKKER GOOD LIVING BREW
MANDIRA SARKAR MANDIRA’S KITCHEN
MARINA WEGOREK PROYOUTH NUTRITION
NAZ MAGHOUNAKI PSOUL
HEALTH & WELLBEING ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
AYUSH SANGHAVI AYUSH APPS
JOANNA JENSON CHILDS FARM
TERESA STEUART-POWNALL THE HAVEN
RICHARD CURTIS THE ROOT OF IT
37
PIVOT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
CLAUDIA MYRIE & ELISHA JOBBINS JMV HOMES LTD
NIKKI BUTLER SKINBLISSOLOGY
CAMILLE PIERSON THE FLOAT SPA
MATTHEW MARSHALL THE SOCIAL STATION LTD
SERVICE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
PAUL HARGREAVES COTSWOLD FAYRE LTD
CHRIS MOLE MOLZI
RACHEL WATKYN TINY BOX COMPANY
REBECCA ZHI HERBERT WISDOM SPRING EDUCATION
SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
DANIEL PILLAY CAMPAIGNHERO
JASON BAKER CITRUS ORNGE MEDIA
HELEN CHAPMAN DOTTY FISH LTD
OLLIE NEWMAN & PAUL WINSOR ECHO ORTHOPAEDICS
START-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
DAN SOLA ARCHANGEL LIGHTWORKS
38
MATTHEW HARKER & ZARA RANSLEY MYPOCKETSKILL
GEORGIA BELLIS-JONES PONYO HORSEWEAR
CLAIRE BERESFORD, STEPHEN JAMES & VICTORIA WILKINSON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SCHOOLS
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
JAMIE SHARP SHARP TALENT MANAGEMENT
ALUN CHEUNG SLAC PRECISION ENGINEERING LTD
“
JEMMA SMITH THE EDUCATION HOTEL
KATRINA DILNOT TOMIA SWIM
DAMIEN LEE, MR LEE’S PURE NOODLES 2019 REGIONAL WINNER
“
I’ve been an entrepreneur all my life, and when I did stop to think about winning the award, it felt like such an honour and maybe it’s a little pat on the back to myself. All the hard work was finally being recognised, and Mr Lees was the catalyst for that. We have won lots of awards over the years, but this is the one that really meant a lot to me.
39
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Wales
41
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
MARINA LOIS & STEVE AUSTINS BENGO MEDIA
DEAN RICHARDS & JORDAN DAY-WILLIAMS C.O.B.R.A. MUSIC STUDIOS
JEN DANGER HARDING DANGER DOODLES
DAVID & JESSICA MORGAN TINY WIZARD STUDIO
DISRUPTOR OF THE YEAR
MARTINA FABRICCI CRISPR BIOTECH ENGINEERING
VICKI ROSKAMS ENBARR FOUNDATION CIC
PHIL DAVIES FLYFORM
NEIL ABRAHAM PENSION THE PENNIES
ENTREPRENEUR FOR GOOD AWARD
JO RILEY CANCERPAL
RANJIT GHOSHAL ONE MILLION STEPS
KELLY DAVIES & MANDY POWELL THE GOODWASH COMPANY
JO WATKINS & POLLY CROOK THE HOW PEOPLE
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AWARD
ANDY MOORE EVERTREK
42
MARK WILLIAMS LIMB-ART LTD
JOSHUA DOWNES LOST BOYS CLUB FOUNDATION
FRANCESCA IRVING & ALEXIS CHARKIW SWAPP SKILLS LTD
FAMILY BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
PAUL CAMMACK ALFIE’S COFFEE COMPANY
ELIZABETH, HANNAH & KEVIN COLE COLE & CO
SIAN SMITH MILLIN BROOK LUXURY DOG BOARDING
DAVID & JESSICA MORGAN TINY WIZARD STUDIO
FASHION & BEAUTY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
CARLY THOMPSETT ANAPHASE STORE
ELIZABETH, HANNAH & KEVIN COLE COLE & CO
SONIA EDWARDS SLEEVZIES & SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR
MEGHAN GANE SEY-BEAUTÉ NATURELLE
FOOD & DRINK ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
MONIKA GYENES BEST OF HUNGARY LTD
JOELLE DRUMMOND & SARAH MCNENA DROP BEAR BEER CO
MACIEK KACPRZYK & KARINA SUDENYTE FLAWSOME!
