SWANSEA SUCCESS: Marketing boss bags £100k prize in UK entrepreneur awards
Jess Hickman, founder of Swansea-based agency The Cusp, was named runner-up in the prestigious Stelios Foundation UK Young Entrepreneur Awards 2026.
The award sees her take home a six-figure sum to invest back into the business — just two years after launching the company with only £750.
The Cusp, which is based in Swansea, has rapidly grown into a £2 million turnover business and now works with clients across the UK and internationally.
More than half of the company’s revenue now comes from overseas markets, showing the global reach of a firm built right here in Swansea.
The awards, run by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, are designed to back young entrepreneurs who are creating jobs and driving growth in the UK economy.
Jess said the recognition was about more than just the money — and reflected the values behind the business.
She said: “Being recognised in the Stelios Young Entrepreneurs Awards is hugely meaningful to me because it validates what we set out to prove — that businesses can be both profitable and purpose-driven.
“From day one, we’ve built The Cusp around the belief that commercial success and positive impact go hand in hand.”
The company specialises in areas including digital marketing, creative campaigns and emerging technologies such as AI, working across sectors including education, engineering and government.
Jess added that the £100,000 prize will help accelerate the next phase of growth.
“We’re at a really exciting stage,” she said.
“The prize fund will allow us to move faster on plans we already have in place — including bringing in specialist talent, expanding internationally and opening a second UK office.”
The Swansea firm was one of just three winners selected from dozens of applicants across the UK.
More than 60 businesses entered the awards, all of which had to demonstrate significant turnover and growth potential.
Easyjet tycoon, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou – founder of the awards – said the winners were chosen for their ability to create jobs and act as role models for the next generation.
He said:
“There have been some astonishing and inspiring success stories.
“Each of the winners are very good at promoting themselves and their businesses and would make great ambassadors for entrepreneurship.”
The top prize of £150,000 went to a car sales platform, while a Scotch whisky business picked up the third-place award.
But it is Swansea’s success that will turn heads locally — with The Cusp proving that high-growth, internationally focused businesses can thrive outside traditional UK hubs.
Jess said the journey so far shows that location is no barrier to success.
The company was founded with the aim of proving that “world-class talent exists everywhere” — including in Swansea.
And with fresh investment now secured, the business is aiming to create new jobs and continue expanding its reach.
For Swansea, it’s another sign that the city’s business scene is quietly building momentum on a national stage.
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