Bolton: Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing on UK Startups 100 Index

Founded by Lee Chambers, Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing has been highlighted as one of the top 100 exceptions businesses in the UK by the index – the leading award for UK-based startups.

Based in Preston, the company supports HR and leadership teams nationally to build and implement employee wellbeing strategies using cutting-edge training methods.

Essentialise is one of only a few North West businesses on this year's list, and alongside this achievement, Chambers was also highlighted as one of nine exceptional founders from the 100 organisations.

Lee Chambers (Image: Lee Chambers)

Mr Chambers said: "I've been through plenty and seen a lot over the years, so things rarely surprise me. But to be considered as exceptional by industry leaders and my peers was a real shock I wasn't expecting.

“I've always considered the Startups 100 Index to be a real measure of how the business community perceives your business as a whole. To be one of nine leaders selected from 100 of the UK leading startups is one of the proudest moments of my career, and I now have to ensure I live up to the recognition I've received.

“And as Lancashire's only representative on the founders list, I'm determined to showcase what we can achieve and how we've always been at the forefront of innovation."

In 2014, Chambers had been running a video company in the tech space when an illness left him immobile.

An 11-month process of relearning to walk ignited a passion for wellbeing.

“I saw a market opportunity to bring data-driven insight and training into the wellbeing space. Companies lacked strategy and how they could measure impact,” he told Startups.co.uk.

The judges highlighted Mr Chambers’ humble beginnings and his resilience in learning to walk again after illness.

Lee Chambers (Image: Lee Chambers)

They also added: "With inclusivity awareness the area Lee has chosen to focus on, he clearly brings authenticity through his own experiences, and I imagine HR teams are scrambling to ensure staff are trained and aware, making Essentialise a strong option in a busy wellbeing space."

Editor of Startups.co.uk Richard Parris said: “The 2023 Startups 100 shows businesses don’t have to sacrifice profits to have purpose.

“Against a backdrop of gloomy global events we can see UK entrepreneurs creating new ventures that not only create jobs but also make a real difference to the world around them - I think this is the inspiration we all need to take into the year ahead.”

The Startups 100 showcases the top 100 new UK businesses which exhibit innovation, solid financials, opportunity in their market, a great concept, and a strong customer base or following.

In previous years the Startups 100 index has predicted the success of huge names such as Revolut, Hellofresh, Deliveroo, and Monzo, so it is a great achievement for any promising businesses to appear on the list.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18.