IMG_2063Elite Drycleaners are delighted to have claimed two major national awards in 2017.

Earlier in the year, Elite Drycleaners began their run of success with a shortlisting for the prestigious industry awards organised by LCN (Laundry and Cleaning News). At the awards ceremony which took place on 19 October 2017 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London’s West End, they won the award for Best Customer Service 2017-18.

In November, in the awards organised by industry body Laundry and Cleaning Today – the LADAs, held at Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey – they took first place as Drycleaner/Wetcleaner of the Year 2017-18.

2018 is setting up to be a promising year too, as at the LADA’s it was announced that as a UK winner, Elite Drycleaners have been invited by CINET – Professional Textile Care to compete in the Global Best Practice Awards at EXPOdetergo, Milan in October.

Elite Drycleaners say they are overwhelmed to be double National Award Winners and would personally like to thank their customers, suppliers, agents and machine distributors – Kingdom Machinery.

Elite Drycleaners’ aim is a very simple one – to provide you with the very latest dry cleaning and laundry services and to deliver that service in a professional, ethical and responsible manner. They have invested in the latest technology ILSA machines which is state of the art ensuring the results are the best you can get. All of their equipment is high quality; from the machine distributors Kingdom Machinery they have a three tank dry cleaning machine, where the third tank is dedicated purely to white and light coloured garments such as wedding dresses.

Elite Drycleaners is located in 5 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LH.

53The stars of Scotland’s mountain bike scene have been recognised at the annual Scottish Mountain Bike Awards.

Organised by the Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland and Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, more than 150 guests attended the awards evening last Thursday (16 November) at the Drygate Brewery in Glasgow.

A total of 13 awards were presented to riders, businesses, clubs, event organisers, community groups, tourism and services companies who have excelled throughout 2017.

A public vote was held for the Mountain Bike Rider of the Year with Katy Winton and Lewis Buchanan taking home the prizes. Both ride for Trek Factory Racing in the Enduro World Series.

The Best Mountain Bike Event was once again won by the Tweedlove Bike Festival.

In the business category, newcomer A S D-Xine – founded by former Robert Gordon University student Andrew Davidson – won the Best Product award with its revolutionary Go-Charge hydration device.

Milngavie-based Flaer took home the Best Scottish Exporter award, with the Best Business to Academic Collaboration award going to the University of Strathclyde and ByCyclogical for their work developing an innovative cycling storage device. Cleikum Mill in Innerleithen won the MTB Friendly Accommodation award and Off the Grid won the Best Service Provider prize.

In the participation and sport categories, Bespoke took the hotly contested MTB Community Project prize, with Midlothian Cycles taking home MTB Club of the Year.

Guest presenters on the night included Stu Thomson of Cut Media – regular collaborators with Danny MacAskill – and Chris Ball – managing director of the Enduro World Series.

Danny Cowe, co-presenter of the evening and business development executive of the Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland said: “The awards evening was a fantastic opportunity to showcase and celebrate all the fantastic achievements within the Scottish mountain bike community. With such a large turnout on the night and with over 65 nominees throughout the categories, it shows that the sport and industry is in a strong place.”

Graeme McLean, project manager of Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, said: “We know that there is still issues and challenges in Scottish mountain biking, and we are working hard to solve them but we do need to take the time celebrate our successes. By bringing everyone together we can highlight and promote the great range of activity which is happening in Scottish mountain biking. We are always inspired to hear how our community, clubs, businesses and riders are punching above their weight in the world of mountain biking.”

List of winners;

• Scottish Mountain Bike Product Innovation of the Year – AS D-Zine Ltd, Go Charge
• Best Scottish Business Collaboration with a University – ByCyclogical and University of Strathclyde
• Endura Exporter of the Year – Flaer
• Scottish MTB Friendly Accommodation Provider of the Year – Cleikum Mill Lodge, Innerleithen
• Edinburgh Napier University Scottish MTB Service Provider of the Year – Off the Grid MTB
• Event of the Year – Tweedlove Bike Festival
• Scottish Cycling MTB Photograph of the Year – James McLean
• MTB video of the Year – H&I Adventures, On Wandering
• Shand Cycles Scottish Mountain Bike Club of the Year – Midlothian Cycle Club
• IBIS Cycles Scottish Mountain Bike Community Project of the Year – Bespoke
• Scottish Mountain Biking Local Hero – Barbara Murray and Euan Speirits
• Scottish Female Rider of the Year – Katy Winton
• Scottish Male Rider of the Year – Lewis Buchanan

