Airwallex, a leading global payments and financial platform for modern businesses, is today announcing the inaugural release of the Top 20 UK Step Changers of 2024 list.
The list shines a spotlight on entrepreneurs and business leaders that are making a transformative impact on their industries by pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and challenging the status quo to unlock new growth opportunities.
This year’s list received over 500 nominations from peers who wanted to recognise business leaders who had created — and were creating — step-change in their industry.
The Top 20 UK Step Changers particularly highlights leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to bold, strategic thinking and significant transformation in their fields. These individuals, shortlisted by a panel of judges, represent a diverse range of sectors, from AI and retail to B-Corp ecommerce. Each is making a unique contribution to their industry’s evolution.
"At Airwallex, we’ve always believed that real innovation starts when you challenge conventional thinking and push past the boundaries of what’s considered possible. The Step Changers on this list are doing exactly that," says Immy Spence, Airwallex’s head of SME growth.
"By recognising their efforts, we hope to inspire others to embrace a bold, transformative mindset in their own businesses. It’s about acknowledging those who are creating impact not just locally, but globally, and showcasing the power of resilience, vision and determination."
What is a Step Changer?
A Step Changer is a visionary leader who pushes beyond incremental progress to create transformative change in their industry.
Step Changers are not defined by the absence of challenges but by their ability to turn obstacles into catalysts for growth. They think big, act decisively, and inspire others to do the same. Their journey is characterised by ambition, resilience, and the courage to push beyond comfort zones, driving their businesses — and industries — toward significant breakthroughs.
In short, a Step Changer is not just responding to the future, they are actively shaping it.
Judging criteria:
The selection process for the Top 20 UK Step Changers of 2024 was rigorous and candidates were invited to submit written nominations. The judging panel considered candidates who demonstrated:
- Innovation: They pioneer new approaches or technologies that disrupt and transform their industries.
- Impact: They have delivered measurable outcomes that have made a significant difference in their company or sector.
- Resilience: They overcome adversity and challenges with a forward-thinking attitude, continuously pushing for progress.
- Leadership: They inspire and influence positive change within their teams, organisations and wider communities.
This year’s judges included:
- Francesca James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards
- Laura Youngson, CEO and cofounder of IdaSports
- Thomas Ohr, founder and CEO of EU-Startups
Discover the full stories of the Top 20 UK Step Changers and the incredible impact they’re having on the business landscape here.
