About the Awards

Local, national, international and environmental awards

We're looking for the best young businesses from across the UK including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Once we’ve got all the nominations in, we'll pick a winner from each of 10 regions to go through to our national final:

  • Central London
  • East
  • Greater London
  • Midlands
  • North East
  • North West & Northern Ireland
  • Scotland
  • South East
  • South West
  • Wales

But we're not just looking for the best overall business. We're also inviting nominations for our Green and International Awards.

Start-Up Stars Green Award

Green Award

We're looking for candidates with a specific focus on environmental issues, who can demonstrate:

  • a proven innovative approach to climate control
  • energy consumption and conservation - this could be a new product with superb green credentials
  • an innovative way to reduce the impact of a business on the environment or a business that is dedicated to conserving dwindling energy resources.

Watch a video of the 2009 Green Award finalists

Start-Up Stars International Award

International Awards

We’re inviting nominations for businesses that have applied vision and enterprise to expand into international markets. Candidates will have demonstrated the ability to create and implement innovative marketing strategies that are leading to proven growth and international trading success, either in Europe or beyond.

Watch a video of the 2009 International Award finalists

Start-Up Stars 2010 timeline

10th May - 13th June: Nominations accepted
10th May - 25th June: Entries accepted
July: Regional Judging Panels meet to select regional winners
July: International and Green Judging Panels meet to select International and Green finalists
September: National Judging Panel meets to select national category winners
18th October: National Start-Up Stars Awards ceremony at London’s Dorchester Hotel

Watch a video of highlights from Star-Up Stars 2009.

Start-Up Stars Supporters

NFEA

“There is no question in my mind that our nation’s small businesses will lead the way out of recession, and that the creativity, innovation, dynamism and sheer will to win that small businesses demonstrate serves as an example to their larger neighbours. NFEA, the national enterprise network, has member organisations delivering business support to new and emerging businesses up and down the country and we are constantly inspired by the success stories coming out of the small business community. HSBC Start-Up Stars is a great initiative and a great opportunity and I send my best wishes to all the entrants.”

George Derbyshire
NFEA Chief Executive

British Chambers of Commerce

“The importance of these Awards cannot be overstated.

“These latest Awards come at a time when society is questioning where economic growth will come from.

“It is the view of the BCC that it will have to be business that drives the economy over the coming years. We will need more businesses, more start-ups and a real emphasis on business growth. A focus on Enterprise will be required in every region and part of the UK.

“These HSBC Start-Up Star Awards recognise the success of entrepreneurs across the country, vital at a time when so much is being asked of the business community. The British Chambers of Commerce is only too pleased to support this celebration of business achievement.”

David Frost
Director-General
British Chambers of Commerce

Forum of Private Business

“The Forum of Private Business is pleased to support HSBC’s Start-Up Star Awards. It is important we recognise just how crucial starting and growing new businesses can be for the UK’s economic wellbeing – in celebrating the achievements of start-up businesses these awards acknowledge exactly that.

“Regardless of whether it is a budding entrepreneur starting a business for the first time or an established business owner, getting a company off the ground is rarely easy.

“That is why the Forum is committed to supporting small businesses in a variety of ways, and why it is backing these four awards, which collectively recognise the value of UK entrepreneurship.”

Federation of Small Businesses

“As the UK’s leading business organisation, the Federation of Small Businesses is delighted to be associated with this year’s HSBC Start-Up Stars awards. The UK economy is going through a difficult phase and we all need to support, encourage and inspire as many people as possible to set-up, run and grow their own business. There are over 4.8 million small businesses, employing over 13 million workers. Such impressive figures must be continually added to and HSBC is to be congratulated in recognising and running these awards, now in their 10th year. Awards like this are highly motivating not just to the winners but to all who enter - Good Luck!”

John Walker
National Chairman
Federation of Small Businesses

“Britain has long been known and admired for its enterprise and entrepreneurial behaviour - and the economy is going to need even more of this as we recover from the recession. The sort of talent, innovation and commitment displayed by those entering the Start-Up Stars Awards is testimony to what can be achieved. The Awards are a brilliant way of showcasing ideas and raising the profile of your company with potential investors, customers and suppliers. So good luck to everyone who enters - this could be just the stepping stone you need.”

Richard Lambert
Director-General, CBI

KnowledgeCentre

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Startup Stars Home James Perkins and Adam Godyer, Concert Live, Start-Up Stars overall winner 2007

We were delighted to win this prestigious award. Not only did it give us national recognition for three years of hard work, it also created many new business opportunities. It’s been the highlight of our business career so far - and by far the most entertaining awards ceremony we’ve attended!

James Perkins and Adam Godyer, Concert Live, Start-Up Stars overall winner 2007

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