Bristol businesses take pride of place in this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards

Twenty Bristol businesses have been shortlisted as finalists for this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Out of 5,300 entrants that applied nationally, 70 South West-based business leaders have been shortlisted.

A number of Bristol businesses selected are local favourites, ranging from cafes and restaurants, to tech apps and local social enterprises.

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards acknowledge and champion the work and uplifting stories of business owners across the UK, with an emphasis on their journey and resilience over financial achievements.

Twelve awards are given out per region for categories including Disruptor of the Year, Entrepreneur for Good Award, and the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year.

Loki Poké is one of the twenty Bristol businesses shortlisted at this year’s award – Photo: Loki Poké

Babbasa, a social enterprise that supports young people from underrepresented backgrounds, and Pipal Tree, a Punjabi and north Indian restaurant in Easton, have both been shortlisted for the Entrepreneur for Good Award.

Wapping Wharf-based poké bowl pop-up, LOKI POKÉ, is one of the six start-ups shortlisted for the Food & Drink Entrepreneur of the Year Award, whilst Lumenate, a tech-assisted psychedelic experience start-up has been shortlisted for this year’s Start-Up Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Founder of the awards, Francesca James, said the quality of this year’s entrants exemplified the strength of entrepreneurship in the South West: “The quality coming from the South West is consistently excellent year on year, but we have been especially blown away by the innovation, drive and determination demonstrated in the applications this year.

Pipal Tree in Easton is a local favourite – Photo: Meg Houghton Gilmour

“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 region.

“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 South West 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”, she finished.

Notable winners from previous years include Social Chain founder Steve Bartlett, who went on to become the youngest ever investor on BBC’s Dragon’s Den.

This year’s awards will also feature a brand new award highlighting the organisations investing in the training and development of young people. The John Caudwell Blaze Your Own Trail Award looks to recognise outstanding examples of the businesses offering apprenticeships, vocational training, and diversity and inclusion initiative, all in the name of improving young people’s access to work.

The winners will be announced at the grand final, held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on November 21.

Main photo: Qezia Gill and Bhagesh Sachania

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