THE founder of an Ardrossan-based personal safety charity has been shortlisted for another major award.

Alan Bell, from the Scottish Centre for Personal Safety, is in the running at the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

He's up for "Purpose Enterpreneur of the Year" at the awards, which are often referred to as the 'Grammy's of Entrepreneurship'.

Alan, who writes the Ardross-Man column for the Herald, said he was "incredibly honoured to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award".

The 'Purpose Entrepreneur of the Year' category showcases those people who prioritise making a positive impact on society or the environment through their business endeavours.

This category celebrates the exceptional achievements of entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses, in Alan’s case The Scottish Centre for Personal Safety, with a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to creating positive social and environmental impact.

Alan said: “Over the years, we have helped over 9,000 vulnerable people, opened our amazing Barony St John Centre in Ardrossan in 2016, and we have succeeded in obtaining over £750,000 in funding to help those people most in need.

"As the founder of this charity, I am thrilled to have these achievements recognised in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

"I feel it is a testament to the life-changing results our Personal Safety courses have on vulnerable people, as well as the hard work and dedication of our team of volunteers.

"I am excited to celebrate this achievement with the wider entrepreneurial community at the awards ceremony in London.”

Previous winners of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards have included the founders of BrewDog, MyEnergi, Zilch, Grenade, and ClearScore, who have gone on to become household names.

The awards ceremony will take place on Monday, November 18 at London's prestigious Grosvenor House, where winners for each category in each region will be announced.

Francesca James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: "The calibre of entries this year is truly outstanding.

"These entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy, and their stories are a testament to the incredible resilience and creativity of the UK's business community.

"We are thrilled to recognise their achievements and support their continued growth.”

For more information about The Scottish Centre for Personal Safety, check out www.ScotCPS.org.uk.

To learn more about the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, visit www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com.