The StartUp Awards National Series launches from a springboard of the Wales StartUp Awards, a successful programme that’s been running in Wales for the past six years. 

It will recognise the achievements of those amazing individuals who have had a great idea, spotted the opportunity and taken the risks to launch a new product or service.

It is being rolled out nationally to celebrate, champion and connect start-ups in all corners of the United Kingdom, visiting nine parts of the UK:

  • London and the East of England
  • The Midlands
  • Northern Ireland
  • North West England
  • Scotland
  • South East England
  • South West England
  • Wales
  • Yorkshire, Humberside & North East England

According to the most recent UK Government statistics, more than 1.2 million new start-ups have been created in the past two financial years meaning a new business is formed in the UK every single minute. This is an encouraging sign that industries across every part of the country are beginning to recover after the chaos caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 nation that will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

“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 the last 18 months, now more than ever, it is vital 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.”

Piers Linney, the serial entrepreneur, former Dragon on BBC’s Dragons’ Den and CEO of Moblox

The StartUp Awards National Series are now open for entries with a deadline of February 28th 2022, before the regional finals take place in June 2022.