ALEX JUNGMAYR & ELLEN WAKELAM IN THE WELSH WIND
HEALTH & WELLBEING ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
SARAH BOLT FORTH
JAMES EDGEWORTH, MALCOLM SLOAN & MIKE JAMES SPORTS INJURY FIX
KIRSTY SHAW THE 28 DAY SMILE
ETHAN BRUNT & KAREN TURTON TRIBE FITNESS STUDIOS
43
PIVOT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
JOAN TOLENTINO INFOTEAM INTERNATIONAL
CHARLOTT FAGERGARD & JAMIE MCANSH SEE NO BOUNDS
JO WATKINS & POLLY CROOK THE HOW PEOPLE
LAURA EVANS UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL LTD
SERVICE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
DANIEL MANLEY & HELEEN LAMM BIG BLUE ADVENTURES
MARK EVANS CERRIG LTD
GUY LAST GUY LAST RECRUITMENT
ALISON ETTRIDGE TALENT INTUITION
SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
CALLUM GRIFFITHS CLYDACH FARM GROUP
CLAYTON EARNEY, JOHN YOUNG & TOBY TOWNROW DRONE EVOLUTION LTD
HAYLEY HANSON HAYLEY HANSON
BEN KEIGHLEY ROUTES 4 MEDIA
START-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
DAN SWYGART ALPACR
44
JASON RAWLES ASPIRE ADVENTURES
JOELLE DRUMMOND & SARAH MCNENA DROP BEAR BEER CO
OLIVER WILLIAMS OLLYWOODâ„¢
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
CAMERON REARDON BUG BOX UK
NIEAAL WILLIAMS EAS WALES
“
ELERI ROBERTS ELERI ROBERTS
MELANIE OWEN HOUSE 21 BLOGGERS
DR DAVID BANNER MBE & RICHARD PRING, WALES INTERACTIVE - 2019 REGIONAL WINNER
“
The Great British Entrepreneurs Awards was a real highlight of last year for us. Not just because of the recognition we received but the fact it’s such a positive, feel good event which not only inspires the attendees but also creates invaluable networking opportunities. It’s definitely providing an important role in the UK of not just championing and celebrating entrepreneurs’ but also connecting them. Enabling them to socialise, share ideas and knowledge, and even collaborate with each other.
45
Scotland and Northern Ireland
47
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
NIGEL G HONEY ABILITY POST PRODUCTION ACADEMY LTD
GEORGIA GRUNDY GMG CREATIVE
SARAH RONALD NILE HQ
CLAIRE HENDERSON & MICHAEL BRANNEY OH POLLY
DISRUPTOR OF THE YEAR
GARY & CLARE BURNS CARGOSEAT LTD
LEWIS SIM & RAY MILNE LEGASEA LTD
MOHAMMED AL QARAGHULI SIMOLOGICS
BRIE READ SNAG TIGHTS LTD
ENTREPRENEUR FOR GOOD AWARD
AMANDA GILLARD ADOPT AN AED LTD
ALISON WOOD LILYPADS GROUP LTD
CLAIRE RAMPEN & EMILY ROGERS REATH
KELLY WRIGHT THE REFILLERY
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AWARD
SHERYL NEWMAN APPETITE FOR BUSINESS
48
CHARLIE WINTON OK POSITIVE LTD
SCOTT WEIR PILLOW PROPERTY PARTNERS LTD
JAMES FLEMING THE POWER WITHIN TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT LTD
FAMILY BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
DAVID & LOU RUNDLE BLUE STAR ST ANDREWS LTD
KIRSTY MCKERROW EDINBURGH WHISKY ACADEMY LTD
EBI & EMMANUEL SINTEH OUR LOVELY GOODS
EISHEL & LORAL QUINN SUSTAINABLY
FASHION & BEAUTY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
CONNA NAGLE ENHANCED HAIR STUDIO
AVA BROWN MANGO GIRL GROUP LTD
ROZ COLTHART SALON STUDIOS
LAURA BIRRELL STICKY HEELZ
FOOD & DRINK ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
ALKALINE
IONISED
WAT E R
JAMIE DOUGLAS-HAMILTON ACTIPH WATER
SIMAS JARASUNAS BRITE DRINKS
JENNIFER KERR & THOMAS CUDDY MINATO SUSHI
VANESSA GILPIN STREAT EVENTS
HEALTH & WELLBEING ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
CLAIRE ADAMS CLAIRE ADAMS TOTAL HEALTH LTD
SUSANNE GRANT GRANT METHOD COACHING
RUARI FAIRBAIRNS ONE YEAR NO BEER
VICTORIA CUNNINGHAM STRETCHBODYMIND
49
PIVOT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
FRANCIA BOAKYE FRANK FRANCIA
SCOTT WEIR PILLOW PROPERTY PARTNERS LTD
JOHN ROBERTSON SHOPLY
ROBBIE ALLEN THE THRIVING BOX CO
SCALE-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
GAVIN BELL FAT PONY LTD
CLAIRE HENDERSON & MICHAEL BRANNEY OH POLLY
GRANT CARDWELL & TRACY SCOTT XEYEX LTD
SERVICE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
DANNY CAMPBELL HOKO DESIGN LTD
GRANT MACCUSKER LETTING CLOUD LTD
OLIVER TIDMAN TIDMAN LEGAL
CAROLYN & FLORIN MANDACHE TIME2DINE-MIGSOFT LTD
SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
LUCINDA BRAY FUTRSMPL LTD
50
ALASDAIR IRELAND HOOLR
GRANT CARDWELL & TRACY SCOTT XEYEX LTD
CHERYL MACDONALD YOGABELLIES LTD
START-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
LEANNE FARMER A WEE PEDAL
SARAH DOWNS & YEKEMI OTARU DOQARU
RAYMIE RODGERS RIGLOO LTD
REBECCA BONNINGTON TRICES LTD
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
GAVIN BELL FAT PONY LTD
FLYNN BLACKIE MOD DIGITAL LTD
“
KATIE MATTHEWS THE MIND TRIBE UK
JENNIFER HIGGINS THE WEE HOUSE COMPANY
CELIA HODSON, HEY GIRLS 2019 NATIONAL WINNER
“
Winning The Great British Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 has been a very special experience for both myself and the Hey Girls team. Whilst only a few months in, the recognition and opportunities are coming thick and fast. As a start-up social enterprise this kind of accolade is invaluable to help us grow and evolve.
