Latest news with #Scale-UpEntrepreneuroftheYear
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Rutherglen firm shortlisted for prestigious Great British Entrepreneur Awards
Former professional basketball player Adam Pearce is the founder and director of Rutherglen-based Minerva Innovation Group. A former professional basketball player has been named a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards which recognises the most exciting, innovative and impactful entrepreneurs in the UK. Adam Pearce, founder and director of Rutherglen-based Minerva Innovation Group, has been shortlisted in the Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year category. The awards, sponsored by Allica Bank, are known as 'The Grammys of Entrepreneurship' and celebrate the most exceptional and inspiring business stories across the UK. In 2024, the R&D funding and tax specialists firm located at the Red Tree Magenta offices on Glasgow Road, scooped the SME News Business Elite Awards for the second year running. It recently trailblazed the industry by introducing equal parental rights - with all staff, regardless of gender, entitled to one year and five weeks off to be with their newborn babies. Mr Pearce 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's R&D tax consultants deal predominantly with small and medium-sized businesses. Their diverse clients include veterinary medicine and livestock farming, racehorse breeders, architecture, construction and engineering firms. And Mr Pearce added: '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 per cent of their turnover and 7.30 per cent of their wage bill.' This year's shortlist includes more than 800 entrepreneurs, all recognised for their innovation, impact and resilience. Past winners include the founders of BrewDog, Grenade, ClearScore, Zilch and Unbiased, many of whom were recognised early in their entrepreneurial. The term 'The Grammys of Entrepreneurship' was first coined by serial entrepreneur and Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett to describe the awards event which brings together 1500 entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders from all corners of the UK. 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, added: '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 prestigious awards ceremony on Monday, November 17, at London's Grosvenor House.
Glasgow Times
15-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Former Glaswegian pro basketball player up for top award
Adam Pearce, founder and director of Minerva Innovation Group in Glasgow, has been shortlisted in the Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year category. 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.
Glasgow Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow entrepreneur shortlisted for a prestigious award
Calvin Bannan, founder of Glasgow-based CB Services Group, has been selected as a finalist in the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards. The awards, often dubbed "The Grammys of Entrepreneurship," highlight the UK's most compelling business narratives. CB Services Group is part of an esteemed list of finalists who collectively employ more than 25,000 people across the UK, and expect to create over 9,000 new jobs in the upcoming year. Read more: STV presenter to host best-selling author's Glasgow book launch This year, more than 800 entrepreneurs have been shortlisted from regions across the UK, commended for their innovation, impact, and resilience. These finalists boast a combined turnover of £2.25 billion and an average business age of six years. Calvin, who is in the running for the Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year award, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be named a finalist. "It's an incredible honour to be recognised alongside some of the UK's most exciting and ambitious businesses. "This recognition is a huge testament to the hard work of our team and our mission to raise standards across the facilities management industry by delivering reliable, high-quality solutions that truly make a difference for our clients." Frankie James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, highlighted the calibre of this year's nominees. He said: "We're so proud to reveal this year's shortlist, a truly 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." Award winners will be revealed at a grand awards ceremony on Monday, November 17 at London's Grosvenor House, with more than 1,500 entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders expected to attend. The awards are supported by Allica Bank, who aim to champion small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK. Read more: Glasgow couriers wanted as Evri boosts delivery team Conrad Ford, chief product and strategy officer at Allica, said: "At Allica, 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 Great British Entrepreneur Awards for the third year in a row, recognising these outstanding business leaders who are not only demonstrating resilience in a challenging business environment but are paving the way for future entrepreneurs to follow."
The Independent
17-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
E2E 100 Female: how Universal Partners are empowering entrepreneurs and driving global success
Founded in 2017 by Oliver Carson and Dhaval Patel, Universal Partners is on a mission to empower businesses to thrive globally, offering tailored financial solutions for companies navigating complex international markets. With a commitment to inclusion and diversity, Universal Partners has become a trusted partner for female entrepreneurs. Spotlight on Universal Partners' Visionary Leadership Universal Partners' Co-founders, Oliver Carson and Dhaval Patel, have led the company's success. Their combined expertise in finance, business strategy, and innovation has been instrumental in shaping the company's upward trajectory and fostering a culture of excellence. Both are deeply committed to supporting entrepreneurs and empowering them with the tools needed to navigate the challenges of international business. Oliver Carson, CEO and Co-Founder Oliver Carson is the driving force behind Universal Partners. As CEO and co-founder, he has built the company from its beginnings in his living room to becoming a global leader in financial services. His client-centric approach has been instrumental in establishing Universal Partners as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide. Oliver's focus on fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace has earned Universal Partners industry-wide recognition, including being named in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. His belief in the power of a motivated and diverse team has been a key factor in the company's continued growth and success. Dhaval Patel, Chairman and Co-Founder Dhaval Patel, Chairman and Co-founder Dhaval Patel's leadership has played an equally critical role in the company's success. As chairman and co-founder, Dhaval has led Universal Partners with a focus on innovation and strategic growth. His personal journey as an entrepreneur and story of overcoming early challenges is both inspiring and a testament to his resilience and dedication. Dhaval's focus on empowering clients and driving sustainable growth has positioned Universal Partners as a leader in the financial services industry. His leadership has been acknowledged through various accolades, including being shortlisted for the 2023 Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year category. Universal Partners: A Financial Powerhouse for Women Entrepreneurs Universal Partners recognises the unique challenges entrepreneurs face. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in their client-focused approach, offering the expertise and resources needed to overcome barriers. From its beginning, Universal Partners has supported female-led businesses, offering bespoke services that ensure entrepreneurs have access to the best financial tools available. Their deep understanding of the challenges women face allows them to provide solutions making a tangible difference. By supporting female entrepreneurs, Universal Partners plays a key role in supporting gender diversity in the business landscape. Tailored Financial Solutions Female entrepreneurs often face a lack of access to traditional funding pathways, which can hinder their ability to scale their businesses. Universal Partners steps in to bridge this gap, offering tailored financial solutions designed to meet their specific needs: • Flexible Funding Solutions: Providing investment opportunities that align with the goals and growth potential of high-growth businesses. These customised funding solutions ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to the capital they need to take their businesses to the next level. • Foreign Exchange Expertise: Expanding internationally can be a daunting task for many businesses, but Universal Partners' foreign exchange services make it easier for entrepreneurs to engage in cross-border trade. They enable businesses to expand globally without facing the high fees and challenges associated with traditional banking channels. • Strategic Financial Advisory: Beyond just offering financial products, Universal Partners provides expert guidance and advice to entrepreneurs. Their strategic advisory services help business leaders make informed decisions about investments, operations, and international growth, ensuring that their business is poised for long-term success. Driving Economic Growth Through Women-Led Businesses As global economies continue to evolve, female-led businesses have been key drivers of innovation and economic growth. Universal Partners is dedicated to supporting this by providing the financial tools, advisory services, and cross-border expertise that entrepreneurs need to succeed. Their mission is to foster an inclusive business ecosystem where women entrepreneurs are empowered, both locally and internationally. The company's unwavering commitment to inclusion is further demonstrated by its focus on creating opportunities for female-led businesses to thrive. Universal Partners works closely with clients to identify growth opportunities, optimise cash flow, and provide the resources necessary to scale their operations globally. Universal Partners: A Partner in the Future of Women Entrepreneurs Universal Partners has established itself as a financial powerhouse. By offering innovative financial services, expert advisory support, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by female-led businesses, Universal Partners continues to celebrate gender equality in the business world. Whether through strategic funding, global opportunities, or personalised financial guidance, Universal Partners is committed to helping businesses thrive on the world stage.
