Awards recognition for business success

Shrewsbury entrepreneur Theo Millward has won the Silver Award in the Entrepreneur of the Year Category of the UK Business Awards..

The judges were impressed not just with the growth of Swimtime - one of the UK’s largest Swim Schools - but also Theo’s launch of technology business FranScape, which supplies technology to the wider franchise industry.

The judges said: “We could tell you are really passionate in what you do and have a brilliant future waiting for you that is well deserved. Your hard work and determination are paying off."

During the judging process Theo paid tribute to his team: “A category of this nature always feel slightly odd as any successful entrepreneur will tell you it is a great team of people who are behind the results.

"This award not only recognises what my whole team have achieved, but the opportunities that exist for the next generation of entrepreneurs in Shropshire.”

FranScape which was started during the pandemic has seen great success, with hundreds of clients across the UK and interest from the US, Australia and Europe. The team of 15 are based in Coleham on the banks of the River Severn.

While software companies are typically associated with major cities, the FranScape team has been built from local residents with several team members coming from a non-technical background.

Theo said: “To go from being practically wiped-out during lockdown to having a multi award winning software company is quite the achievement, and it is something we are all proud of. "