Pictured: MTB Service Provider of the Year (L-R: Graeme McLean (DMBINS), Off the Grid MTB, Prof Geraint Florida James of Edinburgh Napier University)

rseAt an event held at The Hub in Edinburgh the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) hosted a gathering to celebrate 20 years of Scottish Enterprise supported RSE Enterprise Fellowships.

RSE Enterprise Fellowships are granted to individuals seeking to commercialise innovative ideas resulting from academic research in the arena of science and technology. The objective of the programme is to support innovators’ transition into successful entrepreneurs with viable commercial companies. The Fellowships enable individuals to advance the commercial potential of existing research or technology-based ideas whilst supporting them with a year’s salary, business training, business development funding and access to mentors, business experts and professional advisers.

Encouragingly the female to male ratio of applicants to the scheme is strong, with 41% of Enterprise Fellows in the last 5 years being female. Hailing from diverse disciplines, the companies created also cover a broad spectrum of sectors; from real-time 3D audio technology to English language education apps; wearable golf performance tracking technology to sustainable skis for the free-ride market.

Enterprise Fellowships are administered by the RSE and are funded by Scottish Enterprise and the UK Research Councils: BBSRC, STFC and NERC. The Fellowships were created following the Commercialisation Inquiry of 1996, which included the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and the RSE.

Since 1997, Scottish Enterprise has supported 158 Enterprise Fellows, representing an investment of over £13.4M with a cost per fellow on average of £85,000. STFC joined the scheme in 2002 and BBSRC in 2005. NERC joined the programme in 2016 with a pilot scheme to support 5 Enterprise Fellows working within NERC’s remit of terrestrial, marine, freshwater, science-based archaeology, atmospheric and polar sciences, and Earth observation.

Yesterday’s event championed the successes of those awarded with these prestigious Fellowships. It also highlighted the vitality of Scotland’s research sector and the huge contribution that the commercialisation of academic research makes to Scotland’s economy. In a recent survey, former Enterprise Fellows reported having attracted over £90M follow-on investment in the form of public funds and private investments in the last year.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney, who delivered the keynote speech at the event, said: “We are committed to supporting research and innovation and have made clear our aspiration for Scotland to be at the forefront of the digital, high tech and low carbon innovations that will shape the future.

“The Enterprise Fellowship programme is a great example of the importance of nurturing and developing innovation and the valuable role of universities in supporting entrepreneurial culture. We will continue to work closely with universities to achieve our goal of becoming a world-leading entrepreneurial and innovative nation within framework of Scotland CAN DO.”

Commenting on the event yesterday President of the RSE, Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell said, “It gave me great pleasure to host such a celebratory event that allowed us to reflect on 20 years of enabling successful entrepreneurs in Scotland. The event provided an opportunity to commend and acknowledge the commercial successes coming out of academia here in Scotland. We are very proud of the successes of the RSE Enterprise Fellowship programme and of those Enterprise Fellows who go on to create the exciting companies that are so successful today.”

Back when the programme began in 1997 there were just 4 Scottish Enterprise supported Fellowships awarded. Now the scheme has grown to allow for 2 cohorts of Enterprise Fellows per year which enables aspiring entrepreneurs to access the programme at the right time so that they can capitalise on being ‘first to market’ if appropriate. Year on year growth in applications continues with 2016 and 2017 seeing the biggest number of Enterprise Fellows going through the scheme. On average, there are now around 16 Fellows going through the programme across all funders and all science and technology sectors per year.

