The Great British Entrepreneur Awards is thrilled to unveil the shortlist for The John Caudwell Award category. This prestigious award recognises businesses that are not only inspiring and influencing people to climb the career ladder through on-the-job training initiatives but also actively working to remove barriers to employment.

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Sponsored by Caudwell Children, a transformative organisation that goes above and beyond to ensure disabled and autistic children have equal opportunities, this category celebrates businesses that are making a significant impact in empowering individuals to forge their own paths.

Entrepreneurs and businesses from across the nation have been acknowledged, with a national shortlist curated from nine nations and regions: London, East of England, Midlands, North East England, North West England, South East England, South West England, Wales and Scotland and Northern Ireland. Each shortlist showcases the exceptional achievements of businesses that not only foster career advancement through training but also proactively address the barriers faced by marginalised individuals in gaining employment.

John Caudwell, entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder of Caudwell Children, said: “My own path to success was one that faced tremendous challenges and demanded tireless dedication to overcome the hurdles that came my way.

“However, from an early age I also aspired to help others and I am now delivering this through my charitable initiatives like Caudwell Children to have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people who too face daily struggles.

“This award is important as it recognises entrepreneurs and businesses that are also working incredibly hard to undertake innovative and resourceful training and development schemes which enable young people to start their very own career journeys. By nurturing potential today, we can help the next generation to succeed.”

The shortlisted businesses in The John Caudwell Award category have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to creating inclusive and empowering work environments. Through their on-the-job training initiatives and commitment to removing barriers to employment, they are driving positive change and shaping the future of work.

The finalists will have the opportunity to present their remarkable achievements to a distinguished panel of judges, comprising industry experts, advocates for inclusive workplaces, and influential figures deeply committed to fostering equal opportunities. The judges will assess the finalists’ impact on career progression, their innovative approaches to on-the-job training, and their efforts to break down barriers to employment.

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2023 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of entrepreneurial vision, social impact, and the power of inclusive practices. The winners of The John Caudwell Award will be announced during the grand ceremony on the 20th November 2023, where the nation’s most inspiring businesses will come together to honor their contributions.

For more information about the Great British Entrepreneur Awards and the shortlisted entrepreneurs, please click here.

The John Caudwell Award National Shortlist:

  • Jonathan Gaunt - FD Works
  • Lidia Drzewiecka - Visuable
  • Gary Partington - Apadmi
  • Moises Barbera Ramos - Drill Surgeries
  • Gillian Ashcroft - Think Tank Academy
  • Andy Gullick - RIFT Social Enterprise (RSE)

To find out more about how Caudwell Children helping to change the future of disabled and autistic children, click here.