The Startups Awards 2005 showcased some of the best entrepreneurial talent in Britain, and unearthed a wide range of high achieving entrepreneurs.
The awards, now in their second year, bestowed its £5,000 top prize to James Murray Wells of Glasses Direct, who admitted to being “overwhelmed” by the honour.
But beyond the headline-grabbing overall winner, there were an array of interesting, innovative businesses recognised by the star-studded panel of judges.
University friends Tom Allason and Jay Breman have spotted a lucrative gap in the courier market, employing tracking technology to full effect with their eCourier venture.
The judges were impressed by the innovation of Justin Rhodes’ eponymous inter-changeable belt business, while NutraTech caught the eye with their idea of running weight loss programmes via mobile phones and the internet.
Eric and Jeanette Watkins have overcome numerous difficulties to bake tasty treats for a living at Fresh Eric’s Cake Company, with equally impressive teamwork on display by the 11-strong workforce at the Royal Day Spa & Health Club.
Christopher Kelly bravely took on larger competitors while still at university with his internet marketing business CK Net, earning him the Online Business of the Year award. Meticulous research of their market saw lettings agency IMS triumph in their category.
The commitment of Katherine Hammond, of Oil & Vinegar, helped her be named the top franchisee of the year, with the Community Impact award going to Growaforest, Christian Woolfenden’s visionary not-for-profit venture.
Tim Walsh and Sarah Jones’ idea of making stylish server cabinets showed the imagination needed to land their business Kell Systems the Manufacturing Award, while Brian Plunkett showed that more mature entrepreneurs can make an impact, impressing with Trichocare.
Last but not least, Tricia Weener and Katharine Roseveare’s current success and plan for future growth saw them lift the Women in Business award for their creative agency Intelligent Marketing.
With 39 other high flying and diverse shortlisted finalists, ranging from a landscape gardener to a legal services business, the Startups Awards proved that entrepreneurial talent is clearly evident in the UK.
With Alun Michael, the small business minister, paying tribute to the awards and its winners at the Royal Garden Hotel lunch, it’s clear that the event will continue to go from strength to strength next year.
Thank you to all who made the awards possible and congratulations to all of the shortlisted businesses. We will be featuring the category winners in more depth over the coming weeks.
Natwest Startups Business of the Year: Glasses Direct
Best Use of Technology: eCourier
Innovative Business of the Year: NutraTech Ltd
Manufacturer of the Year: Kell Systems
Retailer of the Year: Elliot Rhodes
Online Business of the Year: CK Net Ltd
Service Business of the Year: IMS Lettings Ltd
Franchisee of the Year: Oil & Vinegar Chichester Ltd
Micro Business of the Year: Fresh Eric Cake Co Ltd
Community Impact Award: Growaforest
Women in Business Award: Intelligent Marketing
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Glasses Direct
Silver Fox Award: Trichocare Diagnostics
Team of the Year: Royal Day Spa & Health Club
