North East start-up scoops national prize

A North East start-up is gaining national recognition for its innovative financial platform.

CO4CH, founded to support ambitious entrepreneurs, has been named UK National Business-to-Business Start-Up of the Year at the 2025 UK StartUp Awards, held at Ideas Fest. 

The company combines expert coaching, community learning and outsourced finance support into a single platform, giving founders the knowledge, tools and confidence to scale their businesses successfully.

Designed to address the funding gap faced by female and underrepresented founders, the platform helps them navigate the complex investment landscape.

Founder and chief executive Beth Crosier said: “CO4CH only launched a few months ago, and we’ve been blown away by the demand for what we’re building and the feedback from the brilliant founders we work with. 

“Winning a national award so early in our journey is incredible – and we’re only just getting started.”

With its award-winning approach, CO4CH is now set to expand its reach, empowering more entrepreneurs across the UK with the financial expertise needed to grow and thrive.

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, creator of the UK StartUp Awards, added: “The UK StartUp Awards celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit powering the UK economy, driven by people who turn ideas into action. 

“Start-ups are where innovation begins, where risk meets resilience, and where the future of business is built from the ground up, every day.

“I’m delighted to announce that CO4CH has won their category at this year’s UK StartUp Awards national finals.”

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