Gemz By Emz wins Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards!

Emma Thomson, Founder of Gemz By Emz Triumphs at The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards

23rd November, London — Emma Thomson, founder of Gemz By Emz has been awarded Maker and Creator of the year for the eastern region at The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

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, underlining the significance of Gemz By Emz's win.

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.

The judges commented:

"Gemz By Emz presents a truly touching story of personal triumph and heartfelt congratulations for Emma in turning it into a thriving business that positively impacts mental health. The judges are impressed by the resilience and determination shown by the founder in overcoming adversity.”

Francesca James, founder of The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said:

“I am thrilled to witness the extraordinary achievements of this year's winners. Their success stories are a testament to the dynamic and innovative spirit that thrives within UK entrepreneurship. These inspiring entrepreneurs embody the creativity, determination, and passion that are at the heart of our nation's business success. Their accomplishments not only celebrate their own journeys but also light the way for future generations of innovators and business leaders”.

Richard Davies, CEO of Allica Bank, commented:

“It has been a real honour to sponsor this year’s GBEA awards. Hearing the inspiring stories from this year’s winners really brings to life the important contribution British entrepreneurs make to our economy. At Allica, we couldn’t be more excited to see such a talented group of individuals making their mark in the business world and we'll be keeping a close eye on what they do next.”

About Gemz By Emz:

Established in 2011, Gemz By Emz has consistently demonstrated innovation and dedication in crafting engraved photo jewellery, offering a unique and heartfelt way for customers to cherish and remember their loved ones. Founder Emma Thomson, not content with just providing beautiful pieces, has invested in extensive training in grief, mental health, and suicide awareness. This commitment allows her to not only offer exquisite jewellery but also compassionate support and relevant content for her valued clientele.

Gemz By Emz's stellar achievements include winning Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday award in 2017, being recognised as one of the UK's best 25 small shops in 2019 and securing a runner-up position for Entrepreneur of the Year at the Essex Business Awards in 2020. The recent Entrepreneur of the Year award within the Maker and Creator category at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in 2023 serves as the crowning achievement, solidifying Gemz By Emz's status as a leader in the industry.

The widespread appeal of Gemz By Emz's creations is evident in their impressive celebrity clientele, including notable figures such as Denise Welch, Jacqueline Jossa, Eamonn Holmes, Mrs Hinch, and many others. The brand has also made its mark on popular television shows, with Emma's exceptional jewellery featured on programs like Loose Women and Coronation Street.

As Gemz By Emz continues to captivate hearts with its distinctive and meaningful jewellery, the Entrepreneur of the Year award stands as a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.

What Gemz By Emz has to say about the awards:

"Wow! What a night! It was an absolute honour to have been shortlisted as a finalist out of 5,500 entrants but to actually WIN the award on the night feels incredible! This year has been a lot tougher than most years for us business owners so to win this award has just finished the year off on a high for me! It was wonderful to get dressed up and mingle with other business owners in a beautiful luxury hotel with gorgeous food and drink. To be recognised for mental health advocacy and bereavement support feels so special as being able to help others is the reason I love my job so much.

Emma Thomson wins Maker and Creator Entrepreneur of the Year

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.