covid:aid shortlisted for StartUp Awards National Series

The StartUp Awards National Series has been launched to recognise the booming startup scene across the UK which has accelerated since the pandemic began. In 2020, when most of the world was shutting down, more than 400,000 startups were set up in Britain, with similar increases seen in other European countries.

There was stiff competition with over 2,500 applications received in response to the Startup Awards National Series’ first-ever call for entries.

Michael MacLennan, Founder and Chief Executive of covid:aid, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted in the Social StartUp category. Since launching last year we have reached more than 80,000 people with our advice, information, and supportive services.

“This nomination is particularly important at a time when rates of infection from coronavirus are at a new peak across the UK, yet attention is increasingly elsewhere – more people than ever have visited us for support this month, and it’s crucial that they receive the help they require when facing life-changing issues such as Long Covid and grief and bereavement.”

He continued: “We are also glad to have recognised by the StartUp Awards since as a modern charity we specifically launched with an innovative startup strategy. Since day one we have looked to be guided and shaped by our audience and community, adopting flexibility at our core we could we identify and meet unmet needs, looking to do so in collaboration and partnership with other organisations. Our thanks go to everyone involved in the charity to date, without whom this honour would not have been possible.”

Supported nationally by BT, EY, Dell & Intel, the programme will celebrate the achievements of the amazing individuals across the UK who have turned an idea into an opportunity and taken the risk to launch a new product or service.

 Co-founded by the team behind the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, the new series follows the success of the Wales StartUp Awards, after organisers recognised the exceptional potential in the startup scene across the other British regions.

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the creator of the StartUp Awards National Series, said: “​​New firms are important for generating economic prosperity, employment opportunities and innovation. Since 2016, the Wales StartUp Awards have celebrated this amazing annual contribution to our economy by entrepreneurs and the impact they have on communities across the nation.

“Given the sheer volume of phenomenal startups we’ve heard from since then, as well as the huge post-pandemic shift in people’s desires to take their career in a new direction and set up a business against the odds, we felt it was the right time to take the programme nationwide. We’ve been blown away by the standard of entries in this first year and truly look forward to crowning the winners in June.”

About covid:aid

covid:aid is the UK’s national charity dedicated to supporting those significantly affected by Covid-19. We are here for people throughout the pandemic and beyond.

By building an empowering and caring community, we help anyone who may not have found the right resources or support system to help. We provide a safe space through our Support Community where your voice can be heard, and you can gain access to support specific to your needs.

We are solely reliant on donations to provide the highest-quality information, advice, and professional support on issues such as Long Covid, grief and bereavement, trauma, vaccines, protection measures, and financial hardship. 

As a modern charity, we are also a platform for other charities, healthcare providers, grassroots groups, and other organisations. By working together we inform, boost, and promote the advice and services they provide. 

Every single person in the UK has been significantly affected by Covid-19. covid:aid has been designed as a fully inclusive space to service the needs of all who have suffered – whoever they are, wherever they live, and whatever their circumstance.

By working together, we look towards a future in which every adult, young person, and child in the UK can easily find and access the vital support they need to overcome the traumatic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.