The founder of Dr. PAWPAW, Johnny Paterson, has been named the national Great British Entrepreneur of the Year for 2020.
He won the award at the virtual National Final on Tuesday and builds on the same title he won for London & East of England at the regional final in September.
Paterson founded and designed the Bromley-based, all-inclusive and multi-purpose product range for everyone, Dr.PAWPAW. The brand that always gives back now sells globally in over 30 countries with a cult following including beauty experts, celebrities, families, influencers and make-up artists.
“I really cannot believe it, this is an award I have always admired and the past winners have all gone on to achieve so much, to now be included with them is a big life moment for me," he comments.
"I really do want to thank my parents and entire team, including my business partner and wife Pauline, without all of them helping to make my ideas into reality we couldn’t have achieved half of what we have. I’m excited for the opportunities this great award will create for Dr.PAWPAW and I hope it helps to achieve our ultimate dream of becoming a household name.”
Now in its eighth year, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in partnership with Starling Bank celebrate the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs in the UK, rather than the business’ balance sheet.
This is the top award given, chosen from the winners of the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year winners from each of the eight regions. The title given to someone who truly encapsulates what it means to be a Great British entrepreneur.
They exhibit all of the hard work, determination, creativity and resilience required to rise above the rest.
Paterson comments on the accolade, “As Dr.PAWPAW grows, so does our philanthropy efforts and I'm thrilled at the opportunity to be able to give back even more through sampling and donations, it has become such a big core part of the Dr.PAWPAW business. Awards like these really do make all the difference to help a company grow.”
Paterson joins the likes of Alan and Juliet Barratt, founders of Grenade, Julie Deane OBE, founder of The Cambridge Satchel Co., and James Watt, founder of BrewDog, in winning the award.
Francesca James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: “I want to send my warmest congratulations to Johnny. We fell in love with Johnny’s application and while the standard of competition this year has been fierce, he encompasses everything about being a Great British entrepreneur.”
You can view the full list of national winners here.