A Wigan firm is named as a finalist in the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2026

A Wigan firm which specialises in player protection for all forms of gambling, has been named as a finalist in the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2026.

Appley Bridge-based EPIC Global Solutions is one of 11 businesses shortlisted in the category Purpose Beyond Profit, and joins a national field of almost 200 finalists across 20 categories at the UK's flagship business awards, headlined by Lloyds Bank, with ITV as media partner and the support of the UK government.

Paul Buck, chief executive officer and the founder of EPIC, said: "Our purpose is to promote player protection through the power of lived experience, which positively affects lives all over the world on a daily basis.

"Our purpose-led approach differentiates us in the marketplace.

“Clients choose EPIC not simply for education and consultancy services, but because of our ability to combine lived experience, behavioural insight and evidence-based learning to create meaningful and measurable impact.

"It means that this category at the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards is the perfect fit for us, and we're delighted to be recognised for the first time at this prestigious ceremony."

Amanda Murphy, CEO of Lloyds Business and Commercial Banking, said: "Behind every successful business is a story of ambition, determination and innovation.

“Inspiring entrepreneurs backing themselves to succeed. That's exactly what the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards celebrates.

“EPIC Global Solutions is bringing new ideas, investing in its community and helping drive growth in the UK.

“They represent the very best of British enterprise and we're incredibly proud to back them."

Founded in 2013, EPIC Global Solutions has grown into an international tech-enabled professional services business that helps organisations to manage the potential risks of gambling through the power of lived experience.

EPIC works across the gambling, sport and education sectors, delivering learning and consultancy programmes that combine authentic storytelling, behavioural insight and evidence-based learning.

Its clients include leading global operators, sports organisations, educational institutions and governing bodies.

The organisation is set apart from other companies by its lived experience approach, with programmes developed and delivered with the input of people who have experienced problem gambling first-hand, creating learning experiences that are credible, engaging and capable of influencing real-world decision-making.

This approach has enabled EPIC to establish a distinctive position within the player protection and prevention landscape.

Based in the Wigan area since its creation 13 years ago, EPIC has evolved from a founder-led consultancy into an international professional services business operating across 38 countries.

Independent evaluation across multiple programmes has demonstrated significant improvements in awareness of player protection, confidence to seek support and understanding of integrity risks, helping organisations create safer environments while delivering measurable social impact.

Winners of the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2026 will be announced at a gala ceremony at Grosvenor House, London, on Tuesday November 10, in front of 1,200 business leaders.

In keeping with awards tradition, winners ring the opening bell at the London Stock Exchange and are celebrated at the programme's annual reception at the House of Commons.