Spanning the 20 years of the programme, Scottish Enterprise supported Enterprise Fellows have been hosted by 17 Universities and Research Institutes across Scotland. Eleanor Mitchell, Director of Entrepreneurial Growth, Grant Appraisal and Management at Scottish Enterprise commented, “Scottish Enterprise is delighted to have worked with the RSE over the past 20 years in developing and delivering the Enterprise Fellowship programme. This has enabled the creation of at least 96 new technology and engineering based companies and reflects Scottish Enterprise’s ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurs to optimally exploit the wealth of opportunities that arise from Scotland’s inherent strengths in technology and engineering.”

There has never been a better time to start-up or spin-out a company in Scotland. With such a strong record of success, the RSE’s Enterprise Fellowship Scheme grows in popularity, allowing aspiring entrepreneurs to take those important first steps toward building a thriving business, while supporting the growth of Scotland’s economy and the nation’s great tradition for nurturing innovation. The RSE looks forward to seeing the strength of the competition for these prestigious Fellowships grow and grow.

Nature of Scotland Awards Presentation DinnerSince the launch of the RSPB Scotland’s Nature of Scotland Awards in 2012 almost 50 winners have been recognised for their excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement in Scottish nature conservation and we will soon be announcing this year’s unsung heroes at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh.

Join 300 members of the conservation community on Thursday 23rd November to celebrate nature’s heroes at a black-tie presentation dinner hosted by ecologist, natural history television presenter and writer Mike Dilger and BBC TV and radio presenter Euan McIlwraith.

The evening will begin with a drinks reception followed by a three-course meal with wine before the achievements of the inspirational people, projects and organisations working hard to protect Scotland’s precious natural heritage are awarded.

Tickets are on sale now with a preferential rate of £850 on the purchase of a table (10 seats) offered to Chamber of Commerce members. Find out more about the Nature of Scotland Awards and contact awards@rspb.org.uk quoting ‘Chamber of Commerce’ to book your tickets.

All proceeds raised from the event go on to support RSPB Scotland’s work, which forms part of the UK’s largest environmental conservation charity with 1.2 million members and is the only organisation with the scale, scientific expertise and experience to lead change to transform the face of Scotland’s nature.

Team Photo and Award LogoBidding and tender specialists, AM Bid Services, received news last week of their nomination for two national awards at the prestigious Amazon Growing Business Awards.

The company has been shortlisted to the final four for the Young Company of the Year and Micro Business of the Year awards, and has been invited to a Judging Day with a range of high profile judges, sponsors and other finalists in London.

The Young Company of the Year award acknowledges new businesses who are rejuvenating the UK’s economy. This award recognises first-class new companies that are changing/challenging their industry and are on track to be significant players in the future.

The Micro Business of the Year award recognises outstanding companies with small but perfectly formed teams of ten or fewer staff, who the judges deem to be of exceptional quality.

Following the Judging Day, the winners of the 2017 Amazon Growing Business Awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner in London on 29th November.

David Gray, Bid Development Director at AM Bid Services, said:
“We’re delighted to make the final four for both of these highly coveted awards. I’m especially proud of the fact that we are one of only four companies across the UK nominated for two awards. Being formally recognised in both categories is testament to the hard work and application of the whole AM Bid Services team.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the judges, sponsors and our fellow nominees at the Judging Day, and of course to the announcement of the winners at the awards ceremony in November!”

Further information about AM Bid Services can be found at: www.ambidservices.co.uk

Untitled design (9)Bidding and tender experts, AM Bid Services, received news last week that two of their team have been nominated for national awards.

Andrew Morrison, Managing Director has been shortlisted to the final 6 in the Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year category at the 2017 Royal Bank of Scotland Great British Entrepreneur Awards (Scotland & Northern Ireland).

The Small Business of the Year Award recognises the achievements of those leading organisations of fifty employees or fewer. It celebrates the resilience, fortitude and the vital role these entities play in building Britain’s global reputation as an incubator for ideas and business growth.

A delighted Andrew said:

“This nomination is a recognition of the journey AM Bid Services has been on during our first 3 years. I would like to thank my outstanding staff team and our clients in 20 diverse sectors across the UK. Starting a business from scratch has been a hugely rewarding experience as well as a lot of hard work! I would also like to congratulate my fellow award nominees – each one has a remarkable story and I look forward to meeting them all.”

The winner of the Small Business of the Year Award will be announced at the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Edinburgh Headquarters, at an Awards Ceremony on 9th November 2017.

