Derby based swapping service finalists at Entrepreneur awards
Derby Swap Shop – the retro-swapping child of 3 local businesses has reached the Midlands Finals of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, alongside 70 other applications. Swap Shop is one of 4 shortlisted companies up for the Midlands “Entrepreneur for Good” category.
Founded in 2013, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards acknowledges the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and businesses in the United Kingdom.
The Awards have celebrated some outstanding entrepreneurs who have gone on to become household names. Previous winners include the founders of BrewDog, Tangle Teezer, The LAD Bible, Clearscore & The Cambridge Satchel Company. Judges of the awards include Hayley Parsons, who founded Go Compare, Cath Kidston, Lord Bilimoria of Cobra Beer and Kanya King, the founder of the MOBO awards.
This year, with face to face events challenging, the regional heats will be celebrated online on September 23rd.
Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Francesca James, said: “Given what we’ve seen over the past few months, the 2020 edition of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards is arguably the most important. Now, more than ever, it’s vital that we celebrate the achievements of the country’s entrepreneurs and their determination in the face of such adversity.
“So many entrepreneurs will have been fighting to keep their business afloat over the past few months, and indeed will be over the coming months.
“I want to send my congratulations to each and every single entrepreneur who has made it to the shortlist this year, and I wish them the very best of luck for the regional finals.”
Anne Boden, founder and CEO of Starling Bank, said: “These entrepreneurs have gone above and beyond in order to allow their businesses to flourish in extremely difficult times and it is a true honour to congratulate each and every one of them.”
Derby Swap Shop was created during the early days of lockdown by 3 local businesses: Rachel Hayward of the award winning consultancy Ask the Chameleon; Dean Jackson, CEO and founder of the globally recognised sports apparel brand Huub; and think3, a creative and design agency led by four talented entrepreneurs. More details of the free to use platform can be found at www.derbyswapshop.co.uk
Lee Marples, one of the Directors at think3, said “We are absolutely delighted that, even during the lockdown, three companies were able to collaborate and launch what has already become a success story for the small businesses and charities of Derby and Derbyshire. In less than 3 months from the launch, to be officially a Great British Entrepreneur Awards finalist, is testament to the concept and delivery of Derby Swap Shop and its aim to serve our community at the point when it was needed the most. Long may swapping be a part of small business community”