A Blackburn businessman has been highlighted as one of nine exceptional founders of a start-up company.

Lee Chambers, psychologist and founder of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing, was highlighted by the Startups 100 Index, the leading award for UK-based startups, with his company also being inducted into the list.

The Startups 100, run by Startups.co.uk, showcases the top 100 new UK businesses which exhibit innovation, solid financials, opportunity in their market, a great concept and a strong customer base or following.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, this year's index is one of Startups' most exciting yet, with the final list championing a huge range of inventive ideas.

The judges highlighted Mr Chambers’ humble beginnings and his resilience in learning to walk again after illness.

Lancashire Telegraph: Lee ChambersLee Chambers (Image: Public)

Mr Chambers said: "I've been through plenty and seen a lot over the years, so things rarely surprise me. But to be considered as exceptional by industry leaders and my peers was a real shock I wasn't expecting.

“I've always considered the Startups 100 Index to be a real measure of how the business community perceives your business as a whole.

“To be one of nine leaders selected from 100 of the UK leading startups is one of the proudest moments of my career, and I now have to ensure I live up to the recognition I've received.

“And as Lancashire's only representative on the founders list, I'm determined to showcase what we can achieve and how we've always been at the forefront of innovation."

In previous years the Startups 100 index has predicted the success of huge names such as Revolut, Bulb, Deliveroo and Notonthehighstreet, so it is an extraordinary achievement for any promising businesses to have ranked on this renowned list.

Essentialise is one of only two Lancashire businesses on this year's list, alongside the Modern Milkman.

Editor of Startups.co.uk Richard Parris said: “The 2023 Startups 100 shows businesses don’t have to sacrifice profits to have purpose.

“Against a backdrop of gloomy global events we can see UK entrepreneurs creating new ventures that not only create jobs but also make a real difference to the world around them - I think this is the inspiration we all need to take into the year ahead.”

The recognition is a positive start to the year for Mr Chambers and Essentialise as he has also been featured as a Marie Claire Future Shaper, alongside Tom Daley and Harry Styles, and has been  shortlisted for the Agent of Change category at the Northern Power Women Awards, for his continued work on gender equity, menopause awareness and inclusive wellbeing in the workplace.

Despite the awards and commendations, he is realistic about what they aim to achieve, and added: "There's a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes, and it's never as glamorous running as business as it appears".