51
London and East of England
53
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
SOPHIE DEEN BRIGHT LITTLE LABS
ALEXANDER JOBLING & MADDY RAVEN BURSTIMO
GREG MOORE, MAX DE LUCIA & SASCHA DARROCH DAVIES DLMDD
JOEL SILVERMAN & ROBERT LOUGH KIDSKNOWBEST
VICKY SIMMONS MEAN MAIL
JANVIER WETE MINUTE SHORTS
AARON MCLAUGHLIN & NICHOLAS MARSDEN OOSC CLOTHING
DANNY GRAY WAR PAINT FOR MEN
DISRUPTOR OF THE YEAR
DAN GARRETT FAREWILL
DIGBY VOLLRATH & HUGO CAMPBELL FEAST IT
TOBY MATHER LINGUMI LTD
DR SOUMYADIP RAKSHIT, ROB WEEKLY & SHANSHAN XU MYSTERYVIBE
ENTREPRENEUR FOR GOOD AWARD
BEN SADLER ALIVE AND KICKING
PRANAV CHOPRA NEMI TEAS LTD
SAASHA CELESTIAL-ONE & TESSA CLARKE OLIO
KERSTYN COMLEY & SUZI GODSON METWO APP
ANNA & WILLIAM BRIGHTMAN UPCIRCLE BEAUTY
ELEANOR HOWIE VALIANT LINGERIE LTD
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AWARD
CHRISTOPHER KENNA BRAND ADVANCE
54
LEWIS ROBLING COCABANA LTD
JARRELL & TROY JOHNSON JUICI JERK
HELEN BURGESS LITTLE COOKS CO
HENRY FABER & WALTER KERR OPPIDAN EDUCATION
NICHOLAS DONNELLY & VICTORIA LANGHANS WORKCLUB HQ LTD
FAMILY BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
STUART DANTZIC CARIBBEAN BLINDS UK LTD
MONA & SHAZ SHAH HARRY SPECTERS
MARIE & SOPHIE LAVABRE KINN LIVING
THURIA WENBAR TOTAL ACCESS HEALTH
SAMUEL MENSAH UNCLE JOHN’S BAKERY
ALESHA BAILEY & SAMANTHA NEWELL YARD + PARISH
FASHION & BEAUTY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
CONNIE NAM ASTRID & MIYU
ESHITA KABRA BY ROTATION
JOHNNY PATERSON DR.PAWPAW LTD
VICTORIA PREW HURR COLLECTIVE
MICHELLE ASARE SINCERELY NUDE
ANTONIA JOHNSTONE TIMPANYS
FOOD & DRINK ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
JONATHAN PETRIDES ALLPLANTS
ADAM MANI & BALAL AQIL CREAMS FRANCHISING LTD
OLLY HISCOCKS OLLY’S OLIVES
CASSANDRA STAVROU PROPER
DANIEL KHOURY & OLIVIA FERDI TRIP
MATTEO FERRARI & NICK CROFT-SIMON WHITE RABBIT PIZZA CO
HEALTH & WELLBEING ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
TANIA BOLER ELVIE
RICHARD CHAMBERS GET A DRIP
DAN MURRAY-SERTER & JOEL FREEMAN HEIGHTS
VON SY NIMBLE BABIES LTD
LIAM MURPHY STIX
HAMISH GRIERSON THRIVA
55
PIVOT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
HUGO TILMOUTH CLEANEDUP
ELIZABETH TWEEDALE CYPHER CODING LTD
JAMES MCAULAY ENCORE MUSICIANS
JAMES & THOM ELLIOTT PIZZA PILGRIMS
ADRIAN LEIGH THE TABLE TENNIS EVENTS COMPANY
PATRICIA SALUME & RANDA BENNETT VEELOOP
SCALE-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
ROMAN GILMANOV COMPENSAIR LTD
ANDY JEFFERIES & BEN MULLER DOCK & BAY
ROB PIERRE JELLYFISH
JULIA KESSLER & KERSTIN ROBINSON NIX & KIX
KRIS INGHAM REJUVENATION WATER
ALEX DEPLEDGE RESI.CO.UK
SERVICE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
DOMINIC PONNIAH CLEANOLOGY LTD
