Luxury Leathersmith Stuart Coupland Named Finalist for Global Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards
North Yorkshire based Coupland Leather, the luxury leather brand founded by Stuart Coupland, has been named a finalist in the Global Entrepreneur of the Year category for the North East, Yorkshire & Humber region at the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards. This prestigious recognition, often hailed as the "Grammys of Entrepreneurship," celebrates the UK’s most exceptional business stories.
This marks the second consecutive year that Coupland Leather has received a nomination, a testament to the brand’s exceptional craftsmanship and global success. Founded in 2020, just weeks before the UK entered lockdown, Coupland Leather has defied economic challenges to achieve year-on-year growth, reaching a six-figure turnover in 2023. The brand has now sent products 29 countries, including the United States, Dubai, Belgium, Hong Kong, and Australia, and has reached 17 US states, solidifying its reputation for bespoke, high-quality leather goods.
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, sponsored by Allica Bank, received over 5,000 entries this year, with finalists collectively employing over 25,000 people, expecting to create more than 9,000 new jobs, and generating a combined turnover of £2.25 billion.
Reflecting on the nomination, Stuart Coupland said: "Coupland Leather began as a one-man operation driven by passion and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. To be recognised on a national scale, among some of the UK’s most exciting and ambitious businesses, is truly humbling. This nomination is a testament to the dedication behind every product and the incredible support from our customers. It reinforces our mission to champion high-quality materials and push back against the culture of disposable products."
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards have recognised many iconic business founders, including the creators of BrewDog, Grenade, ClearScore, Zilch, and Unbiased, many of whom were celebrated early in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Conrad Ford, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Allica Bank, commented: "At Allica, we're consistently inspired by the energy and strength of UK SMEs. This year’s finalists – from early-stage start-ups to established and family businesses – represent a vital force in the British economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and making a real difference in their communities.’’
Frankie James, Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, added: "“We’re so proud to reveal this year’s shortlist, a truly remarkable group of founders who are changing lives and transforming industries. The quality of entries gets stronger every year, and it’s clear that the entrepreneurial spirit in the UK is more alive than ever. Many of our finalists go on to become household names, and we can’t wait to watch what this year’s cohort achieves next.”
Winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony on Monday, November 17th, 2025, held at London’s Grosvenor House, where over 1,500 entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders will come together to celebrate entrepreneurial success.