West’s top entrepreneurs crowned as Ones to Watch

Nine of the West of England’s most exciting and inspirational entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs were crowned winners at the first Enterprising West of England Ones to Watch awards.

West of England businesses including 101 Data Solutions, My Cookie Dough and Sweet Construct scooped awards at a well-attended ceremony held at Bristol Old Vic on Wednesday.

Winners were crowned in a range of categories, from most inspirational BAME Business Leader and the Young Person in Business award, to best Female Business Leader and regional contribution recognitions.

Brett Edgecombe, Managing Director at the West of England award winner 101 Data Solutions said:

“My team and I are delighted that we have been named as the West of England’s most promising business for 2020.

“The West of England is a hotbed of entrepreneurial talent and competition so we are delighted to be recognised for our contribution.

“I’d like to thank all our staff for their hard work and dedication for enabling our continued success.”

James Durie, Chief Executive of Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative at Business West – the organiser of the event – said the event had demonstrated the depth of business talent in the region.

He said: “The awards ceremony showcased the brightest entrepreneurial talent the West of England has to offer, providing shortlisted businesses a platform to go from strength to strength.

“Being recognised as an Enterprising West of England One to Watch – a programme funded by The European Regional Development Fund – is an impressive accolade which will boost businesses’ brand awareness, act as a differentiator in the marketplace and help to attract the new talent required to grow.”

The award winners in full were:

North Somerset: Sweet Construct Ltd

Bath and North East Somerset: 101 Data Solutions Ltd

Bristol: Waste Source

South Gloucestershire: British Corner Shop

Overall West of England Winner: 101 Data Solutions

Contribution to the Place of the West of England: Bath Carnival

Young Person in Business: Cookie Dough Retail

BAME Business Leader: Farayi Gwenzi – Divine Healthcare Business Solutions

Female Business Leader: Danielle Neill – Danielle Neill Designs

Leader of Environmentally Sustainable Business: Kath Senior – EcoStardust

The Enterprising West of England programme supports SMEs across the West of England, is funded by The European Regional Development Fund and delivered in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, South Gloucestershire Council, Prince’s Trust and the YTKO Group.