A HOME help service for older people has been named the region’s disruptor of the year.

Good Life Sorted, which launched in Southampton and Eastleigh in 2019, connects older people with vetted carers who provide services for an hourly fee.

It now operates across Hampshire, Dorset and Sussex, with nearly 200 helpers.

It was inspired by founder Constantine Karampatsos’s grandmother Zoe, who stayed active and independent in her own home until she was 96 thanks to the help of a neighbour who provided company and help with chores.

There are 1.4million older adults in the UK who are often lonely, according to Age UK.

Cofounder Verity Batchelder said: “We’re delighted to win this award in recognition of our different approach.

“This is about company, respect and empowerment, as our customers want to remain in their homes and might just need a little company and day to day support - not personal or medical care.

“There is huge demand for our service: we are being approached by several councils, so we have rapid expansions plans, and based on the success of the southeast region and the professionalism and warmth of our wonderful helpers, we plan to launch in more regions over the next six months.”

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards were launched in 2012 to celebrate the best of British enterprise, inviting founders from across the UK to apply with their entrepreneurial success stories. In partnership with Starling Bank, the awards ceremony was held at Grosvenor House in London and saw 159 entrepreneurs across the UK recognised.

The speaker at this year’s event was Steven Bartlett, a previous winner, who in May was announced as the youngest ever dragon on BBC’s Dragons Den.

Francesca James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: “It was fantastic to hear so many inspiring business stories after a difficult few years, and even better to have been able to invite all of our finalists to the in-person ceremony and celebrate together.

“With more than 1,200 attending, the evening was a real snapshot of the UK economy. The winners were thoroughly deserving, overcoming some stiff competition from their fellow finalists, and we look forward to welcoming them into our alumni community and seeing what they do next. It’s always exciting to watch our previous winners go on to achieve amazing things and I don’t expect any less from this year’s award recipients, who we will support all the way.”