A Sutherland-based businesswoman has been shortlisted as Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards (GBEA).

Sandie Gordon, founder of Candles from the Croft has had an exceptional awards season after launching her business less than 18 months ago.

The GBEA often referred to as “Grammys of Entrepreneurship” celebrates the achievements of the UK’s most dynamic and innovative businesses.

Each year the awards receive thousands of applications, underscoring the competitive nature and high standard of the competition. This year’s shortlist showcases a combined turnover of nearly £2.9 billion and employs approximately 20,000 people, highlighting the critical role these businesses play in driving economic growth and innovation.

Sandie Gordon said: “We are incredibly honoured to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award at our stage in business and strive to offer the sustainable products while keeping them affordable. This is a real testament to our hard work and dedication over the first year of business.”

Jamie Fraser, CEO of JF Growth, shares his enthusiasm on the shortlist, stating “I am an advocate of entrepreneurship and growth. I have a passion to support young individuals to become the best version of who they want to be and achieve all their successes. I want to support the next generation in aspects I, myself, when I founded my first company at 22 was not supported with.”

Previous winners of the GBEA include the founders of BrewDog, MyEnergi, Xilch, Grenade, and ClearScore, who have gone on to become household names.

It is with thanks to the National and regional sponsors Allica Bank, Airwallex, Basket, Caudwell Children, de Novo Solutions, GiftRound, GS Verde Group, GS1 UK, Hoem Grown, JF Growth, Menzies, Randall Charitable Foundation, ScoreApp, TikTok, UBS Wealth Management, and Vestd that Great British Entrepreneur Awards has been able to celebrate the very best of Great British entrepreneurs for 12 years.

The awards ceremony will take place on Monday 18th November at Londons prestigious Grosvenor House, where winners in each category in each region will be announced. This event is in the largest entrepreneurial celebration in the UK, providing a platform for businesses to connect, celebrate and champion the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Francesca James, Founder of the GBEA stated, “The calibre of entries this year is truly outstanding. These entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy, and their stories are a testament to the incredible resilience and creativity of the UK’s business community. we are thrilled to recognise their achievements and support their continued growth.”

Allica Bank, the headline sponsor for this years awards, shares this commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success. “It has been a real honour to sponsor this years Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Hearing the inspiring stories from the incredible businesses that these awards champion really brings to life the important contribution that British Entrepreneurs make to our economy.” Says Conrad Ford, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Allica Banks.