The founder of Sticky Heelz, Laura Birrell, has been named the first Fashion & Beauty Entrepreneur of the Year for Scotland and Northern Ireland at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

A previous winner with the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in 2017, Sticky Heelz is an innovative footwear brand that uses two pads connected a shoe and heel to prevent slippage.

Now in its eighth year, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in partnership with Starling Bank celebrate the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs in the UK, rather than the business’ balance sheet.

A new category for 2020, the Fashion & Beauty Entrepreneur of the Year award celebrates the entrepreneurs who are standing out from an incredibly busy crowd, whether through truly unique products or the way they do business.

With Covid-19 restrictions preventing the regional finals taking place at a live event, Laura won the award during a virtual award ceremony joined by finalists across every region.

In a video message to finalists, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “Entrepreneurs [have shown they] stay strong, even during a global pandemic. Coronavirus hasn’t stifled enterprise.

“Entrepreneurs are creating new businesses and adapting to the crisis, as seen in this year’s entries. And that’s what we need to happen if we want our economy to bounce back. We need all of you to keep inventing, keep taking risks, keep creating new businesses.

“It’s my job as Chancellor to celebrate, champion and support you.

“Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you to all of you for everything you’ve done.”

Francesca James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: “As a previous winner, I’ve followed Laura’s progress over the past few years and I’m delighted to see her continue to grow the business as she aims to achieve her vision.”

Anne Boden, founder and CEO of Starling Bank, said: “We’re entrepreneurs and we have spirit. We fight back and we’re very good at dealing with adversity. And Laura is an example to us all, of entrepreneurs that are creative, innovative, and changing the world.

“I’m so excited that Starling, a business I founded in 2014 and now the Best British Bank, is sponsoring such an important Awards. And as one entrepreneur to another, congratulations to getting where you are this evening and best of luck for the future.”

The winners of each category will now go to the National Final of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, with a date to be announced due to restrictions on large events.