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Finalists for the North West in a new º£½ÇÊÓƵ-wide awards initiative championing the best in start-ups and entrepreneurial activity can been revealed.

The has been launched to recognise the booming startup scene across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ which has accelerated since the pandemic began. In 2020, when most of the world was shutting down, more than 400,000 startups were set up in Britain, with similar increases seen in other European countries.

This marked boost in nascent entrepreneurship is mirrored by a huge 2,500 applications which have been received in response to the Startup Awards National Series’ first ever call for entries.

The North West startups that made the shortlist are a true snapshot of the future economy, with a collective turnover of over £36m and employing 676 people between them.

One finalist said: “The people of the north have a real tenacity about them, and you don't have to go far to find a mentor who has been there and done it.

“The talent is excellent as well, with the continued development of some serious universities and colleges. We have benefited from government backed growth hubs and continue to work closely with community programmes for SMEs.”

The cohort of finalists will be considered for the regional prizes by a panel of seasoned judges with experience founding or supporting entrepreneurial ventures. This includes North West-based Ash Jones, founder of personal branding agency Great Influence, and Chris Legh, founder of Junkyard Golf.

Supported nationally by BT, EY, Dell & Intel, the programme will celebrate the achievements of the amazing individuals across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ who have turned an idea into an opportunity and taken the risk to launch a new product or service.