Sally Newall, founder of Simply Ice Cream, has been named a finalist in the 2026 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, shortlisted in the Consumer Entrepreneur of the Year category.

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards is as much about the entrepreneur as the business, recognising 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, recognising 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 recognised early in their journey.

The 2026 shortlist in numbers:

• 5,000 applications received
• 740 businesses shortlisted
• £3.3bn 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

Founded more than 20 years ago in the heart of the Kent countryside, Simply Ice Cream is a luxury artisan ice cream business renowned for its commitment to quality and traditional production methods. Every batch is still hand-whisked, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible and partnering with fellow Kent producers to showcase the very best of the county’s food and drink.

The business has grown its range to more than 30 ice cream and sorbet flavours and remains committed to producing clean-label products free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. This dedication to quality has earned Simply Ice Cream more than 34 Great Taste Awards, alongside numerous local and national food and business awards. Today, the brand can be found in more than 450 outlets across London and the South East.

Sally Newall, founder of Simply Ice Cream, said:

“Being named a finalist for Consumer Entrepreneur of the Year is incredibly special and something I am immensely proud of. To be recognised alongside such talented entrepreneurs is an honour in itself. This recognition reflects more than 20 years of hard work, resilience and the support of an amazing team, loyal customers and family who have been part of the journey every step of the way.”

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.”

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards are proudly supported by Allica Bank.

Conrad Ford, chief product & strategy officer at Allica, said:

“What stands out this year is the optimism and ambition that continue to define the UK’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 UK’s GDP and employment, and represented in every town across the country. At Allica, we’re proud to support and celebrate their contribution through the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.”