Sarat Pediredla, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder at global technology consultancy hedgehog lab, has made the regional shortlist for the 2018 NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year category.
The North-East tech entrepreneur has been nominated for the prestigious business award for the second year running after steering the Newcastle-headquartered business through a transformational year.
It comes after major brands including AkzoNobel, Northumbrian Water and Home Group agreed innovation partnerships with hedgehog lab in 2018 as they look to capitalise on the firm’s sector-leading expertise in disruptive technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence.
Founded in 2007, the technology consultancy has grown to become one of the most-respected app developers and digital consultancies in Europe and now boasts a headcount of over 130 employees spread across offices in Newcastle, Boston and Hyderabad.
Sarat’s nomination comes 12 months after he was nominated for the same award in 2017 and will see him go up against some of the UK’s most-esteemed entrepreneurs at a Gala Final held in Manchester on Thursday 15th November.
Other nominees for the award, which is now in its sixth year, include Adeem Younis of SingleMuslim.com, Paul Rothwell of Empire Property Concepts, Phil Eckersley of Bridgewater Home Care, Rob Booth of Red Seven Technology Group, Sara Lou-Ann Jones of Centre of Excellence, Sean Ramsden of Ramsden International and Steven Rawlingson of Samuel Knight International.
Following his nomination, Sarat Pediredla said: “I am very flattered to be nominated by The NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards for a second consecutive year alongside some other incredible nominees.
“I am lucky that I always get to take the credit in my position, but I am indebted to the work of the entire team. Credit must go to all at hedgehog lab, and particularly my senior leadership team who make my job look much easier.”
Previous winners of the award encompass some of the biggest names in UK business including David Buttress of Just Eat, Julie Deane OBE of The Cambridge Satchel Company, James Watt of BrewDog and most recently, Hannah and Sophie Pycroft of Spectrum Collections.
Creator of the Awards, Francesca James, said: “We have been inundated with some incredible entries this year, and all shortlisted applicants should be extremely proud of themselves! This year has yet again seen a record number of entrants, and we’ve been absolutely blown away by the strength and diversity of applications.”
“We cannot wait to celebrate entrepreneurship across Great Britain with them, and put a spotlight on the incredible talent within the British entrepreneur ecosystem.”
Gordon Merrylees, Head of Entrepreneurship at NatWest said: “Following another record-breaking year, I want to thank all of the entrepreneurs who entered and congratulate those who have been shortlisted, I look forward to seeing them at the regional finals.”
“Entrepreneurial spirit is still clearly alive and well, and NatWest is thrilled to be able to continue to support these awards to celebrate success with the businesses that are the lifeblood of the UK Economy as they start, scale and succeed.”
