Sally Newall Recognized as Finalist in 2026 Entrepreneur Awards

Sally Newall, the founder of Simply Ice Cream, has been named a finalist in the 2026 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, specifically in the Consumer Entrepreneur of the Year category. The awards, often referred to as the 'Grammys of entrepreneurship,' celebrate the most exceptional business stories across the UK, acknowledging the innovation, impact, and resilience of entrepreneurs.

The 2026 awards attracted a significant number of applicants, with over 5,000 submissions. From these, 740 businesses were shortlisted, demonstrating a combined turnover of £3.3 billion and supporting more than 17,700 jobs. The awards also highlight the creation of over 2,700 new jobs, with more than 5,200 years of combined trading among the finalists. Notably, 40% of the shortlisted businesses are women-led, and half are already engaged in international sales.

Simply Ice Cream, established over two decades ago in Kent, is known for its artisan ice cream products. The company emphasizes quality, using locally sourced ingredients and traditional production methods, which have earned it over 34 Great Taste Awards. Currently, the brand is available in over 450 outlets across London and the South East.

In her response to being shortlisted, Sally Newall expressed pride in the recognition, attributing it to over 20 years of hard work and the support of her team and family. Frankie James, the founder of the awards, noted the impressive determination of the entrepreneurs, who contribute significantly to the UK economy.

Allica Bank, which supports the awards, emphasized the importance of established businesses, which constitute a significant part of the UK's GDP and employment. Conrad Ford, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Allica, praised the optimism and ambition of the business community, highlighting their resilience and creativity.