The ceremony which was held earlier this week at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London is the biggest celebration for founders and their businesses in the UK.

Now celebrating its 12th year, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards is often described as “’The Grammys for Entrepreneurship’ and shines a spotlight on the individuals and businesses driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the UK economy. The awards honour remarkable stories of entrepreneurial success, perseverance, and vision.

The awards receive over 5,000 applications for the many categories available, with leaders and businesses who are shortlisted progressing to the grand ceremony held annually since 2012. 

The Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year category highlights individuals who have successfully navigated the initial stages of business and are now focused on rapidly expanding their operations. These fast-growth, scaling businesses are committed to economic growth; they drive job creation and boost revenue. These entrepreneurs are all about strategic scaling, operational efficiency, and building a solid foundation for sustained success.

Mark was awarded Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year thanks to notable achievements for Puredrive Energy, including being awarded the license to manufacture and distribute Duracell branded Energy Storage products for the residential and commercial markets.

The battery and solar solutions manufacturer launched the Duracell Energy ecosystem of products eight months ago in the UK. Since then, Mark and the Duracell Energy team have supported homeowners and small businesses in maximising their energy savings, expanding their product range into international territories including Benelux, and South Africa.

The suite of solar and battery solutions, including the Dura5 solar storage battery, present a unique opportunity for homeowners to take control of their energy usage, reduce their carbon footprint, and save on electricity bills through the latest technology and sustainable living.  

As a result of this success, the organisations employee numbers have seen a significant increase, now at over 70, demonstrating the growth of the organisation since the start of 2024.  

Mark Millar, CEO of Puredrive Energy, said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award, which reflects the exciting journey and growth path Puredrive Energy are currently embarked on. Entrepreneurship is about embracing challenges, driving innovation, and making a positive impact. This award is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our entire team.

“Together we’re building a market leading sustainable solution that maximises homeowners’ energy savings, increases grid independency, and cuts household emissions.    

Francesca James, Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, commented: "Every year, I’m in awe of the entrepreneurs who come through our programme, and this year is no different. The Great British Entrepreneur Awards continues to receive thousands of applications annually, reflecting the incredible strength of entrepreneurship across the UK. This year’s winners collectively generate over £3 billion in turnover and employ over 20,000 people. These extraordinary individuals are not only transforming industries but also uplifting communities and inspiring the next generation of business leaders."