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Award shortlisting for co-founder of Leeds digital design house

The co-founder of a fast-growing Leeds-based digital design house has been shortlisted for a prestigious business award.

LightStart, formed in 2016 by Simon Edwards and Dan Akers, builds digital products including mobile and web apps and the underlying platforms that drive them.

Co-founder and operations director of LightStart, Simon, has been successful in reaching the finals of the IoD director of the year awards for Yorkshire and the North East.

The regional winners will be announced at a gala dinner to be held at the Principal York Hotel on 5 July, compared by Danni Hewson, Business and Consumer Affairs Correspondent for BBC News. The regional winners will then compete in the national finals on 18 October in London.


The annual IoD awards seeks to recognise leadership and business excellence in the region, as well as the significant contribution leaders make to society and economic prosperity.

Having graduated Leeds Metropolitan University (now Leeds Beckett University) with a degree in Applied Computing and then level two in Japanese Studies, Simon met Dan whilst working for a design agency and the duo decided to set up LightStart. Simon is also the founder of Beanify, a corporate coffee club.

Two years since forming LightStart, the firm now has a team of seven employees and additional contractors. In just two years, LightStart has worked with a range of businesses from digital start-ups through to £60M turnover businesses. Currently seeking investment, the company has ambitious plans to continue its fast growth.

Co-founder of LightStart, Simon Edwards comments:

“I feel honoured to be recognised in this prestigious business award. LightStart has only been running for two years and to receive an honour such as this so early on is a fantastic achievement.

“LightStart has had a phenomenal year, and thanks to our hard-working, talented team, we’re on track to continue our rapid growth into the coming years.”