Former Glaswegian pro basketball player up for top award
The awards, sponsored by Allica Bank, celebrate outstanding business achievements across the UK and have been described as "The Grammys of Entrepreneurship" by Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett.
Past winners include the founders of BrewDog, Grenade, ClearScore, Zilch, and Unbiased.
Read more: Glasgow business founder shortlisted for 'Grammys of entrepreneurship'
Adam, a former professional basketball player with Glasgow Rocks (now Caledonia Gladiators), said: "It's an incredible honour to be recognised alongside some of the UK's most exciting and ambitious businesses and is testament to the hard work of our team and the high standards we set ourselves to deliver sources of R&D funding, namely tax relief, for our clients."
Minerva Innovation Group specialises in research and development (R&D) funding and tax relief for small and medium-sized businesses.
The company recently won the SME News Business Elite Awards for the second consecutive year and has made headlines for introducing an industry-leading parental leave policy.
All staff, regardless of gender, are entitled to one year and five weeks of leave to spend with their newborn children.
Adam said: "Our expertise comes from understanding the finance and the complex processes around research funding regulations.
"So many different businesses can benefit from R&D grants and tax relief without having to spend all their business hours on R&D.
'Short-term initiatives to improve the delivery of services or the development of goods also qualify under the legislation if there is an 'appreciable' improvement. It doesn't have to be significant and is not limited to laboratories or scientists.
'On average, our clients can generate cash benefits equal to 2.72% of their turnover and 7.30% of their wage bill.'
The 2024 finalist cohort includes more than 800 entrepreneurs who collectively employ over 25,000 people across the UK, with plans to create more than 9,000 new jobs in the coming year.
Read more: New 10-year strategy aims to get Glaswegians more active
Conrad Ford, chief product and strategy officer at Allica Bank, said: "We're consistently inspired by the energy and strength of UK SMEs.
"This year's finalists – from early-stage start-ups to established and family businesses – represent a vital force in the British economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and making a real difference in their communities.
'We're proud to support the awards, recognising outstanding business leaders who are not only demonstrating resilience in a challenging business environment but are paving the way for future entrepreneurs to follow."
Frankie James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: "This year's shortlist are a remarkable group of founders who are changing lives and transforming industries.
"The quality of entries gets stronger every year, and it's clear that the entrepreneurial spirit in the UK is more alive than ever.
'Many of our finalists go on to become household names, and we can't wait to watch what this year's cohort achieves next.'
Winners will be announced at a ceremony on November 17 at Grosvenor House in London.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Dragons' Den judges called my idea ‘a disaster' & ‘delusional' – now it's worth £40m & I'm opening 100 new restaurants
The popular pasta chain is already set to have almost a dozen outlets in southern England by the end of summer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ENTREPRENEUR whose restaurant idea was rejected as "a disaster" on Dragons' Den is set to open 100 new outlets of his popular chain. Alessandro Savelli, who co-founded Pasta Evangelists and currently serves as its CEO, says the chain is aiming to become the UK's "fastest-growing, casual dining hot spot". Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Pasta Evangelists was panned by business experts on Dragons' Den in 2018 Credit: BBC 5 Now, the company is worth millions of pounds and is aiming to open 100 new restaurants across the UK Credit: Pasta Evangelists - Supplied 5 The co-founders had asked for a £75,000 investment for a 2.5 per cent stake in the company during their appearance on the BBC show Credit: BBC Now worth around £40 million, Pasta Evangelists was rejected on Dragons' Den by business experts in 2018 when Savelli and co-founder Finn Lagun asked for a £75,000 investment for a 2.5 per cent cut of the company. Dragon Jenny Campbell even called Finn "delusional" and "a disaster" during their pitch. However, the entrepreneurs have no doubt had the last laugh as their business is now set for major expansion. Pasta Evangelists says it will invest £30 million into new restaurants, creating up to 1,500 jobs. It hopes to open 100 new restaurants across the UK in the next five years, including in the south of England, the Midlands, and Scotland. The company is also aiming to develop a "Pasta Apprenticeship" scheme to attract new staff and help the current workforce develop new skills and knowledge, reports The Grocer. Savelli said: "The demand for our fresh, beautifully cooked artisan pasta is growing. "Our intention is to become the UK's fastest-growing, casual dining hot spot and the hottest place to eat for pasta lovers of all ages. "Sustainable growth has always been our plan. "The hospitality industry is going through tough times at the moment, but we are confident that our business model is robust and dynamic, and the proof of this is we have already bucked the trend with the confirmed opening of five more restaurants in the space of three months, and more to come." Pasta Evangelists enter Dragons Den The chain opened a restaurant in Farringdon, central London, this summer as well as its first outside of the capital in Guildford in July. Three new London locations are set to open in the coming weeks, helping carry the total number of outlets to 11 as we head into autumn. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the plans were "great news" and highlighted the "dynamism and resilience of British businesses". The restaurant has had a remarkable success story since its Dragons' Den miss. Recalling their appearance on the BBC show, Finn said he was "shaking life a leaf" before walking out to pitch his business. He added that he was left devastated by the business experts' "vicious" comments. Speaking to The Sun in 2023, he said: "I never would have expected to be called a 'disaster' or 'delusional' on national TV - they were vicious things to say to a young entrepreneur. 