FLOURISHING AND THRIVING: ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE EAST MIDLANDS

he East Midlands Real Entrepreneurs’ Awards ceremony was a symbol of the thriving businesses and innovation coming from the region.

Ten entrepreneurs won awards for their achievements in enterprise at the ceremony –which was held at Nottingham Business School on May 4 this year – each of them representing an industry they’ve stimulated change within, or a gap in the market they’ve carved their own puzzle piece to fill.

Among 2023’s winners are university professors, Members of the Order of the British Empire, charity pioneers, manufacturing innovators, disruptors to the professional coaching sector, and more.

Over 180 high-flying business owners from across the East Midlands came together at the Nottingham ceremony, giving the winners the perfect forum for their brands to be seen and heard outside of their home cities.

Hosted this year by BBC Radio Leicester presenter Jo Hayward, The Real Entrepreneurs’ Awards celebrates those who have started their own businesses, invented new products, successfully collaborated with others, or grown their businesses significantly.

dramatic rise in business start-ups during the coronavirus pandemic.

On the subject of businesses’ community impact, Stuart Darkins, President of UK Chamber of the Year 2023 East Midlands Chamber told business owners at their annual dinner in June: “We all live in places. Our customers live in places. Our staff live in places. And our loved ones live in places. Those places form communities. Set aside some serious, proper time during this year, to consider how the work of your organisation can most effectively support the various communities of which you’re a part. Think broadly. Without thriving communities, things become unstable, particularly for those with little or no economic power. Business does not thrive on instability.”

Real Entrepreneurs’ Club founders, Cross Productions, continually aim to instil economic confidence in its membership by drawing them together at dinners and round table discussions as a reminder of the innovative companies around us from which to draw inspiration. CEO of Cross Productions believes entrepreneurs add value to local economies and therefore, add value to local communities.

Words by Kerry Smith

Born off the back of the already popular East Midlands premier networking forum Real Entrepreneurs’ Club, the awarding body was created to promote, support and encourage entrepreneurship across the board after a

Jenny Cross, CEO of Cross Productions, which runs the club and its awards, said: “There’s no doubt that The Real Entrepreneurs’ Award winners will have an impact on their local communities and the next generation of workers and business owners.

“Our winners this year are exceptionally impressive, and it just goes to show just how flourishing and thriving entrepreneurship and the business community is across the East Midlands.”

“By creating confident foundations for entrepreneurs to thrive from and encourages collaboration with other businesses, East Midlands entrepreneurs will be well-versed in ways to support their local communities. Therefore, improving the chances of economic success for years to come.”

Jenny added: “This event wouldn’t have been possible without our passionate headline sponsor Fraser Stretton Property Group and without the help of entrepreneurs in the East Midlands who have helped promote it and came together last night to support others, which will in turn help local economies to grow.”

Headline sponsor Fraser Stretton Property Group was founded by husband-and-wife duo

Narinder Nijjar and Jaz Kaur. Considered allies to fellow entrepreneurs, the couple had promoted the awards across the Midlands, which has bolstered nominations from new sectors and industries.

They also sponsored and presented the most esteemed award of the night, the Entrepreneurs’ Entrepreneur award, which was won by prosthetics designer and manufacturer Kate Allan.

Narinder told us: “It was phenomenal to present Kate with her award. All the award winners have an incredibly bright future ahead of them and we’re looking forward to seeing them progress. When you’re in the room with them on the night, you understand how incredibly important events like these are. They build networks, instil confidence, inspire new ideas, and encourage collaboration.”

The judging panel consisted of successful East Midlands-based entrepreneurs Glynis Wright MBE of GW Growth Consultancy; Pattersons

Commercial Law Managing Director Rik Pancholi; Premier Logistics Client Relationship Manager Macauley Christopher; University of Derby Enterprise Development Manager Angela Tooley; and Lewis Stringer Senior Manager at UK Network - East and South-East Midlands (Midlands Engine Investment Fund).

The next Real Entrepreneurs’ Awards will take place on April 25, 2024. Nominations are currently open and close on November 1. Nominate at realentrepreneurs.co.uk.