Melksham entrepreneurs are GB awards finalist

TWO Melksham entrepreneurs who pursued their dreams and launched their own business during the Covid pandemic have been named as a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2022. 

Daniel Jenkins and Shane Keeley left the security of their jobs in 2020, while the country was getting locked down, to embarked on a career change and started up HyGYM in their garages.  

Their aim was to meet the growing demand for affordable home gym and fitness equipment.  

Now, the Melksham-based company has been recognised as one of the best in the business, after being named as a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. 

HyGYM is one of the shortlisted businesses from across the nation to have been selected out of over 5,300 entrants – the most the awards has ever seen since they began 10 years ago. 

Daniel said, “It’s extremely heart-warming considering the efforts of everyone behind HyGYM to get recognised on one of the biggest stages for celebrating business success.” 

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, in partnership with Starling Bank, acknowledges and champions the hard work and uplifting stories of business owners across the UK, with an emphasis on their journey and resilience over financial achievements. 

Twelve awards will be given out per region for categories including Disruptor of the Year, Entrepreneur for Good Award, and the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year.  

Francesca James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards said, “From the pandemic to the ongoing cost of living crisis, business owners haven’t had it easy over the past few years, but it’s a testament to their tenacity and perseverance that they have continued on their path and refused to give in. 

“This year’s finalists should be so proud of what they’ve already achieved, both in business and in being shortlisted for an award.” 

The winners will be announced at a Grand Final, held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on 21st November. 

This year is the 10th anniversary of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. The alumni has collectively generated over £30billion in revenue and employed more than 450,000 people. 

To mark the milestone year for the programme, entrants will have the chance to win over £30,000 worth of marketing support, and a tree will be planted for every application submitted with the support of Ecologi.

Pictured:  HyGYM Daniel Jenkins (left) and Shane Keeley (right).