Entrepreneurs aged 18 and above are to be recognised in a new set of awards that will be presented at the Scottish Parliament later this year.

The new Business Excellence Awards have been launched by online learning specialist The British Youth International College (BYITC) and will honour “trailblazing individuals” who are transforming industries, communities and lives through their entrepreneurial spirit.

The Business Excellence Awards are a new addition to BYITC’s Inspire Awards, which were launched in 2023 to recognise young people aged from five to 17, from any background, who excel in what they do.

The Business Excellence Awards are Inspire’s first category for adult achievers and will be presented at the Inspire Awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on 3rd September 2025, with Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP as the Chief Guest of Honour and Sponsor.

BYITC founder Dr Rashmi Mantri (pictured above) said: “This year’s Business Excellence Awards mark a significant step forward, celebrating not just our youngest achievers but also the adults who lead and inspire through entrepreneurship.

In our rapidly changing world, innovation and leadership are more important than ever, and we want to shine a light on entrepreneurs who are determined to make a real difference.”

Glasgow-based BYITC also announced headline business sponsorship for its Inspire Awards 2025 from a multinational food industry brand headquartered in Scotland. Restaurant chain German Doner Kebab (GDK) has more than 160 restaurants across the UK, Sweden, Canada, North America and the Middle East, the brand forms part of the Hero Brands estate which is owned by Glasgow-based food wholesale entrepreneur Athif Sarwar.

The chain opened its first site in the UK in Birmingham in 2015, Mr Sarwar bought the master franchise for the UK in 2016, quickly followed by purchasing the international brand in 2017, where his interests in the brand form part of the Hero Brands estate. 

BYITC and GDK said the sponsorship marked a “continued and deepening partnership” between the two organisations.

Simon Wallis, Chief Executive of German Doner Kebab, said: “We’re proud to be the main sponsor of the Inspire Awards 2025. Supporting young talents and dynamic business leaders is a cause close to our hearts at GDK. 

The introduction of the Business Excellence categories reflects a timely and important evolution, recognising individuals whose ambition and innovation drive real change. We look forward to seeing the incredible stories that emerge this year.”

Dr Mantri said BYITC was thrilled to welcome German Doner Kebab as main sponsor for the Inspire Awards 2025 and added: “The growth of GDK itself is a real entrepreneurial case study and an incredible example to our young people and the business leaders of the future of what is possible with vision, innovation, and persistence.”

Now in its third year, the Inspire Awards recognise achievement across 14 core categories for under-18s – including Academics, Sports, Culture, All-Round Excellence – and now, for the first time, a platform for adult entrepreneurs. 

The Business Excellence Awards, for entrepreneurs aged 18 and over, have five subcategories, each representing a different aspect of entrepreneurialism. 

These are:

• Innovation Hero Award
• Brilliant Brandmaker’s Award
• Game-Changer Enterprise Award
• Dynamic Leader of the Year
• Remarkable Influence Award

The free-to-enter Inspire Awards are open to entries across the UK.