ABBAS KAZMI FANSHAKESLIVE
SHAN HANIF GENFLOW
MERILEE KARR UNDERTHEDOORMAT
EDDIE LATHAM & PJ SCOTT VELOCITY COMMERCE
DANNY BROOKS VHR
SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
NICOLA HART AGUA DE MADRE
56
HATTIE TENNANT & MINNA BUNTING FRUITY BOOTY LTD
CAT GAZZOLI PICCOLO FOODS
ADAM CHAUDHRI & ELOISE FRANK THE BIG BAKES LTD
ANDY MCCARTNEY WHITESPACE
BEV HURLEY YTKO
START-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
JAMES LACY & NATHAN PERRY DENZEL’S
SANTIAGO NAVARRO GARÇON WINES
SEEMA KHINDA JOHNSON NUGGETS
HANNAH CARTER OGGS®
GAUTHIER VAN MALDEREN & MATTHEW DAVIS PERLEGO
RACHEL HUGH THE VURGER CO
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
KAITLIN FRITZ & OLGA KRAVCHENKO MUSEMIO LTD
HUSAYN KASSAI ONFIDO
“
NATALIE GLAZE & ZANNA VAN DIJK STAY WILD SWIM
HOLLY STEPHENS SUBLY
ED DAVIES & IMOGEN MINOLI WEARTH LONDON
NICK COLEMAN, SNAFFLING PIG 2019 REGIONAL WINNER
There’s so much amazing innovation and creativity in UK food and drink brands right now, so this recognition was incredibly special, at a really pivotal time for Snaffling Pig. As an entrepreneur, you come up against so many unexpected highs and lows - being able to share that with other founders, within the GBEA community, has been incredibly rewarding and I’d recommend it to anyone thinking about going for it in 2020.
“
JESSE WILSON JUBEL
57
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North West and Yorkshire and the Humber 59
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
ABIGAIL HORNE ABIGAIL HORNE
ABIGAIL & CHLOE BALDWIN BUTTERCRUMBLE LTD
SAMANTHA MARLOW LIME LACE
DEBBIE MARKS QUBE EVENTS & PRODUCTIONS
DISRUPTOR OF THE YEAR
SIMON VERDON DEMOCRACY COUNTS
JACK SUTCLIFFE & SIMON HOBSON POWERSHEDS LTD
ANTHONY CHADWICK THE WEBINAR VET
JONATHAN SEATON TWINKL
ENTREPRENEUR FOR GOOD AWARD
EVE BELL BABA+BOO
JOANNA BAKER-ROGERS BUSY LIFE LTD
MATT DIMBYLOW DBA SPORT CIC
JOSH TURNER STAND4 SOCKS
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AWARD
SEBASTIAN MATHER BEAUTIFULGAME.CO.UK
60
MARTIN PORT BIGCHANGE
HELEN PRITCHARD HELEN PRITCHARD ONLINE
DANI WALLACE I AM THE QUEEN BEE
FAMILY BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
ALAN, ELIZABETH, THOMAS & WILLIAM COLLERAN DUVALAY
MANAV & RIMI THAPAR LOVERAW
SANJAY & SHASHI AGGARWAL SPICE KITCHEN UK
ROZ & RYAN ARMITAGE TEZLOM
FASHION & BEAUTY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
AISHA LATIF ASH COSMETICS
LIAM NATHAN BYRNE & SONYA BACHRA-BYRNE AVIE
TIA ROQAA ROCCABOX
HAROON DANIS SKIN HQ
FOOD & DRINK ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
STEPHANIE BUTTERY CHU-LO DRINKS
RICHARD CLARK DRYNKS UNLIMITED
KIRSTY HENSHAW KIRSTY’S
ANNABEL MAKIN-JONES TAME & WILD DRINKS LTD.
