Russell Pearce, founder of Grove Autocare, has been named a finalist in the 2026 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, shortlisted in the Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year category.
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrate the most exceptional and inspiring business stories across the UK, recognising entrepreneurs from every nation and region for their innovation, impact and resilience.
Past winners include the founders of Simmer Eats, Grenade, ClearScore, Zilch and Unbiased, many of whom were recognised early in their journey.
Russell said:
“Being named a finalist is a proud moment because Grove Autocare was not built overnight, and it was not built from theory. It was built on forecourts, on standards, on turning up when customers needed us, and on proving ourselves site by site.
“I started in this industry understanding the job from the ground up, so I know the difference reliable vehicle preparation makes to a dealership. It affects the way cars are presented, the confidence of the sales team, the customer experience and ultimately the reputation of the brand.
“What I am most proud of is that Grove Autocare has grown while staying close to those values. We have built a business around people, consistency, accountability and service. To be recognised as a finalist is a huge honour, but it is also a reflection of the team behind the business and the standards they deliver every day.”
Barry-based Grove Autocare is a national vehicle preparation and valeting business which supports dealerships, preparation centres and dealer groups across the UK.
Frankie James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said:
“When we launched the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in 2012, we set out to back the businesses that get on and build, the ones that don't always get the recognition they deserve. More than a decade on, over 5,000 applications tell me we were onto something. This year's cohort represents billions in turnover and tens of thousands of jobs, but what I'm proudest of is the determination behind those numbers. These are founders who have stuck with it through every kind of year, and championing them is exactly why we do this.”
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards are supported by Allica Bank.
Conrad Ford, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Allica, said:
“What stands out this year is the optimism and ambition that continue to define the UK's established business community. Having run my own business, I know the resilience, creativity and sheer determination it takes to build something that lasts, especially in challenging times.
“Established businesses are the real economy, making up a third of the UK's GDP and employment, and represented in every town across the country. At Allica, we're proud to support and celebrate their contribution through the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.”
