A company run by an East Lancashire entrepreneur has been named one of the most exciting new businesses in the region after being shortlisted as part of a new awards programme.
Lee Chambers from Blackburn and his company Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing has made it into a list of finalists in the Professional Services category in the StartUp Awards National Series.
The StartUp Awards National Series has been launched to recognise the startup scene across the UK which has accelerated since the pandemic began.
In 2020, when most of the world was shutting down, more than 400,000 startups were set up in Britain, with similar increases seen in other European countries.
There was stiff competition with more than 2,500 applications received in response to the Startup Awards National Series’ first-ever call for entries.
Mr Chambers said: “To be recognised as a National Startup is a special moment for us, and we are one of only three companies based in Lancashire to reach the finals.
"It’s been a real journey to get to where we are today, and we are up against some innovative and trailblazing startups who also have a story to tell.
“It is easy to see our name on the finalist list and pat ourselves on the back, but in reality we have managed to achieve our growth and impact because of our clients, those who we collaborate with and the Lancashire business community at large.
"Being shortlisted is testament to the support and encouragement we have had, and we want to thank everyone who has been part of our journey and will continue to be in the future.”
Supported nationally by BT, EY, Dell & Intel, the programme will celebrate the achievements of the amazing individuals across the UK who have turned an idea into an opportunity and taken the risk to launch a new product or service.
Co-founded by the team behind the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, the new series follows the success of the Wales StartUp Awards, after organisers recognised the exceptional potential in the startup scene across the other British regions.
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the creator of the StartUp Awards National Series, said: “New firms are important for generating economic prosperity, employment opportunities and innovation.
"Since 2016, the Wales StartUp Awards have celebrated this amazing annual contribution to our economy by entrepreneurs and the impact they have on communities across the nation.
“Given the sheer volume of phenomenal startups we’ve heard from since then, as well as the huge post-pandemic shift in people’s desires to take their career in a new direction and set up a business against the odds, we felt it was the right time to take the programme nationwide.
"We’ve been blown away by the standard of entries in this first year and truly look forward to crowning the winners in June.”
The Essentialise team will be attending the awards finals on July 5 in Manchester, and will be hoping to bring the trophy home to Lancashire.
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