HEALTH & WELLBEING ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
KATIE DULLAGHAN HAPPY TEETH EDUCATION
JOE GAUNT HERO
NATASHA BOORER NOA
ANDY ROMERO-BIRKBECK WE ARE WELLBEING
61
PIVOT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
MICHAEL HOULT & STEPHEN GILROY DOORSTEP WINES
DAWN CARNEY FRESH PASTURES & SCHOOL MILK UK
NICK COPLAND & VICKIE ROGERSON HOMAGE2FROMAGE
LOUIS-JAMES DAVIS VST ENTERPRISES LTD
SCALE-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
FAISAL LALAN & JAMIL MAWJI NATIONAL CARE GROUP LTD
JOSH TURNER STAND4 SOCKS
ANIKO SMITH TOUCHSTONE EDUCATION
SERVICE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
LINDSEY NICKLIN FRONTIER MODULAR SERVICES LIMITED, LK RECRUITMENT & THE RADICAL GROUP
GRAHAM SHAPIRO GRAHAM SHAPIRO DESIGN
SIMON DIXON HATMILL
MARTIN HANDLEYE SCRAP LOCAL LTD
SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
JAMES MCINTOSH LARKFIRE
62
LUCY ARNOLD LUCY LOCKET LOVES
CHRIS ROBERTS NIMBLE APPROACH
LAWRENCE HILL PLANT POWER
START-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
LOUISE HURST BONE SHAKER
JESSICA MCCARTHY BUNNIES THAT LUNCH
IASHA MASOOD INSU BEAUTY LTD
PAUL HORROCKS & SUZANNE WONG PINK CLOUD BEAUTY CO
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
IBRAHIM ALKURD NEW MINE
SIMON MUPENDA SAINT AASPIRE
“
REBECCA HEYES THE INCLUSIVE LEARNING ACADEMY LTD
SEBASTIEN VANDERLINDEN YUMI NUTRITION
CLAIRE HARPER, MUSCLE MOOSE 2019 REGIONAL WINNER
“
GBEA is a community that really does work to the benefit of everyone involved. Something you don’t realise, even being in business yourself, is just how many incredible British businesses there are and we should be sharing success stories and championing those getting out there and doing it more – and that’s exactly what GBEA does.
63
Ein busnes ni yw busnes chi. It’s our business to yours.
Gogledd Cymru /
Apply now: Banc Datblygu Cymru ccc (Development Bank of Wales Plc) yw cwmni daliannol Grŵp sy’n masnachu fel Banc Datblygu Cymru. Mae’r Grŵp yn cynnwys nifer o is-gwmnïau sydd wedi’u cofrestru gydag enwau gan gynnwys llythrennau cychwynnol yr enw BDC. Mae Banc Datblygu Cymru ccc yn gwmni cyllid datblygu sy’n eiddo yn gyfan gwbl i Weinidogion Cymru ac nid yw’n cael ei awdurdodi na’i reoleiddio gan yr Awdurdod Rheoleiddio Darbodus (ARhD) na’r Awdurdod Ymddygiad Ariannol (AYA). Mae gan Fanc Datblygu Cymru (Banc Datblygu Cymru ccc) dri is-gwmni sy’n cael eu hawdurdodi a’u rheoleiddio gan yr AYA. Sylwer nad yw Banc Datblygu Cymru ccc nac unrhyw un o’i is-gwmnïau yn sefydliadau bancio ac nid ydynt yn gweithredu fel y cyfryw. Mae hyn yn golygu na fydd unrhyw un o endidau’r grŵp yn gallu derbyn dyddodion gan y cyhoedd. Mae siart strwythur cyfreithiol cyflawn ar gyfer Banc Datblygu Cymru ccc ar gael yn y fan bancdatblygu.cymru Development Bank of Wales Plc (Banc Datblygu Cymru ccc) is the holding company of a Group that trades as Development Bank of Wales. The Group is made up of a number of subsidiaries which are registered with names including the initials DBW. Development Bank of Wales Plc is a development finance company wholly owned by the Welsh Ministers and it is neither authorised nor regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The Development Bank of Wales (Banc Datblygu Cymru ccc) has three subsidiaries which are authorised and regulated by the FCA. Please note that neither the Development Bank of Wales Plc (Banc Datblygu Cymru ccc) nor any of its subsidiaries are banking institutions or operate as such. This means that none of the group entities are able to accept deposits from the public. A complete legal structure chart for Development Bank of Wales Plc can be found at developmentbank.wales
North East
65
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
ANNA REAY ANNAGRAMS
LAURA KINGSTON HIGH LIFE NORTH
CHRISTINA TAYLOR-CHISHOLM POPOLO CERAMICO LTD
KATIE BRAHAM VIRGO & CO.
