The 2019 NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards (GBEA) have recognised Leeds based business duo Chris Nriapia and Lee Fella for their achievements in business through their Police Efficiency Saving software called SentrySIS.
The SentrySIS co-founders reached this year’s ‘finalist stage’ for the North West region within the Disruptor of the Year category. This specific classification comprised of entrepreneurs and early stage businesses who aim to ‘change the way some industries operate’.
SentrySIS Team: Dan Rochelle, Chris Nriapia and Lee Fella
This year’s programme saw the awards held in eight regions – Midlands, Wales, the South West, the North East, the North West, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and London & the South East.
Revealing this year’s finalists, founder of the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Francesca James, said “With the changes to the format of the Awards, 2019 was always going to be an exciting year for us. But looking at the shortlist, I can safely say this is our strongest year yet. We have such a diverse range of businesses in terms of size and industry, and the calibre really is quite incredible.”
The annual awards ceremony draws thousands of varying applications from UK based companies and entrepreneurs, which are shortlisted to regional finalists across multiple categories. Each region selects its category winner, to then attend the national final awards ceremony in London.
Commenting on the achievement Lee Fella, Co-Founder and Managing Director of SentrySIS said “Just to be nominated for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards was enough for us. There are some great companies doing some fantastic things within digital in the North. For SentrySIS to be recognised within this environment is an accomplishment in itself.”
The company’s software helps police constabularies save time and money through a series of cloud-based efficiency saving tools. The solution mean the police can carry out vital investigations and evidence collection tasks in a much more efficient and modern way.
The pair have recently completed the NatWest Business Accelerator Programme, which is a business mentor scheme for entrepreneurs with businesses at scaling and high growth stages.
Co-Founder and Director at SentrySIS, Chris Nriapia commented and said “None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for our current client base and the mentorship we have received over the years from NatWest and their accelerator business scheme.”
The fully funded scheme, is tailored around the needs of scaling businesses through a six month programme of workshops, talks, discussions and one-to-one coaching. Applicants also gain access to free office space, legal advice, supply chains and other networks to assist those on their business development journey.
Gordon Merrylees, Director of Entrepreneurship at NatWest, said “NatWest is proud to support the Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrating another year of amazing achievements for entrepreneurs starting and growing businesses from every corner of the country. Supporting entrepreneurs is a key priority for NatWest and our dedicated programme of fully funded accelerator hubs, mentoring, insight and bespoke coaching, is specifically designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs who want to start, scale and succeed in business. Congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted for an award and I look forward to the competitive regional finals.”
The national final for the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards will be held on 21st November 2019, at Dock X, Unit 1, Canada Water Retail Park, London, SE16 2XU.
For more information on annual scheme please visit https://www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com/