Liam Harte crowned National Entrepreneur of the Year by Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones
Liam Harte has been named National Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 by the Peter Jones Foundation for his innovative virtual reality therapy platform, Rephobia.
The competition, run in partnership with leading business advisory firm FRP, saw hundreds of ambitious young founders across the UK compete to turn their business ideas into reality.
At the grand final, Liam impressed a judging panel that included Peter Jones CBE, star of the BBC’s popular show Dragons’ Den; Geoff Rowley, CEO at FRP; Paul Allen, Partner at FRP; Zum Mohammed, Partner at Gateley Legal; and Julia Guy, Investment Manager at YFM Equity Partners, with his business idea, Rephobia.
Rephobia is a therapist-led virtual reality platform that helps people to overcome phobias through safe, clinically guided exposure therapy. With over 10 million people in the UK affected by phobias, Rephobia is on a mission to make effective, affordable treatment more accessible. Liam developed this idea after facing his own challenges with OCD and anxiety, having benefited from exposure therapy techniques personally, he set out to build a solution to empower users experiencing isolating fears.
Liam’s prize includes a year of tailored mentorship and a £10,000 business grant, which he plans to use to develop Rephobia.
This will include creating immersive virtual reality scenarios, co-designed with therapists; collaborating with clinical advisors to build ethical evidence-based therapy pathways, and producing educational content to expand the public’s understanding of phobias and the therapeutic solutions available.
Peter Jones CBE, Chairman of Peter Jones Foundation said:
“Picking this year’s winner for National Entrepreneur of the Year was a real challenge. Each of the finalists demonstrated determination, drive and resilience well beyond their years and I am delighted to have such ambitious young entrepreneurs within the Peter Jones Foundation Network.”
Paul Allen, Partner at FRP added:
“This competition was testament to the entrepreneurial talent, innovation and ambition we have in our communities. These are the people who will drive tomorrow’s growth and who will build tomorrow’s thriving businesses.
“We encourage any young founder with an idea and a dream to consider entering next year. Our congratulations to Liam and all of this year’s participants.”
This year marked the first time the competition, which aims to unlock opportunities for young entrepreneurs from underserved and under-represented backgrounds, was open to all entrants aged 16 – 21 including the Peter Jones Enterprise Academies. Liam was one of six young entrepreneurs that each won regional heats and £1,000 business grants to secure a place in the final. Finalists also received support and mentoring from last year’s winner, Miah Maddock-Hodgins. The other finalists included:
Nathan Diamond and Liam Fawn, co-founders of MDF Tuition -
MDF Tuition is a student-led education platform delivering affordable, high-quality tutoring and revision resources to students across the UK. It has a growing community on social media of over 18,500 students, a team of subject-specialist tutors that are paid above industry rates, and is committed to accessibility. The judges were impressed by this student-led enterprise and were delighted to award Nathan and Liam National Entrepreneur of the Year Runner Up, along with a £5,000 business grant.
Janet Gyimah, founder of StudyFi – StudyFi is an upcoming app designed to help students take charge of their financial wellbeing. Students receive budgeting tips, financial education, and emergency funds. The platform aims to close an overlooked gap in the student finance landscape. Janet was selected as a finalist through the FRPeople’s Vote, where FRP colleagues had the opportunity to select an additional finalist. Her business idea stood out to voters and earned her a place in the grand final.
Khamani Edwards, founder of KJ’s Craft Time – KJ’s Craft Time is an award-winning creative brand on a mission to make arts and crafts accessible, educational and joyful for all children, while helping to reduce screen time. Its inclusive craft boxes for children, aged 4-11, align with the UK curriculum and facilitate imaginative, hands-on learning. Its special educational needs (SEN) range makes creativity accessible for children of all abilities.
Zarah Henry, founder of Heaven's Delights – Heaven’s Delights delivers desserts and treats for all celebrations and occasions, including brownies, cupcakes and cake trays. Zarah’s business develops products and recipes through a trial and error process to ensure that the final product is as enjoyable as it can be. Products in development include cookies, cake pops, and cheesecake pots.
Daniel Indi Té, founder of Temedix Health – Temedix Health is a digital health platform helping people to find musculoskeletal care by simplifying their choices and ensuring people can find a trusted provider who fits their schedule and treatment needs.