'To use that kind of language against a young, passionate person was dismaying. I would never talk to any young entrepreneur like that." Despite their lack of faith in the business, the Dragons are no doubt feeling red in the face now as Pasta Evangelists is one of the UK's biggest fresh pasta companies. It has also earned the highest praise from many voices, including chef Gordon Ramsay. SCARRED BY EXPERIENCE ON DRAGONS' DEN While Pasta Evangelists has gone on to huge success, Finn says he's still scarred by his experience in the Den. "We received an extremely strong, negative, visceral reaction," he says. 'I was 24 years old when I went on Dragons' Den, so for a seasoned entrepreneur like Jenny Campbell to call me 'delusional' and a 'disaster' was so vicious... Jenny was savage. 'At one point she said, 'I like it' and I replied, 'Thank you', only for her to say, 'I like it because it's a brilliant business lesson in how not to set up and run a business'. 'I was mortified, I felt like an idiot having grinned at her and thanked her. She was deliberately trying to take me for a ride for entertainment.' Finn adds: 'I don't want to sound like the Virgin Mary but if the tables were turned and I was Jenny Campbell, I would have apologised. 'If I saw the business had turned into the UK's biggest pasta company in a few years I'd say, 'Well done, you defied expectations' and maybe even offer a little contrition or an apology.' 5 Finn Lagun said he was left scarred by his experience on the show Credit: BBC
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
UK pasta chain with 'carbonara of dreams' is expanding with 300 restaurants plan
When the Pasta Evangelists team appeared on Dragons' Den in 2018, the dragons told them they were 'delusional' and that their idea was a 'disaster'. Flash forward to 2025 and the pasta company has just revealed major expansion plans, with a goal of having 100 restaurants across the UK in the next five years and 300 globally in the longer-term. The company's first dedicated restaurant, a pasta emporium, opened in Richmond last summer with self-serve wine machines, a chef handmaking pasta in the window and some delicious dishes. Following that, they opened seven other restaurants in areas such as Greenwich, Guildford and Manchester Airport. Now co-founders Alessandro Savelli, Finn Lagun and Chris Rennoldson are looking to invest more than £30 million in even more locations. The team started Pasta Evangelists in a basement in London in 2016 and it went on to become a successful delivery business. The aim was to bring fresh pasta, just like Alessandro's Italian nonna used to make, to British kitchens. They've since gone on to launch 47 takeaway units, a pasta bar in Harrods as well as pasta academies where they share their secrets. Along the way they've garnered support from top chefs like Prue Leith and Gordon Ramsay and online fans have hailed the food as 'incredible', 'spectacular' and 'delicious'. The chain's carbonara in particular is a hit with customers, who have claimed it's 'the best carbonara' and the 'carbonara of dreams'. Speaking about the expansion plans, Alessandro told the Times he wants Pasta Evangelists to become 'the UK's fastest-growing, casual dining spot'. More Trending The plan is to 'flip' a number of the dark kitchens they already own – these are spaces where professional food is prepared and cooked solely for delivery or takeaway purposes, with no store-front or dine-in area. The business will also be looking to specifically target the South of England, Midlands and Scotland in the UK for new restaurants, creating up to 1,500 new jobs. View More » And a 'Pasta Apprenticeship' scheme is also in the works, to help staff develop culinary and hospitality skills. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Walkers is launching two permanent new crisp flavours for first time in decades MORE: Lidl just launched three 'divine' new bakery items — starting from 79p MORE: I ate at the UK's most popular seaside restaurant to see if it lives up to the hype Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Worcester high-rise flats fail to meet fire safety standards
Three high-rise buildings in Worcester have failed to meet fire safety standards after they were reassessed following concerns about a former contractor. Henwick House, Cripplegate House and Severn House at St Clements Close were built in 1969 and are operated by housing association Platform Housing Group. The not-for-profit organisation commissioned the checks, which identified issues with the external wall systems, as part of a UK sector-wide response to fire safety assessments issued by Tri Fire Ltd. The BBC has contacted Tri Fire Ltd for comment. According to Platform Housing Group, Tri Fire Ltd is no longer recognised by professional fire safety bodies. It comes after the firm's director Adam Kiziak was placed under investigation for potential malpractice by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) - which suspended him in August 2024.A spokesperson for Platform Housing Group said independent fire safety experts and Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority had confirmed the three buildings remained safe to live in, with the support of additional and temporary safety measures that are now in temporary safety measures that have been introduced, include:A 24/7 on-site fire safety support team, staffed by trained personnel to provide constant monitoring, reassurance and emergency readinessThe temporary closure of the Sky Lounge at Cripplegate House, due to its top-floor location and usage by residents with limited mobilityDaytime-only mobility scooter charging, introduced as a cautious step to further minimise fire risk during overnight hoursA review and update of the emergency evacuation plan for all residents with known mobility issues and additional needs The Platform Housing Group spokesperson said: "All affected residents have been informed through direct communication, face-to-face support, and dedicated drop-in sessions on-site. "Platform is also working closely with Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority, local authority partners, and elected representatives to keep all stakeholders informed." 'Our top priority' Platform Housing Group's chief executive Elizabeth Froude said: "Safety is and always will be our top priority. "That's why we've reassessed these buildings, and are now putting in place measures to keep our residents safe and supported."These buildings remain safe to live in, and we're working hand-in-hand with the Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority to ensure our residents have clear information, practical reassurance and a consistent presence on site."Group Commander Deb Davies, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We're continuing to work closely with Platform Housing Group as they respond proactively to recent fire safety findings. "The additional temporary measures being introduced are precautionary steps that support customer safety." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
