2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Sue Kirby)
A Teesside drinks business which involved nine years of research is in the running for a prestigious award. Middlesbrough based start-up V2 Health and Fitness Ltd has been named a finalist ahead of the Northeast, Yorkshire and The Humber final of the UK Startup Awards 2025. Set up by Hartlepool man Terence Stravens, V2 Health and Fitness manufactures a range of natural juices made from only fruits and vegetables which boast "medicinal properties".
Founded by the 56-year-old, last year, the business has been nominated in the Food & Drink Startup of the Year category. Terence, who is also a student at Teesside University , said: "Being shortlisted for this award has been a blessing and has allowed me to celebrate the small successes on this journey, of helping society become healthier." Terence, who runs the business from premises within Teesside University, said he first became involved in finding product with natural health benefits because his wife has issues with gut health and medication seemed to make it worse.
He said: "Nine years of research has gone into the products to make the drinks which have medicinal properties. "Each of the drinks have their own unique purpose and it is all natural." Terence said he has had amazing feedback from customers who say they have found benefits from the drinks.
The UK Startup Awards was launched to recognise the booming start-up scene across the UK which has accelerated over the last few years with 846,000 new businesses founded in the UK in 2024. Over 750 businesses have been shortlisted for this yea's UK Startup Awards and the contribution of these firms - all of which were started in the last three years - is significant, having created over 4,600 new jobs since they were established and generating annual sales of £200 million. The Startup Awards will celebrate the achievements of the people, like Terence, who have turned an idea into an opportunity and taken the risk to launch a new product or service.
The winners from the regional finals in June will be invited to the first UK final taking place at Ideas Fest, the Glastonbury for Business festival in Hertfordshire on 12th September 2025. Prof Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the creator of the UK Startup Awards, said: "New businesses are the driving force behind any thriving economy, generating employment, pioneering innovation, and contributing to prosperity across the UK. This year's finalists embody the very best of entrepreneurial spirit - spotting opportunities and, through dedication, skill, and resilience, turning them into thriving ventures that are making a tangible difference in their industries.
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