1st Formations earns three major award shortlists amid continued growth

Leading company formation agent 1st Formations has been shortlisted for three major awards as it continues to grow its services, team, and wider impact.

The company has been shortlisted for the UK Customer Experience Awards for its Hassle-Free Compliance Service, which has cut ad hoc compliance requests by 70%, reduced manual chasing by 45%, and contributed to a 7% increase in renewal rates.

It is also in contention for the Lloyds British Excellence Awards, while founder and CEO Graeme Donnelly is in the running for Sustainability Entrepreneur of the Year (London) at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, recognising the company's wider focus on social and environmental impact.

1st Formations is a Certified B Corp and Carbon Neutral Britain-certified and also holds Real Living Wage and Living Hours accreditations.

Award Nominations and Sustainability Recognition

Graeme said: “Being shortlisted for three very different awards reflects how much the business has developed. We’ve continued to invest in our people, customer experience, and services for entrepreneurs, while ensuring our growth is matched by our commitment to social and environmental impact.

“I’m particularly proud to be shortlisted for Sustainability Entrepreneur of the Year, which recognises the work we’re doing to build social and environmental responsibility into the way we operate and grow.”

The winners of the UK Customer Experience Awards will be announced on 14 October, followed by the Lloyds British Excellence Awards on 10 November, and the Great British Entrepreneur Awards on 16 November.

Expanded Accounting Services and Business Growth

The shortlists come as 1st Formations continues to expand its offering, with the company recently launching a new accounting service for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The service provides flexible accounting plans designed to support businesses from the early stages of trading through to growth, extending 1st Formations' offering beyond company formation.

Unlike traditional accountancy services, it provides transparent support without the need for a full-time accountant or unexpected fees, with plans that can scale as businesses grow.

Lyndsey Camilleri, Accounting Director at 1st Formations, said: “Many new business owners assume they need to pay thousands for traditional accounting support, but that isn’t the case. Our accounting plans provide practical, flexible support from day one, with different levels of support to suit businesses at different stages.

“From email and live chat to telephone support and proactive advice, founders can access the help they need without committing to a full-time accountant or unexpected fees. By establishing strong financial foundations early, we help founders understand what their numbers mean, not just what they owe HMRC, while scaling their support as their business grows.”

The new service forms part of 1st Formations' wider growth, with the company recording double-digit growth every full year since 2020. Q1 2026 marked its strongest quarter on record, while the company has recruited more than 60 new staff so far this year.

New appointments include Social Impact Manager Adam Bragan, who was recently appointed to focus full-time on developing charity partnerships.

The company has also strengthened its partnerships with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and Imperial College London, supporting initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusion, alongside continued investment in its social impact programme.