Cameron Houston, Bid Development Executive with AM Bid Services, also received news last week of his shortlisting to the final 3 in the Best Newcomer Award in the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) UK Annual Awards, which celebrate and promote the finest achievements within the Bid and Proposal Management Profession.

Cameron, who also celebrated successfully achieving his APMP-Foundation™ certification last week, said:

“I’m very proud to have made the shortlist for this award. It’s rewarding to receive industry recognition, both personally and for the business. I’ve had a great start to my bidding career, and I look forward to meeting fellow bid and proposal professionals at the APMP awards and conference in October.”

The winner of the Best Newcomer Award will be announced on 18th October 2017, at the APMP’s Annual Conference in Hampshire.

Recognising the achievements of both Andrew and Cameron in being nominated amidst extremely strong competition for both awards, AM Bid Services Non-Executive Chairman, David Sole OBE, said:

“I’m delighted that Andrew and Cameron have been recognised by being short-listed in their respective award categories. This is a reflection of their hard work, dedication and commitment to AM Bid Services and therefore just acknowledgement. Andrew and Cameron have my very best wishes for their respective Awards nights.”

Further information about AM Bid Services can be found at: www.ambidservices.co.uk

Pic Greg Macvean - 18/10/2016 - 07971 826 457 Scottish Heritage Angel Awards 2016 - Assembly Rooms, George StreetNominations will soon close for the Scottish Heritage Angels Awards 2017, and groups and individuals – or ‘Angels’ – who have played a special part in caring for, recording and celebrating the nation’s historic environment are being urged to enter before the deadline of Friday 11th August.

Launched in 2014 and funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation (ALWF), and run by the Scottish Civic Trust in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Archaeology Scotland and the Scottish Government, the scheme seeks to celebrate both groups and individuals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to promote, protect and, in many cases, rescue Scotland’s heritage.

Last year saw entry submissions from the length and breadth of Scotland, with eventual winners including Mark Cranston, for his remarkable efforts to collect, catalogue and research Scottish bricks, and Dig TV, a television channel run entirely by young people to highlight an archaeological dig in Dumfries, which scooped the first Young Heritage Angel award.

This year, a brand new set of categories have been introduced for the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards. They are:

• Best Rescue of a Historic Building
• Best Contribution to a Heritage Project by Young People
• Best Craftsperson or Apprentice on a Heritage Rescue or Repair Project
• Best Rescue, Recording or Interpretation of a Historic Place

Nominations close on Friday 11th August. A panel of heritage experts will have the tough task of whittling down shortlists for each category and a panel of judges will choose the eventual winners who will be announced at the Scottish Heritage Angels Awards ceremony on Monday 16th October at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh.

In an exciting first, an overall winner from the Heritage Angel Awards in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland will be selected and crowned at the London ceremony.

John Pelan, Director of the Scottish Civic Trust, said:” With just days to go until the deadline, we’re urging people to get their entries and nominations in before 11th August.

“This year we’re looking for professionals and apprentices, as well as volunteers and voluntary groups who can demonstrate that their project has had a wider community benefit.

“Last year we showcased some wonderful projects reflecting the scale and diversity of heritage initiatives throughout the country, and I am confident that in in this Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology we can do so again.”

Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose charitable foundation helped establish the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards, said: “‘I am delighted that the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards are open for another year of applications.

“Too often the individuals and groups who work tirelessly to protect their local historic buildings go unnoticed. We set up the Angel Awards in Scotland three years ago to change all that. I encourage everyone to come forward and celebrate these stars of heritage – those who keep our heritage alive and thriving for the next generation deserve to stand in the spotlight.”

The Scottish Heritage Angel Awards support the delivery of Scotland’s historic environment strategy Our Place in Time, which places a strong focus on supporting and enabling community participation and engagement across the historic environment.

For full details on how to enter the 2017 Scottish Heritage Angel Awards, nominate someone else for an award or find out about our previous winners, please visit www.scottishheritageangelawards.org.uk.

Keep up to date with the latest from the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards on Twitter at @ScotAngelAwards.

