We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from Chell Web & Design. We’ve been shortlisted as a finalist for Graduate StartUp of the Year in the South East at the UK StartUp Awards 2024!
This recognition means a great deal to us, and we wanted to take a moment to share a little more about the awards, our journey, and what this moment represents for our team.
About the UK StartUp Awards
The UK StartUp Awards celebrate the very best new businesses across every corner of the UK. With categories spanning a wide range of industries. From digital services and food and drink to sustainability and social impact. They highlight the brilliant individuals and teams building innovative, purpose-driven companies from the ground up.
The Graduate StartUp of the Year category recognises businesses started by university graduates who have taken their ideas beyond the classroom and turned them into successful ventures. It shines a light on creativity, ambition, and the courage it takes to go from study to startup.
To be named a finalist in this category is a huge honour and one that’s deeply personal for us.
From Freelance to Full-Time: Our Journey
Chell Web & Design was born during Sasha’s final year at university. What began as a side hustle offering freelance design services quickly evolved into something bigger. Armed with a laptop, a creative eye, and a lot of determination, Sasha began helping small businesses shape their online presence. Designing logos, creating websites, and learning the ropes of entrepreneurship in real time.
After graduating, Sasha made the leap into self-employment full time. Fast forward to today, and Chell Web & Design is now a small but mighty creative studio, offering bespoke web design, branding, SEO and digital support to businesses across Hampshire, the South East and beyond. We’ve grown into a fully female-led team of five, with a strong reputation for clear communication, beautifully designed websites, and genuine client care.
This shortlisting feels like a full-circle moment. It reflects not only the hard work and growth that’s happened since graduating, but also the belief that it’s possible to build something impactful from scratch, starting with a single idea and the courage to try.
Why This Nomination Matters
Being shortlisted for the UK StartUp Awards is about more than just recognition. It’s a celebration of the many long nights, challenging projects, learning curves, and client wins that have brought us here.
It’s a reminder that success doesn’t always come from having a perfect plan, but from staying consistent, listening to your clients, and continuing to show up with heart.
As a business that started from a student bedroom, this nomination also highlights the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs Especially those balancing education with ambition. We hope it inspires other graduates and creatives to take the leap, even if it feels scary at first.
What’s Next for Chell Web & Design?
We’re continuing to expand our services, support more clients across the UK, and help businesses thrive online. From bespoke websites to strategic SEO and engaging brand visuals, our mission is still rooted in the same passion that started it all, to help others bring their ideas to life.
Being shortlisted is a proud milestone for our team, and we’re so excited to attend the regional awards ceremony, connect with other incredible founders, and celebrate everything that makes the UK’s startup scene so dynamic.
A Huge Thank You
Thank you to the UK StartUp Awards and the judging panel for recognising our journey so far. And thank you to our brilliant clients, collaborators, and community. Your trust and support have helped us get to this point, and we’re endlessly grateful.
Finally, to all the other Graduate StartUp finalists, congratulations! We’re honoured to be recognised alongside such an inspiring group of entrepreneurs.
Awards & Accreditations
