Entrepreneur’s recipe for success leads to awards shortlisting

One of the founders of BEAR has been shortlisted for awards recognising the best entrepreneurs in Britain.

Craig Bunting, who founded the coffee experience brand with Michael Thorley back in 2014, has been nominated for the Food and Drink Entrepreneur of the Year title in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2022.

From its locations, including Derby, BEAR serves speciality coffee, seasonal fresh food, cocktails and craft beer.

And through its #BEAReverywhere retail range, the firm aims to help customers to create a better coffee experience at home.

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, in partnership with Starling Bank, acknowledges and champions the hard work and uplifting stories of business owners across the UK, with an emphasis on their journey and resilience over financial achievements.

Craig said: “I am humbled by this. I’ve poured many years into a vision of BEAR that sometimes even overwhelms me.

“To be recognised by this shortlisting further confirms what I am so passionate about – growing business, building people and having fun.

“However, this is certainly not a journey I have travelled alone. My inspiration from my fellow co-founder Michael, founding investor Chris and the whole team at BEAR play a huge part in enabling me to be the entrepreneur that I am today.”

Francesca James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: “The quality of applications is consistently excellent year on year, but we have been especially blown away by the innovation, drive and determination demonstrated this year.

“From the pandemic to the ongoing cost of living crisis, business owners haven’t had it easy over the past few years, but it’s a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of these entrepreneurs that they have continued on their path and refused to give in.

“This year’s finalists should be so proud of what they’ve already achieved both in business and in being shortlisted for an award.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London, which will take place on 21 November.