The founder of Bristol-based loneliness charity Marmalade Trust, Amy Perrin, has been shortlisted for the 2017 NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Entrepreneur for Good category.

Amy said: “I’m really honoured to have been nominated for these awards and with over a 1,000 entries across categories, I am truly flattered that I was shortlisted.”

Now in its fifth year, the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards has celebrated some amazing entrepreneurs over the years, many of whom are now household names. Past winners include David Buttress of Just Eat, Julie Deane of The Cambridge Satchel Company, James Watt of BrewDog and Alexander Solomou of TheLADBible Group.

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 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.”

The judging panel chose to shortlist Amy because “a job in the NHS is enough hard work for most people, but she goes above and beyond in her dedication to help people. Through the Marmalade Trust, Amy has developed the only charity in the UK whose sole focus is loneliness.”

The NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards will celebrate entrepreneurship across a number of categories at five gala finals across the UK, including Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester and London. For more information about the awards, please go to: www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com.

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Marmalade Trust works closely with local health professionals, public sector organisations, charities and community groups to support lonely and isolated people in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
• In 2013, Amy Perrin, a qualified occupational therapist, found out that three older people she volunteered with were going to be on their own on Christmas day so she offered to take them out for lunch. Word spread and three became 18. The Marmalade Trust was born.
• In 2014, Marmalade Trust welcomed 40 guests at Christmas. In 2015 the figure grew to 60 guests across three different Bristol locations and in 2016 there were no less than 90 guests across five locations.
• By catching those who are alone at Christmas, Marmalade Trust identifies those who are most isolated and vulnerable to loneliness. The charity then pairs them up with a buddy who will help re-socialise them by providing information and support.
• For more information visit: www.marmaladetrust.org

For media information please contact:

Sarah-Jane Freni

Shooting Star

0117 403 8200

sarahjane@weareshootingstar.co.uk

[MT04NatWestGBEA]