Entries are rolling in for the Startups Awards 2014 with businesses across Bath urged to take part in what is already shaping up to be the most keenly-awaited contest in the event’s history.
Tinc founders Jos and Heli Baker
Sponsored by Simply Business and organised by Startups.co.uk, the number one website for start-ups and small businesses, the Awards recognise the success of Britain’s newest businesses which have been trading for three years or less.
The deadline for entries is 12th September, with winners announced at a prestigious ceremony at Kensington Roof Gardens, London, on Thursday 27th November, 2014.
Last year Bath-based multi-channel retailer Tinc – specialising in the sale of funky stationery, gifts and gadgets – was a winner for founders Jos and Heli Baker, being named Product Business of the Year
The judges loved the look and design of the company’s functional office products and gifts, their appeal as collectible items for children and adults alike, and the extraordinarily impressive growth in revenues in the three years since launch.
Bath continues to produce worthy candidates this year – with more businesses urged to enter and follow in Tinc’s footsteps.
David Lester, founder of Startups.co.uk, commented: “The quality of businesses that have entered so far is outstanding, and the standard of entries is very high. The aim is to make this year’s Awards the best yet, and we are certainly on target for that.
“To anyone considering entering, my advice is to take the plunge – as soon as possible.”
Previous winners of the Awards have included some of the UK’s fastest rising brands, such as BeatThatQuote.com (sold to Google for £37.7m), The Cambridge Satchel Company, Raspberry Pi, Ella’s Kitchen, Naked Wines, Notonthehighstreet.com, YPlan, Joe & Seph’s Gourmet Popcorn and Secret Escapes.
This year there are 15 awards on offer, with categories including Innovative Business of the Year, Service Business of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, alongside two new awards for 2014: Independent Shop of the Year and Restaurant of the Year.
The main prize is the much coveted title of Simply Business Startups Business of the Year, the recipient of which is selected from the winners of the other categories.
Additionally, the People’s Champion award will go to one of 50 companies that make the long list of outstanding entrants before the finalists are announced and will be voted for by readers of Startups.co.uk.
Seventeen high-profile judges, including entrepreneurs, CEOs and managing directors of the country’s most successful companies, as well as media experts, will select the winners in all other categories.
Head of Marketing & Communications at Simply Business, Jasper Martens, commented: “Time is already running out for businesses if they want to be involved – and I would strongly recommend they do so. There is simply no better celebration of business achievement in the UK right now than these awards.”
To enter simply visit www.startupsawards.co.uk. The deadline for submissions is 12th September 2014.
