I am thrilled to share some incredible news with you all! I'm Charlie Hiscox, the founder of uSports, and I'm excited to announce that I have recently been honored with the prestigious Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 award for the South East of England. It's truly a momentous occasion for us, and I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey.
To win this award on uSports' 6th birthday made the recognition all the more poignant!
About The Award
Recognised annually as one of the most prestigious accolades in the entrepreneurial world, The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards received over 5,000 applications this year alone.
A Triumph in a Highly Competitive Field
Making the shortlist is an achievement in its own right given the calibre of competition so to be recognised as a winner within these awards is a real honour.
Previous winner James Watt, founder of BrewDog, said that winning was "better than winning the World Cup." Steven Bartlett has gone as far as to dub the awards as "The Grammys of Entrepreneurship," highlighting the glamour and prestige associated with the event.
Judges
The awards are judged by a panel of some of the UK's most successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, including the founders of Specsavers, Poundland, and Innocent.
The Judges Commented on uSports & Charlie Hiscox
About The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards
The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrate and champion entrepreneurs across the UK, building communities to support their endeavours at various stages of their journey.
With stiff competition and a history of recognising businesses that become household names, the awards are a beacon of excellence in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Previous Winners
The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards have a strong track record of identifying exceptional entrepreneurs across nine nations and regions before they become household names. Beyond those mentioned in the release, previous winners include Johnny & Pauline Paterson of Dr PawPaw, Hannah & Sophie Pycroft of Spectrum Collections, Philip Belmont of Zilch, Justin Basini of ClearScore, Lizzie Carter of Only Curly, and Dave Linton of MadLUG. These entrepreneurs have been transformative forces in their respective sectors, paving the way for innovation and job creation.
About Charlie & The uSports Journey
A Journey of Growth and Passion
Six years ago, on the 21st of November, I founded uSports with a vision to make a positive impact on children's lives through sports coaching. Today, I am proud to say that uSports has not only grown into a successful business but has also become a community and school sports coaching provider, offering a range of services such as PE lessons, holiday camps, extra-curricular clubs, football training, and more for children.
Our dedicated team of over 100 coaches and office staff members has worked tirelessly to support thousands of children each week in over 100 schools and nurseries. Our team work dedicatedly to provide every child with a positive and enriching experience with sports. It's not just a job for us; it's a passion and a commitment to fostering a love for physical activity among the younger generation.
Expanding Horizons
What makes this award even more special is the fact that uSports has not only made a mark in Reading, Berkshire, where it all began but has also started expanding across the UK. Partner hubs in Welwyn and Bristol are now part of our growing uSports family, allowing us to reach even more children and communities.
Acknowledging Achievements
This award holds a special place in my heart, especially considering the incredible support we have received from the entire uSports team. It is not just a recognition of my efforts but a celebration of the dedication, hard work, and passion that each member of our team has invested in making uSports what it is today.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my wife, Steph, who is not only my life partner but also a crucial director in the business. Her unwavering support and dedication have played a pivotal role in our success. Without her, uSports wouldn't be where it is today.
Reflecting on Past Achievements
Winning the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for the Thames Valley in 2020 was a significant milestone for me, and to receive this new award for the South East of England is truly humbling. The South East, with its population of 9 million people, is a vibrant and diverse region, and it's an honor to be recognized as a young entrepreneur contributing to its growth and development.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Beyond uSports
But let me share a little secret – the success of uSports isn't just about uSports itself.
Entrepreneurship has been a part of my DNA from a young age. It's this passion for identifying opportunities and turning them into reality that has fueled not only the growth of uSports but various ventures beyond. In addition to our dedication to sports coaching, my wife Steph and I are property investors, always on the lookout for new opportunities and ways to diversify our portfolio. We believe that business involves seizing various opportunities, and this mindset has undoubtedly contributed to the size and success of uSports today.
Moreover, I am not just about running businesses; I am passionate about sharing my experiences and insights. I regularly deliver talks on leadership, drawing from my journey in business and entrepreneurship. If you or your organisation are interested in gaining valuable insights into leadership and hearing about my personal journey, get in touch with us and we can connect, share ideas, and inspire each other via a talk delivered to small or large groups.
Here's to the entrepreneurial spirit that drives us forward, to new opportunities, and to making a lasting impact!
Conclusion
As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities, the challenges that have shaped us, and the incredible individuals who have been part of the uSports team. This award is not just a testament to what we have achieved but an inspiration to continue our mission of making a positive impact on the lives of children through sports.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our story. Here's to the future, to more growth, more achievements, and most importantly, to the countless children whose lives we aim to enrich through sport.
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