A new awards series aimed at recognising the growing number of startups in Wales has launched.
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.
Coined ‘The Great Resignation’, one in four people are reportedly intending to leave their current roles within the next few months, with many turning to self-employment seeking fairer pay and working conditions.
As such, 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 in for the past six years. It will recognise the achievements of the amazing individuals who have had a great idea, spotted the opportunity and taken risks to launch a new product or service.
It is being rolled out nationally to celebrate, champion and connect startups in all corners of the United Kingdom, visiting nine different regions across all four UK nations, namely:
- London and the East of England
- The Midlands
- Northern Ireland
- North East England and Yorkshire & Humberside
- North West England
- Scotland
- South East England
- South West England
- Wales
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 CEO of Moblox, who joins the StartUp Awards National Series judging panel, 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 StartUp Awards National Series are open for entries across the UK with a deadline of February 28th 2022, before the regional finals take place in June 2022.
