Highland startup businesses invited to share success as new entrepreneur awards come to Scotland
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
An awards series recognising the success of new businesses is coming to Scotland – and the organisers hope to see strong representation from the Highlands and Islands.
The StartUp Awards National Series will shine a light on the flourishing startup scene across the UK which has seen more than 1.2 million new businesses created in the past two financial years alone – equal to one start-up per minute.
The awards seek to celebrate these people who will lead the way in an increasingly positive outlook on economic recovery after the chaos caused by Covid-19 across industries nationwide.
Co-founded by the team behind the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, the series launches from the springboard of the Wales StartUp Awards, a successful programme that has run for the past six years.
The awards have now extended across the UK to recognise the amazing individuals in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland who have had a great idea, spotted the opportunity and taken risks to launch a new product or service.
Scotland has produced many inspiring winners over the years in the organisers' various other award series, but it is hoped that this year's national StartUp Awards will attract more applicants from the Scottish Highlands and Islands, with many alumni hailing from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the creator of the StartUp Awards National Series, believes that the entrepreneurial community will be the driving force behind the growth of the UK economy over the next few years.
He said: “As we emerge from the economic downturn caused by the recent Covid-19 pandemic, dynamic and hard-working entrepreneurs across every part of the UK will be critical in not only building back the economy, but building it back better.
"The StartUp Awards National Series will celebrate the incredible contribution of founders and their businesses in every nation and region to innovation, job creation and prosperity. They will also shine a light on the achievements of so many brilliant new ventures from all corners of the UK that will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”
Piers Linney, former Dragon on BBC’s Dragons’ Den and chief executive of Moblox, is a member of the judging panel.
He said: “As a serial entrepreneur myself, I’ve experienced the amount of passion, dedication and sheer will to succeed, many times. Small businesses are the backbone of the British economy and, with everything the country has gone through in the last 18 months, now more than ever, it is vital that we support entrepreneurs and business owners to grow and succeed.
“I’m delighted to join the judging panel for the StartUp Awards National Series and I’m excited to see the entrepreneurial talent coming out of each region.”
The deadline for entries is February 28 2022, with regional finals taking place in June.
For more information and to register your interest, head to nationalstartupawards.com.