DISRUPTOR OF THE YEAR
ASHLEY WESTALL & JAMES ROSE BREATHE+PROTECT
GARY GILES OGEL
JACK GRIFFITHS SNUGGY
KEITH GILL KEITH GILL
ENTREPRENEUR FOR GOOD AWARD
FAREEHA USMAN BEING WOMAN
ALISON SMITH MATTHIAS WINTER
GARY GILES OGEL
DARREN TATE SUITABILITY
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AWARD
VICTORIA VALENTINE BEEMYHOME LTD
66
JOE MEAGHER FLAT CAPS COFFEE LTD
VICTORIA CARTWRIGHT LOX OF LOVE LTD
QUEWONE BAILEY MILLENNIMUM X Q LTD
FAMILY BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
ELLE & WILMER CARCAMO CARIBE COFFEE LTD
JAKE & MAX NEWPORT FINNMARK LTD
CHERELLE & PETER LYONS NECIT SERVICES LTD
FASHION & BEAUTY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
EMMA BARTLE GLITZY LADY BEAUTY & AESTHETICS
NGOZI OSSAI GOZI HAIRCARE
VICTORIA CARTWRIGHT LOX OF LOVE LTD
SHAKTI SOOD SONS OF ADONIS
FOOD & DRINK ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
ELLE & WILMER CARCAMO CARIBE COFFEE LTD
RUTH OLDFIELD COFFEE & KIN
JOE MEAGHER FLAT CAPS COFFEE LTD
DAMIAN WAWRZYNIAK HOUSE OF FEASTS LTD
HEALTH & WELLBEING ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
CHRISTINA HARLEY CHRISTIE HARLEY YOGA
JAKE & MAX NEWPORT FINNMARK LTD
STEVE BLACK PROTEAN SOLUTIONS
CHARLOTTE BAILEY & SEAN ALI SUPER U
67
PIVOT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
WENYAN SHARP BRUNSWICK SOURCING LTD
CHRISTINA TAYLOR-CHISHOLM POPOLO CERAMICO LTD
SOPHIE MILLIKEN SRS RECRUITMENT & EMPLOYABILITY EXPERTS
CATHI HARRISON THE VERVE GROUP
SCALE-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
FOKHRUL ISLAM GLOBAL PROCUREMENT GROUP
SEAN LAVENDER MACLAV LTD
CHERELLE & PETER LYONS NECIT SERVICES LTD
SERVICE INDUSTRIES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
VICTORIA VALENTINE BEEMYHOME LTD
LOUISE BURNS NINETEEN RECRUITMENT
SOPHIE MILLIKEN SRS RECRUITMENT & EMPLOYABILITY EXPERTS
KIERAN JAMES STRYDE
SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
JOE MEAGHER FLAT CAPS COFFEE LTD
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NGOZI OSSAI GOZI HAIRCARE
LAURA KINGSTON HIGH LIFE NORTH
JACK GRIFFITHS SNUGGY
START-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
KEITH GILL ARTISAN FOOD & DRINK ASSOCIATES
ASHLEY WESTALL & JAMES ROSE BREATHE+PROTECT
EMMA BLACK CASCADE CASH MANAGEMENT
CHARLOTTE BAILEY & SEAN ALI SUPER U
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
SEAN LAVENDER MACLAV LTD
JACK GRIFFITHS SNUGGY
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TIAN ALLSOP TIAN’S GIFTS
KATIE BRAHAM VIRGO & CO.
LOUISE BURNS, NINETEEN RECRUITMENT 2019 REGIONAL WINNER
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We’ve been riding a very exciting wave since winning the 2019 North East Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Not only has it increased our profile considerably and given me the biggest boost of confidence and validation, it has allowed us to access, and become part of a very special community. The GBEA community are incredibly supportive, progressive and inspiring. I feel very honoured to be part of it.
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Supercharging Referral and Retention Mention Me is a referral marketing and customer retention platform that fuels growth for businesses around the world. Since starting out in 2013, we’ve delivered more than 2.5 million referrals and increased customer lifetime value for 400+ brands around the globe. Did you always plan to start a business? Tim: Yes. I’ve always preferred to create things from scratch, that’s one of the reasons I became an engineer. I started my first business when I was 12, made £104 in a month and caught the bug. But it wasn’t until much later, around 1999, that I got my first taste of building a startup from scratch after working as a consultant on a start-up project. Andy: I started my first business back in 2006. After winning a business plan competition whilst studying for an MBA at INSEAD, I emailed my class to see if anyone wanted to invest in the idea. On the back of that email I raised £170,000 investment! That got me going on the start-up journey. Ever since, I’ve been hooked on the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship. I met Tim in 2010 while working at HomeAway, we started discussing business ideas, and the rest is history. What inspired you to start Mention Me? Tim: Andy and I knew we wanted to start a business together, but we didn’t know what business that would be. We took a systematic approach, meeting weekly at the pub to brainstorm ideas. It wasn’t long before we had a spreadsheet with 300 ideas in it. About 10 weeks in, we started seriously thinking about referral. We threw the spreadsheet away after that.
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Andy: We knew from our experiences at HomeAway that referral was the best possible way to find new customers and grow, but that it was incredibly difficult to do at scale. We became obsessed with the idea of referral. We felt that if we could develop a solution that solved for the social psychology around it, then we could empower clients to open up the referral marketing channel. Once we started getting positive feedback from early clients, like Glasses Direct and LoveCrafts (who remain clients to this day), we knew we were on to something. Tell us about the early days. What were they like? Tim: My overriding memory of those days was that there was always so much to do. One way we took on that challenge was by setting ourselves nine tests (based on The Lean Startup by Eric Ries). We knew that if we could pass all nine, ranging from client perception of value to product potential and business economics, we had a business that could work. Everything we did was focussed on trying to answer these tests. Andy: The early days were hard work but incredibly satisfying. For two years, it was just the two of us doing every role there is. I can tell you that doing QA [quality assurance] is not one of my strengths... Tim: And I’m not a natural salesman! Andy: But it was a great learning experience. We were so involved in every part of the business - I once ran out of a wedding ceremony to call Tim after seeing we’d processed 15 referrals in a morning. We now deliver that many every three minutes!
