Coffee brand shortlisted for national award

Independent coffee and lifestyle brand BEAR has been shortlisted for a national award, which celebrates entrepreneurship.

The firm, which has outlets in Derby, has been shortlisted in the Equity-Backed Entrepreneur of the Year category of the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Known as “The Grammys of Entrepreneurship”, the awards celebrate the most exceptional and inspiring business stories across the UK.

This year’s shortlist includes over 800 entrepreneurs from every nation and region of the UK, all recognised for their innovation, impact and resilience.

Past winners include the founders of BrewDog, Grenade, ClearScore, Zilch, and Unbiased, many of whom were recognised early in their entrepreneurial journey by the awards.

Craig Bunting, founder of BEAR, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be named a finalist. It’s an incredible honour to be recognised alongside some of the UK’s most exciting and ambitious businesses.

“This recognition is a huge testament to the hard work of our team and our mission to create vibrant, community-driven spaces where quality coffee, great food, and lifestyle culture come together.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on 17 November.