The founders of Power Sheds, Jack Sutcliffe and Simon Hobson, have been named Disruptors of the Year for the north westat the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
Power Sheds, based on the Euroway Trading Estate in Bradford, manufactures garden sheds, potting sheds and bike sheds.
Now in its eighth year, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in partnership with Starling Bank celebrate the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs in the UK, rather than the business’ balance sheet.
The category looked for purpose-driven pioneers of change who spot the gaps and problem areas in markets to bring solutions that make our lives better – someone who brings unique, alternative products and practices that improve their sector and disrupt the status quo.
With Covid-19 restrictions preventing the regional finals taking place at a live event, Jack and Simonwon the award during a virtual award ceremony joined by finalists across every region.
In a video message to finalists, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “Entrepreneurs have shown they stay strong, even during a global pandemic. Coronavirus hasn’t stifled enterprise.
“Entrepreneurs are creating new businesses and adapting to the crisis, as seen in this year’s entries. And that’s what we need to happen if we want our economy to bounce back. We need all of you to keep inventing, keep taking risks, keep creating new businesses.
“It’s my job as Chancellor to celebrate, champion and support you.
“Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you to all of you for everything you’ve done.”
Francesca James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: “Jack and Simon have a wonderful entrepreneurial story and I’m delighted for them to win this award. I’ll be keeping a very close eye on what they do in the years to come and look forward to welcoming them to the community.”
Anne Boden, founder and CEO of Starling Bank, said: “We’re entrepreneurs and we have spirit. We fight back and we’re very good at dealing with adversity. And Jack and Simon are an example to us all, of entrepreneurs that are creative, innovative, and changing the world.
“I’m so excited that Starling, a business I founded in 2014 and now the Best British Bank, is sponsoring such an important Awards. And as one entrepreneur to another, congratulations to getting where you are this evening and best of luck for the future.”
The winners of each category will now go to the National Final of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, with a date to be announced due to restrictions on large events.
