Lancaster jewellery business owner named finalist in entrepreneur awards

A Lancaster businesswoman has been named as a finalist in the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Charlotte Needham is a finalist in the North West Young Entrepreneur of the Year category, and has been recognised for the growth of her business, The Promise Ring Co, since it was founded just 18 months ago.

Charlotte launched business to redefine the promise ring for modern life and to create a ‘Wearable Story’ for customers to have a physical reminder of the commitments they have made to themselves and loved ones.

Charlotte said: ‘’So proud to be shortlisted for Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

‘’I started The Promise Co. from my kitchen table with zero funding. It was just a product I believed in, a brand I could feel in my bones, and a baby on the way. I went all in - and I haven’t stopped to breathe since.

‘’18 months on, we’re worn by thousands across the world, built on 100% organic growth. And every day, we hear what our pieces mean to the people who wear them - what their promise stands for.

‘’This is for the women building something from nothing. The ones trusting their gut, chasing the idea that won’t leave them alone. The ones with fire in their chest and no intention of playing small.

‘’We’re not slowing down. We’re only just getting started.’’

Every year, the Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrate the most exceptional and inspiring business stories across the UK. The 2025 shortlist includes over 800 entrepreneurs from every nation and region of the UK, all recognised for their innovation, impact and resilience.

Past winners include the founders of BrewDog, Grenade, ClearScore, Zilch, Simmer Meals, D Louise and Unbiased.

Frankie James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: “We’re so proud to reveal this year’s shortlist, a truly remarkable group of founders who are changing lives and transforming industries.

"The quality of entries gets stronger every year, and it’s clear that the entrepreneurial spirit in the UK is more alive than ever.

“Many of our finalists go on to become household names, and we can’t wait to watch what this year’s cohort achieves next.”

Winners will be announced on Monday, November 17, in a ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House.