Net World Sports' Wrexham founder an entrepreneur awards finalist

Net World Sports founder Alex Lovén has been recognised as one of the best in the business, after being named as a finalist in the coveted wards.

Since launching in 2009, global eCommerce business Net World Sports is on a journey to become the largest online sports equipment retailer in the world, having successfully cemented their name as a premier sports equipment supplier both in the UK and overseas.

Alex is one of the shortlisted business leaders from across the nation to have been selected out of more than 5,300 entrants - the most the awards has ever had.

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, in partnership with Starling Bank, acknowledges and champions the hard work and uplifting stories of business owners across the UK, with an emphasis on their journey and resilience over financial achievements.

Twelve awards will be given out per region for categories including Disruptor of the Year, Entrepreneur for Good Award, and the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year. Notable winners from previous years include Social Chain founder Steven Bartlett, who went on to become the youngest ever investor on BBC's Dragons' Den.

Net World Sports founder Alex Lovén.

Alex said: "I'm delighted to be shortlisted for this prestigious award, especially in a year where the number of entrants is the highest it's ever been. As a business we've witnessed incredible growth over the last couple of years which has allowed us to enhance our product offering, increase our workforce and even begin building a brand-new HQ in the heart of Wrexham that will better fit our rapid growth and ambitions."

Read more: Wrexham firm hiring as new site takes shape

Net World Sports' expansive range of high-quality, predominantly own-brand products can be found in homes, schools, universities, grassroot and professional clubs around the world.

They are a brand committed to supporting players, coaches, and teams across the globe, making sport accessible to the masses and helping them realise their full potential.

They cover a multitude of sports, from football, tennis and cricket to more niche sporting markets such as pickleball and handball. Their rapid growth over recent years has enabled them to explore untapped markets, introducing further sub-brands and branching out to stock lifestyle, home, and garden products.

Net World Sports headquarters in Wrexham.

This year's Great British Entrepreneur Award winners will be announced at a grand final, held in London in November.

This is the 10th anniversary of the awards, and the alumni has collectively generated more than £30 billion in revenue and employed more than 450,000 people.

To mark the milestone year for the programme, entrants will have the chance to win over £30,000 worth of marketing support and a tree will be planted for every application submitted with the support of Ecologi.

Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Francesca James, said the quality of this year's entrants exemplified the strength of entrepreneurship across the UK: "The quality of applications is consistently excellent year on year, but we have been especially blown away by the innovation, drive and determination demonstrated this year. Shortlisting from so many inspiring contenders has been more challenging than ever, with many deserving cases put forward and an ever-growing business community thriving across the country.

"From the pandemic to the ongoing cost of living crisis, business owners haven't had it easy over the past few years, but it's a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of these entrepreneurs that they have continued on their path and refused to give in.

"This year's finalists should be so proud of what they've already achieved both in business and in being shortlisted for an award - we're looking forward to seeing everyone at the Finals and unveiling the winners!"

• For the full list of finalists, visit greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com