FAQs

How do I apply to be a Young Gun 2018?

Once applications open on Tuesday 1 May, you simply enter your details in our online application form. If you are successful you will be contacted.

What is the deadline for applications?

Applications will open on Tuesday 1 May 2018 and we need to receive your application by midnight on 1 June 2018.

How much does it cost to apply?

It’s free to apply.

If I am shortlisted – what happens next?

Should you make it to the shortlist stage; we will contact you regarding your entry and conduct a formal telephone interview with the business owner or other nominated contact. This interview will help us to select our final 30 Young Guns Class for 2018 This process will take place in July. If you have not heard from us by the end of July, you have not been shortlisted.

How will I know if I have been selected as a Young Gun 2018?

You will be contacted by email and/or telephone by the end of July.

What happens if I do make it into the Young Gun class of 2018?

You will be invited to attend a photo shoot in September at an exclusive London location, followed by a networking lunch to celebrate the achievement of the final 30. The overall Top Gun 2018 and Golden Gun 2018 will also be announced.

Who are the judges?

Entrants will be judged by Growing Business’ editorial director Ian Wallis, Startups.co.uk and Growing Business projects editor Megan Dunsby, and representatives from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking and chartered accountants haysmacintyre.

What criteria do we need to meet?

Applications are welcomed from individuals meeting the following criteria:

1. You must be aged 35 or under
2. You must be the founder, co-founder, managing director, CEO of a privately-owned business
3. You should be running a company with a turnover in excess of £1m with fantastic growth potential and/or will have raised £1m plus
4. Your business should employ between 5-500 staff
5. Able to demonstrate a unique or outstanding proposition, proven in its market and that has experienced considerable success
6. You must not be running a lifestyle business (one not created for growth) or a micro business

Can I get feedback if I’m unsuccessful?

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants due to the volume of applications. However, we will endeavour to share feedback on request.

How many Young Guns are there?

There will be 30 Young Guns in 2018 and one overall haysmacintyre Top Gun. There will also be a Golden Gun accolade awarded to a Young Guns alumni member.

What do we get out of it?

The public relations opportunities available for finalists and winners are excellent. The Young Guns will also be featured on the home page of Growingbusiness.co.uk in September and will be part of an online special feature on the site.

You will be able to attend the Young Guns networking lunch in September which provides you with the unique opportunity to mix and mingle with other young entrepreneurs, business journalists and sponsors. You will also be able to attend all future alumni networking evenings.

Where and when is the Young Guns networking lunch being held?

The Young Guns networking lunch will take place in September at an esteemed London venue. Watch this space for further announcements around the venue!

Will I have to pay to attend the lunch?

No, the lunch is free.

If you have a question that isn’t answered here please contact henry.williams@mvfglobal.com or georgia.garofalo@mvfglobal.com.

To ensure that you are recognised as a Young Gun in 2018, you’ll need to return your application form to us by Friday 1 June 2017. Entry is completely free of charge so you have nothing to lose.

Entries open on 1 May 2018 and we look forward to hearing from you!