The Herald Higher Education Awards 2017. Radisson Blu hotel, Glasgow. Winner of Outstanding contribution from a student is Iain Scott of Queen Margaret University. Presenting the award is Vonnie Sandlan, NUS Scotland president, left and event host Jennifer Reoch at right. Photograph by Colin Mearns 6 July 2017A student from Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh, has won a top award for ‘Outstanding Contribution’ at the Herald Higher Education Awards 2017, which took place in Glasgow on Thursday 6th July.

The Herald Higher Education Awards celebrate the extraordinary things that are going on in Scotland’s universities and colleges. The Awards recognise the high standard of education that is offered throughout Scotland and the innovative ways in which institutions market themselves and engage with their audiences.

Iain Scott, 31, who is a father of four from Prestonpans and attended Lasswade High School, is currently studying BSc (Hons) Dietetics at QMU.

Iain was recognised by the judges for his outstanding voluntary contribution to QMU and the wider community, including his work off campus with local schools and young people. Judges also singled Iain out for his ability to inspire and motivate others.

A positive force within the community, Iain has supported his Community Council, chaired the Parent Council, and run campaigns to highlight the lack of nursery place provision. He is dedicated to his volunteering work with DadsWork, an East Lothian community project that works with fathers and male care givers, and is a committee member of ‘Support from the Start’, which improves the lives of children from birth to eight years.

Iain’s NHS work highlights a need for family support in relation to food planning and cooking. Iain secured funding for a pilot project of his own initiative: ‘Cooking for Life’. Supported by the Community Dietetics team, he ran four eight week courses for families from the most deprived areas, enhancing their cooking, meal planning and budgeting skills. This year, he is working with the Prestonpans Infant School and Support for the Start to offer a summer lunch club at the local primary school, ensuring children in the most deprived areas access healthy, nutritious meals throughout the summer holidays.

Iain also inspires children to adopt healthy lifestyles by delivering the workshop, ‘You are what you eat’, as part of the Queen Margaret Children’s University. He was also guest speaker at the recent Queen Margaret Children’s University graduation ceremony where he promoted the value of lifelong learning.

Commenting on his award success, Iain said: “Being nominated and winning this award is an amazing feeling and enhances the wonderful opportunities I’ve been privileged to experience. I’ve come a long way in the last seven years from being a single father of three young children with university being a distant twinkle in my aspirations, to my settled family home life with my wife and four children. Being able to enjoy the student experiences within Queen Margaret University, working with wonderful people both within the university and the wider community which allows me the chance to give back the support and care to those in need as I received in my time of need.

“I’m truly grateful for the acknowledgment of my ongoing efforts to enhance and support the lives of those around me and I’ll continue to strive to inspire my children, work to the best of my ability to support others both in university and in my community and the completion of my degree in dietetics.

Callum Maguire, Head of Outreach and Community Engagement at QMU, added: “Iain is an outstanding student ambassador for the University. As a dedicated father of four young children, and an NHS shift worker, he is a shining example to all students of what can be achieved during the university journey when applying excellent time management, commitment, vision and a ‘can do’ selfless attitude.

“Iain epitomises QMU’s values by actively creating effective solutions to social inclusion issues, thereby promoting diversity and equality of opportunity. His dedication to the application of academic knowledge in food, nutrition and dietetics results in significant improvements in the lives of marginalised groups, which ultimately impacts positively on society.”

Qatar Airways is pleased to announce that it has again been named as Airline of the Year by the prestigious 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held today at the Paris Air Show, the fourth time that Qatar Airways has been given this global recognition as the world’s best airline.

In addition to being voted Best Airline by travellers from around the world, Qatar’s national carrier also won a raft of other major awards at the ceremony, including Best Airline in the Middle East, World’s Best Business Class and World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge. Qatar Airways’ home and hub, Hamad International Airport, was this year also rated five-star by Skytrax, one of only five in the world to be given this recognition.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “For Qatar Airways to be named the World’s Best Airline particularly at this critical point in time, is a significant testimony of our passengers’ belief and trust in our unwavering commitment to deliver only the best. This award is also a reflection of the hard work and dedication of every employee at Qatar Airways. Our recognition at Skytrax this year is especially important as these awards are voted by travellers. To them I offer my sincere thanks, and I look forward to welcoming them on board soon.”

