Why is representation important for disabled people in business?

Representation helps challenge stereotypes, create opportunities and show that disabled people can lead, build and succeed in business.

Are there awards for disabled entrepreneurs in the UK?

Yes. Some awards focus directly on disability, while others recognise impact across wider categories such as diversity, inclusion, entrepreneurship and social impact.

Purpl founder nominated and shortlisted for UK awards

Last reviewed: 27 April 2026
Applies to: UK
Written by: Georgina, Founder of Purpl

Being nominated and shortlisted for national awards as a disabled entrepreneur in the UK is an incredible moment, but more importantly, it reflects something much bigger happening right now.

Disabled founders and people living with long term health conditions are starting to be recognised not just for the barriers they face, but for the impact they create. Across the UK, disability-led businesses and disability entrepreneurs are gaining visibility, and that shift matters.

At Purpl, everything we build comes from lived experience. This moment is about more than recognition. It is about representation, visibility, and showing that solutions built by disabled people are not only needed, but valued.

At a glance

Finalist for Visible Disability Personality of the Year at the All 4 Inclusion Awards
Nominated for Entrepreneur of Excellence at the National Diversity Awards
Finalist for StartUp for Good at the UK StartUp Awards South East regional final
Nominated for Making a Difference Award at the Pride in Neurodiversity Awards 2026
Recognition highlights the real impact of disability-led businesses

Why these nominations matter for disabled peopleFor many disabled people, recognition like this still feels rare.

We often hear about the challenges. The extra costs. The barriers. The limitations people assume. What we do not always see is disabled people being recognised for leadership, innovation, and real impact.

That is why this matters.

It helps shift the narrative:

From limitation to leadership
From being supported to building solutions
From being overlooked to being recognised

It also reflects what people are actually experiencing through Purpl.

Members have shared:

“I have personally used Purpl and saved money. It is a fantastic company that really cares about its disabled users.”

“There’s a massive lovely community in the Purpl Facebook group that is a really nice place to be.”

“She has saved me hundreds of pounds during a difficult time for us.”

This is what sits behind the nominations. Not just visibility, but real world impact.

Purpl Insight: When support is practical, accessible and built from lived experience, it creates change people can actually feel.

What each award represents

Each nomination reflects a different part of the journey and the wider impact behind it.

Finalist at the All 4 Inclusion Awards (https://all4inclusion.org/awards/)

This award recognises people raising awareness and improving visibility for disabled people and those with long term health conditions.

That visibility matters, especially at a time when many people feel misunderstood or judged. Changing the narrative starts with being seen and heard.

Entrepreneur of Excellence

Nominated at the National Diversity Awards (https://nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/)

This nomination reflects both business growth and community impact.

It recognises that Purpl is not just a platform, but something people rely on. Something that helps them navigate the financial reality of living with a disability.

If you would like to support this nomination, you can vote here:
https://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/awards-2026/nominations/georgina-colman/

StartUp for Good

Finalist at the UK StartUp Awards (https://startupawards.uk/)

This award focuses on purpose led businesses solving real problems.

Purpl exists because the extra cost of disability is real and often ignored. Being named a finalist shows that solving that problem matters.

Making a Difference Award

Nominated at the Pride in Neurodiversity Awards 2026 (https://neurodiversecommunity.org/pride-in-neurodiversity-awards/)

This nomination reflects impact within neurodivergent communities.

It recognises the importance of creating spaces that are inclusive, accessible and built with understanding.

Purpl Tip: If you are building something from lived experience, do not underestimate it. That perspective is exactly what people need.

The real impact from the Purpl community

The most important part of this recognition is not the awards.

It is what people are actually experiencing.

Many nominations shared similar themes:

Saving money during difficult times
A platform that is easy to use and genuinely helpful
A community that feels positive and supportive
Feeling understood instead of overlooked

Some feedback goes deeper:

“Georgina is raising the profile of having a disability and especially the price of being disabled. This is so important when people who live with a disability are being demonised. Thank you for giving us a ray of hope.”

“Even though she faces her own barriers every day, she goes over and above for others to make their lives easier.”

“One of the most positive people I know who wants to give others the opportunity to make their life better.”

These are not just nice words.

They explain why this matters.

Because for many people, this is not just about discounts.

It is about:

feeling supported
having something that actually helps
and knowing someone understands what daily life really looks like

Purpl Insight: Community impact is what builds trust. Recognition simply helps that impact reach more people.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about disability awards and recognition

What are the All 4 Inclusion Awards?

The All 4 Inclusion Awards celebrate individuals and organisations improving inclusion for disabled people and those with long term health conditions in the UK.

What are the National Diversity Awards?

The National Diversity Awards recognise individuals and organisations promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across multiple communities, including disability and neurodiversity.

What are the UK StartUp Awards?

The UK StartUp Awards celebrate new businesses across the UK, with categories like StartUp for Good recognising companies creating positive social impact.

What are the Pride in Neurodiversity Awards?

These awards recognise individuals and organisations making a meaningful difference for neurodivergent people, including those with ADHD, autism and other conditions.

Why is representation important in business for disabled people?

Representation helps challenge stereotypes, increase opportunities, and show that disabled people can lead, build and succeed in business.

Are there awards specifically for disabled entrepreneurs?

Some awards focus directly on disability, while others (like diversity and startup awards) recognise impact across wider communities, including disabled founders.

Support this nomination

If Purpl has helped you, or you believe in what we are building, you can support Georgina by voting in the National Diversity Awards:

https://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/awards-2026/nominations/georgina-colman

Every vote helps raise the visibility of disability led businesses and the real impact behind them.

In summary

These nominations are a huge moment, but they represent something bigger than awards.

They show that disabled led businesses are being recognised.

They show that lived experience has value.

And they show that real impact, helping people save money, feel supported and navigate life, matters.

For Purpl, this is just the beginning.

About the author

Georgina is the Founder of Purpl, a platform helping disabled people and those with long term health conditions save money through verified discounts and practical support. Built from her own lived experience, Purpl focuses on tackling the extra costs of disability and creating a supportive, accessible community.

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I’ve been nominated and shortlisted for national awards – what it means for Purpl and our community

At a glance

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