We are so pleased and proud to announce that Sue Howorth, founder of The Family Business Network Ltd has been shortlisted for the 2018 NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Entrepreneurs’ Champion of the Year category. The category celebrates those who nurture, support and encourage entrepreneurs’ growth, success and development.

Sue beat off some tough competition in order to make the regional shortlist, with a record number of businesses entering the awards nationally across the wide range of categories. Sue’s application centred on her work through The Family Business Network which connects and celebrates family run firms across the North.

Now in its sixth year, the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards has celebrated some amazing entrepreneurs over the years, many of whom are now household names. Past winners include David Buttress of Just Eat, Julie Deane OBE of The Cambridge Satchel Company, James Watt of BrewDog and most recently, Hannah and Sophie Pycroft of Spectrum Collections.

Sue said “I am absolutely thrilled to be a finalist, for me to be recognised at this level and alongside other such fantastic finalists is genuinely humbling. To receive acknowledgement for my work with family businesses is a tremendous honour, especially as I enjoy what I do so much.”

Creator of the Awards, Francesca James, said: “We have been inundated with some incredible entries this year, and all shortlisted applicants should be extremely proud of themselves! This year has yet again seen a record number of entrants and we’ve been absolutely blown away by the strength and diversity of applications.”

“We cannot wait to celebrate entrepreneurship across Great Britain with them, and put a spotlight on the incredible talent within the British entrepreneur ecosystem.”

Gordon Merrylees, Head of Entrepreneurship at NatWest said: “Following another record-breaking year, I want to thank all of the entrepreneurs who entered and congratulate those who have been shortlisted, I look forward to seeing them at the regional finals.”

“Entrepreneurial spirit is still clearly alive and well, and NatWest is thrilled to be able to continue to support these awards to celebrate success with the businesses that are the lifeblood of the UK Economy as they start, scale and succeed.”

The NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards will celebrate entrepreneurship across a number of categories at 5 gala finals across the UK, including; Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester & London. You can find more information about the awards and the ceremonies here: www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com.