Emma O’Brien, founder of Embridge Consulting, has been named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ at 2023’s Growing Business Awards.

The awards, now in their 26th year, are a recognition of exceptional businesses, while also showcasing particular SMEs of note.

The ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ category recognizes long-standing, established entrepreneurs with a record for business success.

O’Brien, who founded Embridge Consulting in 2009, was awarded the title at Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, London.

The award follows a period of sustained growth for Embridge, with the firm having delivered 25 new digital change projects and secured eight new managed service clients over the last 12 months, including Surrey County Council and Islamic Relief.

Reflecting on the award, O’Brien said: “I am absolutely honored to be recognized with such a prestigious award, particularly in this category. I still pinch myself when I am referred to as being ‘an entrepreneur’! I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to get to do what I do.

“None of this would be possible without the support of my fantastic team, who keep me motivated and in business with purpose every day. So, this award goes to my wonderful Embridge family. I thank them for their trust and commitment and for sharing my vision that we can deliver meaningful change for our customers with compassion. Also, I thank them for their innovative, passionate, and ambitious approach to providing our customers the best experience they can receive whilst simply being the most amazing team I could ever work with. The future is bright here at Embridge, and I am more motivated than ever to see what will come next.”