It has been announced that Edinburgh based Appointedd has been shortlisted in two categories for the 2017 Royal Bank of Scotland Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

The categories are: Innovation Entrepreneur of the Year and Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year.

Appointedd beat off some tough competition in order to make the regional shortlist, with over 1000 businesses entering the awards nationally across the wide range of categories.

Now in its fifth year, the Royal Bank of Scotland Great British Entrepreneur Awards has celebrated some amazing entrepreneurs over the years, many of whom are now household names. Past winners include David Buttress of Just Eat, Julie Deane of The Cambridge Satchel Company, James Watt of BrewDog and Alexander Solomou of TheLADBible Group.

Appointedd’s founder and CEO, Leah Hutcheon, said: “This is fantastic for Appointedd to be recognised by the Scottish business community in not one but two award categories. Being shortlisted recognises the whole team who have been working so hard to grow our organisation and we are extremely proud of our technology which, as the only multi-timezone online booking platform, is revolutionising the way international business is done.”

Creator of the Awards, Francesca James, said: “We have been inundated with some incredible entries this year, and all shortlisted applicants should be extremely proud of themselves! This year has seen a record number of entrants and we’ve been absolutely blown away by the strength and diversity of applications.”

“We cannot wait to celebrate entrepreneurship across Great Britain with them, and put a spotlight on the incredible talent within the British entrepreneur ecosystem.”

Gordon Merrylees, Head of Entrepreneurship at Royal Bank of Scotland said: “I want to thank all of the entrepreneurs who entered this year and congratulate those who have been shortlisted, I look forward to seeing them at the regional finals.”

“It is clear that entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well and Royal Bank of Scotland is thrilled to be able to support these awards to celebrate success with the businesses that are the lifeblood of the UK Economy as they start, scale and succeed.”

The Royal Bank of Scotland Great British Entrepreneur Awards will celebrate entrepreneurship across a number of categories at 5 gala finals across the UK, including; Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester & London. You can find more information about the awards and the ceremonies here: www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com.

Desk Union is celebrating this week having signed a contract with the Royal Bank of Scotland to launch an innovative community workspace on the first floor of the bank’s iconic flagship branch, 36 St Andrew Square, in the heart of Edinburgh.

This pioneering coworking space, branded Desk Union at The Square will consist of 24 workspaces alongside a large meeting room, available for hire by the hour. Businesses will be able to use the space from August and it is hoped the pioneering concept will help young businesses and entrepreneurs flourish and thrive.

Victoria Arnold, CEO, Desk Union, comments: “We are absolutely delighted to have the backing of Royal Bank of Scotland and are so excited to start taking on members, allowing them to build communities and collaborate through the use of this unique space in such a prime location.

“The way we work is changing. We are no longer restricted to set hours or based in office cubicles. Businesses crave ‘touchdown’ workspace, where workers can meet, connect and collaborate with like minded coworkers. In recognising this growing trend for shared space, flexible working, Royal Bank of Scotland will be supporting growth businesses across Scotland that are looking for workspace in the city’s capital.”

Chris Wilson, Managing Director of branch and private banking, Royal Bank of Scotland, explains: “I am delighted to be able to support Desk Union. Royal Bank of Scotland is playing the leading role in Scotland in supporting entrepreneurs and this is yet another example of RBS’s commitment to getting the economy moving. The money made from this project will be reinvested back in to creating similar work-spaces around the country so that other entrepreneurs and businesses can benefit.”

Victoria continues: “We are currently identifying next steps with RBS in terms of a potential further roll out. We would be delighted to hear from other corporations that are interested in doing something similar.”

To book a tour of this new space, or to discuss membership pricing and availability please contact hello@deskunion.co.uk, or call 0800 1588558.

(L-R) Victoria Arnold (CEO, Desk Union) & Chris Wilson (Managing Director of branch and private banking, RBS)