Why This Means More Than an MBE

When James Watt won The Great British Entrepreneur of the Year back in 2014, BrewDog was already turning heads. It was bold, unconventional, and growing fast. James was right at the heart of it, challenging an entire industry and building something that would go on to become one of the UK’s most talked-about brands.

Ten years on, he’s just been inducted into The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards & Community Hall of Fame. It’s a big moment, and one that recognises not just what he built with BrewDog, but the impact he continues to have on the entrepreneurial community.

James has been part of the GBEA community for a long time. Since winning Great British Entrepreneur of the Year in 2014, he’s stayed close to the purpose of the awards, championing the people behind the businesses and supporting the next generation of founders. Over the past few years, he’s worked with more than 20 early-stage ventures, getting involved not as a figurehead, but as someone who genuinely wants to help new ideas take shape. That’s exactly what these awards are all about.

What stood out most after James was inducted into the Hall of Fame wasn’t just the recognition itself, but what he said about it.

“This means more to me than the MBE I got from the Queen.”

That kind of statement doesn’t come lightly. But it shows the depth of what this community represents. It’s not about hierarchy or titles. It’s about being recognised by people who understand the reality of building something from scratch. The challenges, the sacrifices, the belief it takes to keep going.

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards was created with a simple idea in mind: to recognise the people behind the businesses. Over the years, it has become a place where real entrepreneurial stories are shared and celebrated. What matters is the drive, the creativity, and the commitment to building something speacil. Again and again, we see founders who are carving their own path, not for applause, but because they believe in what they’re creating. That’s what makes this community special.

If you’re one of those people, this is your time to step forward.

Applications for this year’s awards are now open. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling fast, if you’re building a business you care about, we want to hear your story.

And for the first time this year, you can also refer someone.

Know a founder who should be recognised? Nominate them. It might be the encouragement they didn’t know they needed. Nominate someone here: https://greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com/refer-an-entrepreneur/

Don’t forget to get your GBEA 2025 applications in here: https://gbea.awardsplatform.com/

These awards are more than a moment on stage. They are a celebration of everything it takes to build a business and a community that understands what that really means. Just ask James.