FEATURE How do the early days compare to today? What does a typical day look like now?
What is your biggest strength and biggest weakness as an entrepreneur?
Andy: Things are very different now. The founder role is constantly evolving. I see our current job as hiring the right people and empowering them to do a better job than we ever could.
Tim: We like to think our skill-sets complement one another. Andy’s strength is his drive to lead the company and unite people in our vision. He’s the reason we have such a strong company culture. His weakness is the flip side of that; it can make it tough to make decisions that not everyone agrees with.
Tim: In the early years, we were working in the business; now we’re working on the business. We want to put in place the right systems, structures and processes to create momentum that will see it grow long into the future. My typical day involves working with the engineering team to solve problems, set direction, and make sure we’re on track to be where we want in six months and beyond. Andy: I have a rough rule of thumb that I should be spending 60% of my time working with our teams on longer term priorities, 20% reacting to events as they happen, and 20% talking to clients and understanding how the market is changing.
Andy: Tim’s strength is his ability to understand both the technical and the commercial side of things. He has such a strong understanding of the business and our clients that he’s able to make the right decisions about what we should build and how we should build it. Tim’s challenge is getting out of the weeds and spending time on the bigger picture. What one thing would you attribute to your success? Tim: People. We were super careful about our first few hires and that set the foundations for Mention Me today. Now our focus is on hiring more great people and creating an environment where they can thrive. Andy: It’s also about building positive relationships. Treat people as you’d like to be treated, whether they’re clients, employees, or anyone else. That’s how we have grown. Gaining our clients’ trust continues to be incredibly important to us. Why is supporting entrepreneurs important to you? Tim: We’re both part of entrepreneurial networks which are great for giving and getting support. When you’re just starting out, any advice or help you can get from others is really important. I want to support a culture of innovation.
What was the turning point for you and the business? When did things start to take off? Andy: There’s been a couple of turning points. The first was passing the nine tests we set ourselves after two years, when we decided we were ready to hire others and grow the business. That’s when it stopped feeling like a project and started feeling like a business. Tim: Another turning point was raising venture capital in 2018. We’ve since launched our second product, Mention Me Retain, worked with international clients, and grown to a team of 70 people. What is your biggest achievement so far? Andy: Bringing together a team of talented people driven by a strong culture. Navigating the uncertainty created by the Coronavirus has brought out the best in our team and shown how strong we really are. It makes me feel very proud. Tim: We’ve carved a niche in the martech landscape and built a trusted brand from scratch. That feels like a real achievement to be proud of.
Andy: The start-up network is one of the most incredible parts of being an entrepreneur. I benefited hugely from people helping me out when I started my first venture and want to do the same for others. Helping early stage entrepreneurs is fun; you get to relive your own early enthusiasm while sharing ideas and practical advice. What does the future hold for you, both as an individual and as a business? Andy: We’re on a mission to revolutionise marketing with a concept we call Customer-Led Growth: engaging with existing customers to fuel long-term, sustainable business growth. My personal ambitions always come back to people. When I look back on life, I’ll be most proud of working with a team of brilliant people doing great things. I want to continue delivering on that. Tim: We’ve achieved a lot but there’s still so much to do. There’s always the next stage to look forward to. I like to think we’ve got a good foundation but we’re just getting started. Find out more at mention-me.com
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Virtual support for the UK’s biggest food and drink community
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Since 2016 the Bread & Jam Festival has been the “go to” event for anyone wanting to start or grow a food or drink business.
your business. Entrance to the event includes over £3,000 worth of business resources & templates for each and every delegate.
