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Finalists for the South 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 South West startups that made the shortlist are a true snapshot of the future economy, with a collective turnover of over £19m and employing 397 people between them.

One finalist said: “The South West region has an attitude of no fear; the region is buzzing with creativity, technology and a real pride in collaboration.

“The rich culture and dynamic art scene here helps with inspiring the work that it does, and it is great that we are starting to see other areas of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ outside of the capital grow with new business ventures.”

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 South West-based Tom Ball, founder of DeskLodge, Jon Simon, co-founder and CEO of Pieminister, and Ellie Webb, founder of non-alcoholic beverage company Caleno.

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.