The UK StartUp Awards was launched to recognise the booming startup scene across the UK which has accelerated over the last few years with 846,000 new businesses founded in the UK in 2024.

Over 750 businesses have been shortlisted for this year’s UK StartUp Awards and the contribution of these firms – all of which were started in the last three years – is significant, having created over 4,600 new jobs since they were established and generating annual sales of £200 million.

GK Financial Recruitment is an independent recruitment agency founded by Gemma Kentish in August 2024. Specialising in talent solutions within the FX, payments, and fintech markets in London and globally.  The business has been nominated for the Rising Start Startup of the Year Award in London.

Gemma Kentish, Founder of GK Financial Recruitment, said: "Being shortlisted so soon after launching is a real boost. I started GK Financial Recruitment to offer a more personal and values-led approach to financial recruitment. To have that vision recognised so early on and on such a respected platform is a great feeling and a real motivator for what’s next."

Supported nationally by Airwallex, Join Talent & V Rum, the programme will celebrate the achievements of the amazing individuals who have turned an idea into an opportunity and taken the risk to launch a new product or service.

The cohort of finalists will be considered for the regional prizes by a panel of seasoned judges with experience founding or supporting entrepreneurial ventures. The winners from each region will then be invited to the first UK final taking place at Ideas Fest, the Glastonbury for Business festival in Hertfordshire on 12th September 2025.

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the creator of the UK StartUp Awards, said: “New businesses are the driving force behind any thriving economy, generating employment, pioneering innovation, and contributing to prosperity across the UK. This year's finalists embody the very best of entrepreneurial spirit – spotting opportunities and, through dedication, skill, and resilience, turning them into thriving ventures that are making a tangible difference in their industries. More importantly, all the winners will go on to represent their region at the 2025 UK National StartUp Awards final later this year.”

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