Communications agency founder Natalie Sherman has been named as one of the South West’s top entrepreneurs in a respected national awards scheme after being selected from more than 5,000 hopefuls.
Natalie, pictured, who launched Corsham-based social-first consultancy Naturally Social seven years ago, is a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
The specialist agency aims to make a difference in society by providing marketing expertise and resources to purpose-driven organisations such as charities and non-profits in the region.
Natalie is competing in the ‘Service Entrepreneur of The Year – South West’ category of the awards, which acknowledge and champion the hard work and uplifting stories of business owners across the UK, with an emphasis on their journey and resilience over financial achievements.
This year the awards, which are held in partnership with Starling Bank, attracted a record 5,300-plus entrants – the most since they were launched 10 years ago.
Twelve awards are presented in each region for categories, including Disruptor of the Year, Entrepreneur for Good, and the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year.
Notable winners from previous years include Social Chain founder Steven Bartlett, who went on to become the youngest ever investor on BBC’s Dragon’s Den.
Natalie, who earlier this year was included among the UK’s top businesswomen in the f:Entrepreneur ‘#ialso100’ campaign, said she was over the moon to be a finalist in the awards.
“Running a business is hard, so these moments of recognition give me the boost I need to continue. I’m also looking forward to celebrating with all the other nominees later in the year,” she added.
Since their launch, the awards’ alumni have collectively generated more than £30bn in revenue and employed more than 450,000 people.
Awards founder Francesca James said the quality of this year’s entrants exemplified the strength of entrepreneurship across the UK
“The quality of applications is consistently excellent year on year, but we have been especially blown away by the innovation, drive and determination demonstrated this year,” she said.
“Shortlisting from so many inspiring contenders has been more challenging than ever, with many deserving cases put forward and an ever-growing business community thriving across the country.
“From the pandemic to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, business owners haven’t had it easy over the past few years.
“But it’s a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of these entrepreneurs that they have continued on their path and refused to give in.
“This year’s finalists should be so proud of what they’ve already achieved both in business and in being shortlisted for an award – we’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the Finals and unveiling the winners.”
To mark the awards’ 10th anniversary, entrants will have the chance to win marketing support worth £30,000-plus, while a tree is being planted for every application submitted with the support environmental consultancy Ecologi.
The winners will be announced at a grand final to be held at London’s Grosvenor Hotel on 21 November.
