Gavin Wheeldon, founder of Purple, has been named a finalist in the 2026 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, shortlisted in the Global Entrepreneur of the Year category.
Wheeldon founded Purple in 2012 and has grown it from its Manchester base into a global WiFi software business, now used in more than 80,000 venues worldwide. The Global Entrepreneur of the Year shortlisting recognizes that international reach, with Purple's technology connecting people in venues from stadiums and airports to hospitals and retail chains around the world.
Gavin Wheeldon, founder of Purple, said:
"Being shortlisted for Global Entrepreneur of the Year means a great deal, but it's really a reflection of what the whole team at Purple has built. We set out to solve a simple problem - making guest WiFi work harder for the businesses that rely on it. That has grown into a platform now covering staff, residents and whole cities, used in more than 80,000 venues around the world, all driven by the same goal of improving how people connect in the real world. Building that from a base in the North of England, and doing it as a B Corp, is something I'm proud of. This recognition belongs to everyone who has helped get us here."
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards is as much about the entrepreneur as the business, recognizing the people behind the brand and the decisions, resilience and ambition that build companies that last.
Known as the Grammys of entrepreneurship, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrate the most exceptional and inspiring business stories across the UK, recognizing entrepreneurs from every nation and region for their innovation, impact and resilience.
Past winners include the founders of Simmer Eats, Grenade, ClearScore, Zilch and Unbiased, many of whom were recognized early in their journey.
The 2026 shortlist in numbers
- 5,000 applications received
- 740 businesses shortlisted
- $4.2B combined turnover
- 17,700+ jobs supported
- 2,700+ new jobs being created
- 5,200+ years of combined trading
- 40% women-led businesses
- 10 UK regions and nations represented
- 50% already selling overseas
Frankie James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said:
"When we launched the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in 2012, we set out to back the businesses that get on and build, the ones that don't always get the recognition they deserve. More than a decade on, over 5,000 applications tell me we were onto something. This year's cohort represents billions in turnover and tens of thousands of jobs, but what I'm proudest of is the determination behind those numbers. These are founders who have stuck with it through every kind of year, and championing them is exactly why we do this."
Conrad Ford, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Allica, said:
"What stands out this year is the optimism and ambition that continue to define the country's established business community. Having run my own business, I know the resilience, creativity and sheer determination it takes to build something that lasts, especially in challenging times. Established businesses are the real economy, making up a third of the GDP and employment, and represented in every town across the nation. At Allica, we're proud to support and celebrate their contribution through the Great British Entrepreneur Awards."
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards are proudly supported by Allica Bank. Find out more at greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com .
