A Brereton-based marketing start-up which launched during lockdown has been named a finalist in two categories in the Midlands StartUp Awards.
Peacock Digital Marketing was founded by Kirsty Nelms in 2020 and has been shortlisted for Creative StartUp of the Year, and Marketing, Advertising and PR StartUp of the Year.
The StartUp Awards was launched last year to recognise the booming startup scene across the UK which has accelerated since the pandemic.
Over 800,000 new businesses were founded in the UK since 2021, a 4.3 per cent increase from the year before.
A record number of businesses applied to this year’s StartUp Awards, with 1,100 firms shortlisted across 10 UK nations and regions.
The contribution of these firms – all of which were started in the last three years – resulted in over 5,000 new jobs since they were established and generated annual sales of £584 million.
Kirsty, 33, said: “I was shocked to see I’d been shortlisted in not one, but two categories! While my clients are a lovely bunch and always let me know they appreciate my work, it’s honestly just nice to have my efforts recognised externally too.
“Starting your own business is hard. It’s especially hard doing that alone, and even harder during a global pandemic.
“I’ve been really inspired by other founders, and I hope these stories help to give someone else the inspiration they need to get going.”
The cohort of finalists will be considered for the regional prizes by a panel of seasoned judges with experience founding or supporting entrepreneurial ventures.
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the creator of the StartUp Awards, said: “Start-up businesses are the lifeblood of any economy, being responsible for new jobs, innovation and supporting communities in every nation and region across the UK.
“All the finalists this year represent the best of those entrepreneurs who have spotted an opportunity and through their sheer hard work, talent and perseverance, have created an amazing new business that is creating real impact in its sector.”
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Birmingham on 18 May.
Applications for the Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards remain open until Friday, 31 March. Submit a free and fast application for your business, here.
