Glasgow, Scotland, 17 April 2026

Pathways to Equity has been named a regional finalist in the UK StartUp Awards 2026

(https://startupawards.uk/) in the Education & Training StartUp of the Year category, shortlisted in Scotland.

The UK StartUp Awards was launched to recognise the booming startup scene across the UK, which has accelerated significantly in recent years with around 832,000 new businesses registered in the UK in 2025. Over 900 businesses have been shortlisted for this year's UK StartUp Awards across ten nations and regions. The contribution of these firms, all of which were started in the last three years, is significant, having created nearly 5,000 new jobs since they were established and generating annual sales of over £150 million.

Pathways to Equity is an equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) consultancy that helps organisations build more inclusive and equitable workplaces. By providing policy audits, culture reviews, and practical advice, the business helps employers and HR professionals move beyond simple compliance to achieve evidence-based change. The consultancy was founded in 2025 by Dr. Damon Young, who recognized that while many leaders wanted to improve their workplace culture, they often lacked the practical tools to turn policy into lived reality.

"Being shortlisted for Education & Training StartUp of the Year in Scotland is a huge moment for Pathways to Equity," said Dr. Damon Young, Founder. "I started the business to help organisations move beyond tick-box approaches and take practical, meaningful action on equity, inclusion and accessibility. This recognition is a real boost and reflects the growing appetite for work that is evidence-based, honest and focused on real change." Regional winners will now go on to compete at the national final at Ideas Fest in September 2026.

Since its launch, the company has rapidly built momentum, developing a comprehensive platform of workshops, resources, and podcast content. Currently operating with a dedicated team of two, Pathways to Equity has reached a significant milestone by establishing a diverse suite of consultancy supports that allow charities, education providers, and corporate decision-makers to take immediate, practical action on accessibility and inclusion.

"Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, co-founder of the UK StartUp Awards (https://startupawards.uk/), said:

'New businesses are the driving force behind any thriving economy, generating employment, pioneering innovation, and contributing to prosperity right across the UK. This year's finalists represent the very best of British entrepreneurial talent, spotting opportunities and, through dedication, skill, and resilience, building ventures that are making a real difference in their industries and communities. The standard of entries in 2026 has been exceptional, and every finalist should be enormously proud of what they have achieved. Regional winners will go on to represent their region at the national final at Ideas Fest in September, and that is a stage worthy of everything they have built.'"

"The UK StartUp Awards (https://startupawards.uk/), founded by Frankie James and Professor Dylan Jones-Evans as part of Ideas Community, is the UK's largest independent startup awards programme. Now in its fifth year, the awards received over 2,000 entries in 2026. Regional winners go on to compete at the national final, held at Ideas Fest (https://ideasfest.uk/), aka the Glastonbury of Business, on 9th-10th September 2026 at Champneys, Tring, Hertfordshire. For more information visit startupawards.uk"

"This year's regional UK StartUp Awards finalists can be found online at https://startupawards.uk/"

About Pathways to Equity: Pathways to Equity is an Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility consultancy that provides training, policy audits, and culture reviews for organisations across Scotland and the UK. They help employers and education providers move beyond compliance to create meaningful, evidence-based change through practical EDI advice. www.pathwaystoequity.org.uk

ENDS

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Notes to Editors

About the UK StartUp Awards

The UK StartUp Awards (https://startupawards.uk/) is the UK's largest independent awards programme celebrating the most ambitious and innovative new businesses across the country. Now in its fifth year, the awards received over 2,000 entries in 2026. Expert-judged and founded by Frankie James and Professor Dylan Jones-Evans as part of Ideas Community, regional finals take place across the UK throughout 2026, with regional winners going on to compete at the national final at Ideas Fest in September. For more information visit startupawards.uk

About Ideas Fest

Ideas Fest (https://ideasfest.uk/), aka the Glastonbury of Business, is the UK's biggest festival for entrepreneurs. Taking place on 9th-10th September 2026 at Champneys, Tring, Hertfordshire, Ideas Fest is:

-  The annual gathering for the UK's most ambitious business leaders and entrepreneurs

-  Two days of inspiration, connection, and celebration

-  Home to the UK StartUp Awards national final, held on the main stage

For more information and tickets visit ideasfest.uk

About Ideas Community

Ideas Community is the UK's leading entrepreneurship ecosystem, connecting and celebrating founders for over 27 years. Founded by Frankie James and Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, Ideas Community runs five national programmes: the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, UK StartUp Awards, UK Fast Growth Index, Great British Industry Awards, and Ideas Fest. For more information visit https://www.ideasforums.com/

Key stats

-  Over 2,000 entries received for the UK StartUp Awards 2026

-  Around 832,000 new businesses registered in the UK in 2025

-  Over 900 businesses shortlisted across ten nations and regions- Finalists have created nearly 5,000 new jobs since founding

-  Finalists generating combined annual sales of over £150 million

-  Regional winners progress to the national final, competing for the title of the UK's best startup

-  National final: Ideas Fest, 9th-10th September 2026, Champneys, Tring, Hertfordshire

-  Ideas Community represents over 100,000 entrepreneurs and business leaders via its initiativesand events 

Media enquiries startups@ideasforums.com