Their annual conference for challenger brands pulls together the biggest names in food and drink, from successful entrepreneurs to high-street retailers and industry investors. And, in spite of the turmoil caused by COVID-19, this year will be no different. “We’ve been running a physical, real-life annual conference, and lots of smaller events throughout the year, for many years now but following lockdown we had to quickly pivot to providing all of our support online. The industry has needed our support more than ever and so since late March we have run over 100 online workshops and panels, many of the free to join. And they’ve been attended by over 7,000 food & drink brand owners and industry experts from across the UK, Europe, USA, Asia, Australia and South America” according to Bread & Jam Co-founder Jason Gibb. Clearly lockdown has not slowed the enthusiasm for starting a food business, and so Bread & Jam’s annual conference will now be run virtually, on a cutting-edge digital platform, on the 19th to the 22nd October 2020. This 4-day event will bring the usual mix of capability training, peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and networking to the next generation of food & drink challenger brands. At it’s heart will be keynote talks from some of the biggest names in food and drink, workshops run by industry experts, and founder and retailer panels covering every aspect of building a food business. So whether you are right at the start or your journey or already have a few years under your belt there will be lots of great content to help you launch or grow
On top of the educational program there are also pitching opportunities with the top retailers, Dragon’s Dens style investor pitching and the opportunity to interact and network with any other delegate or speaker in private 1:1 meetings. “‘Our platform will recreate many of the networking aspects of real life events and going virtual is an incredible opportunity to extend our support to a much wider audience across the UK and Europe” says Bread & Jam Co-founder Tara Mei One of the biggest challenges that emerging brands face is how to get their foot in the door of the retailers and access buyers who are bombarded daily with new products. “With the cancellation of many trade shows such as Speciality Fine Food Fair and Lunch! the opportunity to meet buyers is now much more limited now – even though they are desperate
FEATURE for new innovative products. So it’s even more important that we go ahead and provide young brands with the opportunity to meet and pitch to retail buyers” adds Jason Gibb. All ticket holder can apply to pitch to the dozens of retailers who come to Bread & Jam – and if chosen they get a 10-minute private Zoom session with the buyer. Each year dozens of brands get listed following their pitches at Bread & Jam, and this year will be no exception. “Bread & Jam is one of my favourite events of the year. We are often the launchpad retailer for UK start-ups or brands entering the UK for the first time, so I go anywhere that I am likely to find new, innovative food and wellness brands. There is nowhere better than Bread & Jam for that” says Al Overton who is Head of Buying at Planet Organic Producers love it too. “We didn’t expect things to move so quickly after Bread & Jam, but Planet Organic liked the product so just two weeks after the festival we were supplying the market” says founder Alexandria Davies. E-commerce has been an increasing important revenue stream for many food and drink brands and so there will be focus on selling direct-toconsumer across the conference. From setting up online shops to driving traffic to your website. There will even be a panel of investors keen to find the next D2C food and drink phenomenon. Tickets to the event cost just £163+VAT and include the opportunity to pitch to all the retailers. Tickets can be purchased here: www.breadandjamfest.com
Bread & Jam 2.0 Highlights
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hours of high-quality content delivered by 100 experienced food and drink entrepreneurs and industry experts
Confirmed speakers include: Giles Brook Vita Coco, Entrepreneur & Investor Hugh Thomas Ugly Drinks Jimmy Cregan Jimmy’s Iced Coffee Natasha Bowes BIOTIFUL Dairy Ben Greensmith Tony’s Chocolonely Al Overton Planet Organic “I’m delighted to be involved in Bread & Jam again especially given this year’s unique challenges faced by the industry, particularly challenger and insurgent brands. It’s been incredibly energising and inspiring to meet so many amazing businesses & entrepreneurs at Bread & Jam and no doubt 2020 will bring to the fore the next set of industry stars.” Giles Brook “I’ve heard such great things about bread and jam, particularly how thorough the event is and how much people truly get out of it. I’m so looking forward to speaking and I believe the event will give people the boost they need to either start their business or simply learn how to tackle some hurdles. Exciting times ahead! “ Jimmy Cregan
Focus on Direct to Consumer training & insight
£3,000
worth of business resources & templates for each delegate Virtual retailer pitching with the likes of Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Whole Foods Market, Planet Organic and Selfridges Virtual exhibitor booths with businesses that support emerging food and drink brands
1:1
networking with all delegates and speakers
Live investor pitching with investors focused on plant-based, D2C and FMCG
Included in the price of the ticket is: The opportunity to pitch to many UK retailers. Selected applicants get 10 minute face to face Zoom meeting with the retail buyers. Confirmed retailers include: •
Sainsburys
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Morrisons
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WHSmith
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Planet Organic
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Selfridges
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Ocado
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Holland & Barrett
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Whole Foods Market
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LNER
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Harrods
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DISCOVER YOUR POTENTIAL Postgraduate Business Courses Accredited by the University of Birmingham • Aviation & Tourism Management • Enterprise Management • Finance & Accounting • Global Meetings & Events • International Hospitality & Tourism Management Applicants can apply for a postgraduate loan which covers tuition fees and up to £3000 living expenses to support you whilst studying. Programmes are available both full and part-time. To apply visit www.ucb.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/ For further information please call 0121 232 4300 or email marketing@ucb.ac.uk
Celebrating & Championing Britain’s Food & Drink Heroes From mouth-watering burgers, to silky craft ales and fiery street food; showstopping noodles to ethical juices and eco-conscious confectionaries, Food & Drink Heroes recognises and champion those entrepreneurs who are running the businesses that are taking the nations taste-buds by storm.
VISIT FOODANDDRINKENTREPRENEUR.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
JOIN THE PERIOD DIGNITY M OV E M E N T
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Providing Hey Girls period products in our washrooms is such a simple step in allowing our workforce to perform to the best of their ability.We are really proud to join Hey Girls on this venture, it’s safe to say they have now become a core part of our business. – James Cooney, Design Project Manager at Aesop
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