A start-up health business started by a man who has drawn on his own experiences during the pandemic has been honoured with an award.
Sam Elliott-Black first founded Westhoughton based Sam’s Naturally Handmade after being made redundant from his sales job and losing his father to cancer soon after.
For the Westhoughton businessman, the Health and Wellbeing Start Up of the Year is a victory for how he has battled through hard times and his plans to help others.
Sam said: “When I started this business, I couldn’t have imagined the amazing response I’d receive and that I’d be winning this just a year and half later.
“I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved, so far, so to get recognition for all the hard work is the best feeling.”
Sam’s Naturally Handmade offers a range of essential oil home fragrance and ethically grown loose-leaf tea products, all of which are aimed at helping to improve health and well-being.
Its founder has drawn upon a multi-sensory technique based around the five senses that he learned while undergoing a course of cognitive behavioural therapy.
Sam says that each of his products are designed to make up sensory self-care routines.
They do so using oil aromatherapy, mood-matching playlists, crackling wicks, natural teas, and candles that turn into plants.
Two years after launching, Sam’s Naturally Handmade can now be found at artisan markets, events, and independent retailers across the North, as well as at pop-up shops in John Lewis.
His accolade from UK StartUp Awards has already been singled out for praise by Starling Bank, one of many organisations to support the awards.
Starling Bank CIO Harriet Rees said: “Turning an idea into a successful business takes a lot of courage and dedication.
“Congratulations to Sam’s Naturally Handmade on winning their category in the North West and making it to this year’s UK national final.
“Start-ups need certainty to plan ahead.
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“It’s great to see so many thrive, especially in these challenging economic times.”
Other supporters of the awards include by Airwallex, Chime Agency, EvaBuild, ForrestBrown, GiftRound, GS1 UK, Join Talent, OVHcloud, Project Simply, ScoreApp, SFC Capital.
The Welsh government and the National Development Bank of Wales are also supporters.
The final of the UK Startup Awards will be held at Ideas Fest in Tring, Hertfordshire on September 12.
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