A CORNISH startup business has been named a finalist ahead of the South West of England final of the UK Startup Awards.

Falmouth-based Cove Marketing, a digital marketing agency founded by Sam Pascoe in August 2024, has been nominated for the Marketing, Advertising and PR Startup of the Year Award in South West England.

The awards was launched to recognise the booming start-up scene which has accelerated over the last few years, with 846,000 new businesses founded in the UK in 2024. The UK StartUp Awards are running for the fourth year after launching in 2022.

More than 750 businesses have been shortlisted for this year's awards and the contribution of these firms — all of which were started in the last three years — is significant, having created more than 4,600 new jobs since they were established and generating annual sales of £200-million.

Sam Pascoe, founder of Cove Marketing, said: “Being shortlisted when we’ve been operating for less than a year is incredible. At Cove Marketing, we set out with a simple mission: to cut through the noise and give growing businesses access to experienced marketers who prioritise clarity, trust, and real results.

“This recognition tells me our partnership-first approach is working, and I’m proud of the clients who have trusted us to guide their growth. The South West is bursting with talent, and I can’t wait to keep sharing fresh ideas that help both Cornish and national brands reach new heights.”

The cohort of finalists will be considered for the regional prizes by a panel of seasoned judges with experience founding or supporting entrepreneurial ventures. The winners from each region will then be invited to the first UK final taking place at Ideas Fest, the Glastonbury for Business festival in Hertfordshire on September 12.

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