The Peter Jones Foundation and FRP celebrate regional winners of the National Entrepreneur of the Year Competition

All roads lead to the final

This year marked the first time the competition was open to all young entrepreneurs aged 16 to 21 across the UK. Hundreds of ambitious founders submitted applications, each hoping to turn their business dreams into reality. Following a series of regional finals, expert judging panels selected five inspiring young entrepreneurs – each receiving a £1,000 business grant and a coveted place in the final stage of the competition.

At the grand final later this year, the regional winners will pitch their business ideas to an elite judging panel, including Peter Jones CBE, for the chance to secure a further £10,000 grant and a year of tailored mentorship.

Phil Harris, Partner at FRP added: “It was inspiring to hear from so many young entrepreneurs as they pitched their business ideas. They all deserve huge credit for the courage and determination they’ve shown, and for believing in themselves and their business idea. We’re pleased to have played our part in supporting their journey so far through our partnership with the Foundation, and wish all regional winners the best of luck in the grand final!”

Meet the regional winners:

• Midlands: Zarah Henry, founder of Heaven’s Delights – Heaven’s Delights delivers desserts and treats for all celebrations and occasions, including brownies, cupcakes and cake trays. Zarah’s business develops products and recipes through a trial and error process to ensure that the final product is as enjoyable as it can be. Products in development include cookies, cake pops, and cheesecake pots.

• North East: Liam Harte, founder of Rephobia – Rephobia is a therapist-led virtual reality platform that helps people to overcome phobias through safe, clinically guided exposure therapy. Liam faced OCD and anxiety, and experienced how isolating those fears can be. With over 10 million people in the UK affected by phobias, Rephobia is on a mission to make effective, affordable treatment more accessible.

• North West: Daniel Indi Té, founder of Temedix Health – Temedix Health is a digital health platform helping people to find musculoskeletal care by simplifying their choices and ensuring people can find a trusted provider who fits their schedule and treatment needs.

• South East: Khamani Edwards, founder of KJ’s Craft Time – KJ’s Craft Time is an award-winning creative brand on a mission to make arts and crafts accessible, educational and joyful for all children, while helping to reduce screen time. Its inclusive craft boxes for children, aged 4-11, align with the UK curriculum and facilitate imaginative, hands-on learning. Its SEN range makes creativity accessible for children of all abilities.

• South West: Nathan Diamond, founder of MDF Tuition – MDF Tuition is a student-led education platform delivering affordable, high-quality tutoring and revision resources to students across the UK. It has a growing community on social media of over 18,500 students, a team of subject-specialist tutors that are paid above industry rates, and is committed to accessibility.

The regional finals underscore the competition’s mission to unlock opportunities for young entrepreneurs from underserved and under-represented backgrounds, offering funding, visibility, and expert guidance to help them achieve their ambitions.