Site icon Business Manchester

Celebrating Innovators UK’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

Celebrating Innovators UK s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

The UK Business Tech Awards shine a light on pioneering figures in technology.

These awards highlight entrepreneurs who are redefining the tech industry, fostering growth and innovation.

Highlighting the UK’s Tech Pioneers

The UK Business Tech Awards bring to the fore the innovative talents shaping the technological landscape. This prestigious event celebrates individuals and enterprises that have made remarkable strides in tech, impacting both local and international markets.

Among the most coveted awards is the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year,’ spotlighting remarkable leaders who have demonstrated exceptional foresight, leadership, and innovation in their respective sectors.

Ian O’Rourke: The Visionary Behind Adthena

Ian O’Rourke, founder and CEO of Adthena, has been a pivotal figure in the tech industry for over two decades. His leadership has positioned Adthena as a key player in competitive intelligence, scaling operations to the global stage.

Since its inception in 2012, Adthena has achieved over 100% growth, fuelled by strategic investments, including backing from Candy Crush entrepreneur Mel Morris. O’Rourke’s focus on building a ‘good company’ is evidenced by his robust New Leaders Programme and company-wide offsite objectives.

O’Rourke’s commitment extends beyond corporate success, actively volunteering with Founders for Schools to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Jacyn Heavens: Championing Innovation with EPOS Now

Jacyn Heavens, the brain behind EPOS Now, revolutionised the point-of-sale industry by creating an affordable, cloud-based solution. His vision transformed an industry previously dominated by costly and complex systems.

From a small room above his bar, Heavens built a company that now serves over 30,000 businesses across 109 countries. His entrepreneurial spirit earned EPOS Now a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation in 2016.

Through partnerships with educational institutions, Heavens actively fosters the next generation of tech leaders, facilitating graduate programmes and workshops.

Kevin Jabou: Innovating Beverage Experience

Kevin Jabou’s journey with Kaelo epitomises innovation and resilience. Betting his future on a unique integrated wine cooler concept, Jabou’s invention has reached international markets, revolutionising beverage cooling solutions.

His method involved crafting over 300 prototypes across seven years, showcasing relentless dedication to quality and innovation.

The company culture at Kaelo thrives on wellness initiatives and personal development programmes, embodying Jabou’s philosophy of a supportive work environment.

Louis-James Davis: Securing the Digital Future

At the helm of VST Enterprises, Louis-James Davis is pioneering secure consumer interactions with his VCode technology. His work is pivotal in addressing counterfeit goods and currency counterfeiting globally.

Davis’s remarkable journey from a sole web developer to a tech ambassador speaks volumes of his entrepreneurial acumen.

His dedication extends to philanthropic efforts as an ambassador for various health and education initiatives, reflecting his commitment to societal advancement.

Davis’s role as a global tech ambassador underscores his influence in shaping digital security solutions.

Judging Excellence in Tech Entrepreneurship

The evaluation of these entrepreneurs is conducted by a distinguished panel, including notable figures such as David Hardman MBE and Elizabeth Clark, ensuring the integrity and prestige of the awards.

The judging process not only recognises innovation but also a commitment to societal impact, setting a benchmark for aspiring tech leaders.

These awards are a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit driving the UK’s tech sector, inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of possibility.


The UK Business Tech Awards underscore the relentless innovation and leadership driving the tech sector. Recognising these entrepreneurs not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires future disruptors.

As these leaders continue to shape the tech landscape, their stories serve as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, reinforcing the value of creativity and perseverance in the pursuit of progress.

Exit mobile version