James Davis, who founded Upad ten years ago, has been named start-up entrepreneur of the year for the London region in the Barclays bank scheme.

Recognised for being the driving force in Upad’s growth over the last two years, Davis was commended for the way in which he had identified and seized a business opportunity.

Davis said: “From day one, Upad was intended as a disruptor within the residential lettings market.  As a landlord myself I had witnessed how fragmented the market had become and felt sure that there was scope for significant improvement.

“Upad was, therefore, born out of a belief that innovative and bespoke technology could more effectively deliver the services and products which had previously only been available via traditional high-street letting agents – and importantly, at a fraction of the cost.

“It is, therefore, fantastic to be recognised in this way, alongside other entrepreneurs shaking up the sectors in which they operate.”

Upad’s  success at the Barclays Entrepreneur Awards adds to being named best online agent at this year’s ESTAS.

Davis said: “Our success in addressing a market need speaks for itself: Upad now counts over 12,000 landlords amongst its client base many of whom have invested financially in our future growth.

“However, when our vision and mission is recognised outside of the property sector, as it has been with this latest award, it ratifies that we’re doing something truly special that people really benefit from.”