A local business psychologist has beaten over 5,300 people to make it to the Great British Entrepreneur Awards finals.
AdvertisementPreston entrepreneur Lee Chambers, the founder of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing on Ribbleton Lane, is in the final five for the Health and Beauty Entrepreneur category.
The firm delivers well-being solutions to businesses across the UK, with clients ranging from FTSE 100 corporates to Lancashire-based social enterprises, with Chambers one of the shortlisted business leaders.
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Lee Chambers said: “To be a finalist in national awards that truly recognise the best in business is both a proud moment and a humbling experience.
“I’ve been in business since 2008, but my journey with Essentialise this past two years has been a real rollercoaster.
“The competition we are against is another level, so to be considered alongside them fills me with hope for the future.
“And who knows, I might bring the award back to Lancashire, a place of true entrepreneurial spirit and grit.”
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The Great British Entrepreneur Awards acknowledge and champion hard work and uplifting stories across the UK, emphasising business owners’ resilience over financial achievements.
The organisers will hand out twelve awards, including Disruptor of the Year, Entrepreneur for Good Award, and the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year.
Notable winners from previous years include Social Chain founder Steven Bartlett, who became the youngest investor on BBC’s Dragon’s Den.
Great British Entrepreneur Awards Founder Francesca James said: “The quality of applications is consistently excellent year on year, but we have been especially blown away by the innovation, drive, and determination demonstrated this year.
“Shortlisting from so many inspiring contenders has been more challenging than ever, with many deserving cases put
forward and an ever-growing business community thriving across the country.
“From the pandemic to the ongoing cost of living crisis, business owners haven’t had it easy over the past few years, but it’s a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of these entrepreneurs that they have continued on their path and refused to give in.
“This year’s finalists should be so proud of what they’ve already achieved both in business and in being shortlisted for an award – we’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the finals and unveiling the winners!”
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This year will feature a new award highlighting the organisations investing in the training and development of young people.
The John Caudwell Blaze Your Own Trail Award recognises outstanding examples of businesses offering apprenticeships, vocational training, and diversity and inclusion initiatives to improve young people’s access to work.
Previous award winners include James Watt of Brewdog, Steven Bartlett and Justin Basini of Clearscore.
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The winners will be announced at a grand final held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on 21 November.
This year is the 10th anniversary of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
The alumni have collectively generated over £30 billion in revenue and employed more than 450,000 people.
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To mark the milestone year for the programme, entrants will have the chance to win over £30,000 worth of marketing support, and they will plant a tree for every application submitted with Ecologi.
Anne Boden MBE, the founder of Starling Bank, said: “Congratulations to all those businesses who have made the shortlist.
“It’s great to see passion, resilience and amazing ingenuity from entrepreneurs across many categories.”
For more information, visit – greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com
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