Young Guns 2015 now open for business

Britain’s best and brightest young entrepreneurs are invited to apply for the Young Guns ‘Class of 2015’, to have their names listed alongside more than 400 high profile UK business leaders – including Holly Tucker MBE, co-founder of notonthehighstreet.com, and Innocent Drinks’ co-founder Richard Reed.

Launched by Growing Business today, this is the 13^th year for the awards, which names the entrepreneurs aged 35 and under behind some of the country’s 30 fastest growing companies. Sponsored by Keystone Law and haysmacintyre, Young Guns recognises founders who have disrupted industries or are innovators in their field.

Eligible entrepreneurs must:

• Be the founder, co-founder, managing director or CEO of a privately-owned busines
• Be aged 35 or under
• Run a company with turnover of at least £1m…
• Or have raised more than £250,000 in funding

The official class of 2015 will be announced this Autumn at Kensington Roof Gardens, as well as the Top Gun and Golden Gun titles.

The 2014 Top Gun title was awarded to founder of brand agency Champions plc, Matthew Hayes, who grew his company by 700% in six years, turning over £15m in 2013 – and counts such prestigious names as Rolex, Sky Sports and Sir Alex Ferguson as clients.

Last year also saw founder of Global Personals, Ross Williams, crowned the Keystone Law Golden Gun, having built a privately-owned dating firm with £50m revenues and a worldwide presence.

Commenting on the launch of the Young Guns awards, Growing Business editorial director Ian Wallis said: “We’re passionate about celebrating the best young talent the country has to offer and Young Guns offers a platform to showcase these outstanding entrepreneurs at the forefront of UK enterprise.

“With an alumni which dates back to 2003, we’ve been privileged to receive applications from some of the nation’s most unique, innovative and exciting companies, and we look forward to seeing the same calibre of entries for 2015.”

To apply for the 2015 Young Guns awards, click here.