Commenting in regards to the current flight ban affecting the state of Qatar, H.E. Mr. Al Baker added: “At these difficult times of illegal bans on flights out of my country by big bullies, this is an award not to me, not to my airline, but to my country.”

The global airline, which was last year voted as having the World’s Best Business Class, Best Business Class Lounge and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East, continues to exceed expectations with its global expansion strategy and product development, including the recent launch of its new, innovative and award-winning Business Class experience, Qsuite. The first fully fitted aircraft is being showcased at Paris Air Show before going into service this weekend on the London-Doha route.

Qatar Airways’ patented new seat design has itself already gained industry notoriety after receiving the Best Airline Innovation of the Year award at the 2017 ULTRAS (Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards) for its launch of Qsuite. The prestigious award was presented at a ceremony at The Savoy hotel in London, attended by Sarah, Duchess of York and HRH Princess Eugenie of York, along with industry experts and VIPs. The win was significant in that the award was given before the seat has even commenced service, such is the anticipated impact of the design on the premium travel industry.

Qsuite, patented by Qatar Airways, features the industry’s first-ever double bed available in Business Class, with privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room. Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors on the centre four seats allows colleagues, friends or families travelling together to transform their space into a private suite, allowing them to work, dine and socialise together. These new features provide the ultimate customisable travel experience that enables passengers to create an environment that suits their own unique needs.

The prestigious awards received in Paris today mark yet another busy year for Qatar Airways as the airline looks ahead to no less than 24 new destinations to be launched, new aircraft deliveries, the roll-out of the revolutionary Qsuite across the fleet and continued celebrations of the 20th year anniversary. Qatar Airways previously won the title of the World’s Best Airline in 2011, 2012 and 2015.

One of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, Qatar Airways recently added Dublin, Republic of Ireland, to its global route network, soon to be followed by Nice, France; Skopje, Republic of Macedonia and Chang Mai, Thailand. The airline operates a modern fleet of 200 aircraft to a network of key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.

Applications are now open for the 2017 NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Now in its fifth year, the Awards celebrate the hard work and inspiring stories of British entrepreneurs, not simply their financial success. There are 11 categories to enter in each host city – Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and London.

This year also sees the introduction of a new category for ‘Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year’, which will be awarded to those leading and excelling within a family business.

Creator of the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Francesca Russell, said: “Family businesses are often considered incompatible with entrepreneurship because they are usually tradition-bound and multi- generational. However, for family firms to continually prosper, they need to ensure that they pass on the entrepreneurial mindset and capabilities to create new streams of wealth across future generations.”

Francesca added: “Succession planning is also a big issue in business and, if handled well, can make a massive difference to the future viability of a company. Passing on the business baton to the younger generation is a challenge and we want to celebrate those who have successfully managed that transition.”

This year, the Awards have attracted a number of high profile judges including James Caan CBE, Hayley Parsons, founder of Gocompare.com, Tony Mascolo, co-founder of TONI&GUY, and Jeff Lynn, co-founder of Seedrs.
As well as attracting some of the highest profile business leaders in the UK to its judging panel, the Awards has also expanded its reach across five cities, up from two in 2016, and has secured sponsorship from a number of leading brands. NatWest is the headline sponsor for the Awards and MINI has recently renewed its support for 2017 and is sponsoring the ‘Creative Entrepreneur of the Year’ award.

Francesca continued: “2017 is an exciting year for the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards. As well as increasing the number of regions that we can cover, we have attracted the best of the best in terms of a judging panel and sponsors. We are excited about the next phase and hearing the great entrepreneurial stories out there, waiting to be celebrated.”

In its five-year history, the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards has celebrated some outstanding entrepreneurs who have gone on to become household names. Previous winners include David Buttress, former CEO of Just Eat, Julie Deane, founder of The Cambridge Satchel Company, James Watt, founder of BrewDog, and Alexander Solomou, founder and CEO of TheLADBible Group.

The NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards is open for applications, and you can enter here: www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com. The deadline for entries is August 18th, 2017.