Impress, attract and get noticed!
The 2011 Startups Awards took place at London's Kensington Roof Gardens on December 2, and attracted some of the UK's most promising and inspirational entrepreneurs.
The prestigious awards, which recognise the UK’s most creative, innovative and ambitious new businesses, provided a fantastic opportunity for finalists to network with likeminded entrepreneurs – including the award judges – over a lively champagne reception and three-course lunch.
The Cambridge Satchel Company, winner of the Product Business of the Year prize, went on to claim the highly coveted title of NatWest Startups Business of the Year, after beating 12 other exceptional category winners – all of which were chosen from a strong and diverse group of finalists.
All of the winners were selected by a judging panel consisting of some of the UK’s top entrepreneurs, including Lara Morgan, founder of the Pacific Direct Group; Mitesh Soma, founder of Chemist Direct; Rosemary Forsyth, founder of the Forsyth Group; as well as business journalists and industry leaders.
Steph Welstead, editor of Startups, said: "Each year, the awards are the highlight of the Startups calendar. All of the businesses that made it to the 2011 final displayed creativity, ambition and vast potential, and the success they have achieved against the backdrop of the economic downturn is a true testament to the strength of UK entrepreneurship.
"We would like to congratulate all of this year’s winners and look forward to reporting on their continued growth and success in the years to come.”
Now in its eighth year, the Startups Awards has earned a reputation for unearthing some of the UK’s finest entrepreneurial businesses, and shining a spotlight on the start-up market. Previous winners have gone on to enjoy phenomenal success, including BeatThatQuote.com, Wonga.com, Ella’s Kitchen, Glasses Direct, The Book Depository and Naked Wines.