Business Champion Awards 2023 Finalists Magazine

When we were first conceptualising The Business Champion Awards, it was our intention to ensure that the Business Champion Awards are the UK’s largest and most respected business awards. We hope that these awards inspire pride and set a powerful benchmark across every single walk of business life in the UK.

We knew clearly that we wanted to create an awards system that gave businesses of all shapes and sizes, across the country a chance to celebrate their hard work and achievements.

As the Business Champion Awards runs into its second year, it’s great to share with you that we’ve maintained our values and promises.

It’s my pleasure to welcome you to the finale of the 2023 Business Champion Awards.

It was our aim to challenge the status quo of awards from only being a focus of one night to an entire year of celebration, promotion for our winners and finalists and an opportunity to collaborate and grow. So to that end we’ve shared films and helped to raise the profile of our winners. Business is 365 days a year and our awards follow suit. We set ourselves the standard of running a sustainable awards programme and we’re here in the East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf’s green zone, working only with suppliers who share the same values as we do. Meeting like minded business owners only spurs us on to set the much needed example that running awards should negatively impact our environment.

This doesn’t make it easy. Many times we’ve had to divert and

start from scratch with our decisions. It is my hope that every year it gets easier due to the uptake of ESG values within business nationwide. With every year that passes, my mind always reflects back to the Japanese proverb I shared last year:

‘Keep working. Keep striving. Never give up. Fall down seven times, get up eight.

Without commitment, you’ll never start. But more importantly, without consistency, you’ll never finish.

Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship.’

All of the finalists tonight have shown what utter determination you need to have to start and stay in business and our 16

winners have really shown that despite what is thrown at them and their businesses over the past three years, you can always find opportunity, amidst chaos, to excel.

Once again, it’s been incredible to speak to the owners and key team members of each company that has been shortlisted and see the level of determination every step of the way being pivotal to a company’s success. I know that each of our esteemed judges were blown away by the talent and ingenuity of the finalists. Well done to every finalist in The Business Champion Awards 2023. On behalf of the entire Capital Business Media team who have worked so hard to bring these awards to life, I hope you enjoy the evening and continue to experience success throughout the coming year.

Best wishes,

Richard Alvin Awards Director

CONTENTS

02. WELCOME

An introduction to the Business Champion Awards by Awards Director Richard Alvin.

06. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Introducing the winner of the Lifetime Achievement award.

08. PRINCE’S TRUST

An introduction to our Charity Partner.

10. NEW BUSINESS

Recognises remarkable success within a businesses first three years.

16. BUSINESS INNOVATION

Rewarding companies that have commercial success as a result of innovation.

22. GROWTH BUSINESS

Recognising businesses that have demonstrated exceptional industry growth.

28. EXPORTER

Championing British businesses that cross borders.

32. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Celebrating businesses that have successfully included diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.

36. SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

Championing campanies striving for sustainability and lowering environmental impact.

42. BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Celebrating businesses that contribute to the greater good of the community.

48. BUSINESS ENABLER

Recognising businesses that support others to achieve greatness.

52. SCALE UP & MARKET DISTRUPTOR

Recognising businesses that have a strategy which have fundamentally altered customer behaviours.

58. BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION

Rewarding businesses that have transitioned from floundering to success.

62. YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR

Celebrating outstanding entrepreneurs under the age of 35.

68. ENTREPRENEUR

Honouring entrepreneurs who have made a significant impact.

74. SME

One of the most prestigious small business awards in the UK.

80. OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Introducing the winner of the Outstanding Achievement award.

82. JUDGES

Details of the entrepreneurs and business professionals who made up this years judging panel.

THELIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Recognising the life of an exceptional leader.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is our highest honour and is awarded to an exceptional business leader who has shown sustained business success over the course of their career and is awarded directly by the awards programme advisory board. The winner will have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, passion and drive, tenacity in the face of adversity, organisation, and ability to scale, and compassion for their employees and community.

We aim to recognise an individual who has made significant contributions to their industry and have set a high bar for others to follow.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is a celebration of an individual’s lifelong dedication to business and their consistently outstanding achievements.

AND OUR CHAMPION IS...

HM KING CHARLES III

Alife dedicated to transforming the lives of millions of young people.

King Charles III is a man who has devoted his life to charitable causes and philanthropy. He has been an active member of The Prince’s Trust which he founded in 1976 which has gone on to transform the lives of millions of young people across the UK. The Prince’s Trust supports young people aged 11 to 30 who are unemployed or struggling in education. The charity provides them with the skills and resources they need to turn their lives around and achieve their full potential.

Over the years, Charles has played an instrumental role in the development and growth of the Trust, and his contributions have been immeasurable.

Charles’ commitment to The Prince’s Trust has been unwavering, and he has always believed in the importance of supporting young people. He has been involved in every aspect of the Trust’s work, from fundraising to mentoring, and has even taken a personal interest in the lives of many of the young people who have been helped by the charity.

Charles has shown an unwavering dedication to supporting young

people through the Princes Trust who are facing significant challenges in their lives, and he has worked tirelessly to ensure that they have the resources and support they need to succeed.

For these reasons, and at a time of much change for Charles, following the sad death of his Mother Queen Elizabeth II, he is a deserving winner of our lifetime achievement award for his contributions to The Prince’s Trust. His dedication and commitment to the charity have been an inspiration to many, and his legacy will continue to impact the lives of young people across the UK for years to come.

The idea for the charity was born out of Prince Charles’ desire to help young people who were struggling to find employment or direction in life. At the time, the UK was facing high unemployment rates, particularly among young people, and the Prince felt compelled to take action.

To launch the charity, Prince Charles used the funds he received from the 1977 Silver Jubilee Tour, and with the help of a small team, he established The Prince’s Trust. The charity’s first initiative was a pilot project in London that aimed to help young people gain work experience and training opportunities.

The Prince’s Trust was established in 1976 by the then Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, and its mission is to empower young people, help them achieve their full potential, and transform their lives.

Over the years, the charity has expanded its reach and now operates across the UK, helping young people in a variety of ways. The Prince’s Trust offers a range of programmes, including enterprise programmes, personal development programmes, and education programmes, all of which aim to help young people achieve their goals and improve their prospects.

One of the charity’s most successful initiatives is the Enterprise Programme, which helps young people who are interested in starting their own business. The programme provides funding, mentoring, and support to help young entrepreneurs get their ideas off the ground. Since its launch in

1983, the Enterprise Programme has helped thousands of young people start successful businesses and become selfemployed.

Another key initiative is the Get Into programme, which provides young people with work experience and training opportunities in specific industries, such as hospitality, construction, and retail. The programme helps young people develop the skills they need to enter the workforce and gain valuable work experience that can help them secure employment in the future.

In addition to its programmes, The Prince’s Trust also runs a number of fundraising initiatives

and events throughout the year. These events, such as the Palace to Palace bike ride and the Million Makers challenge, help to raise funds for the charity and raise awareness of its work.

Over the years, The Prince’s Trust has helped thousands of young people across the UK.

In 2021, The Prince’s Trust celebrated its 45th anniversary, and it continues to be a vital resource for young people across the UK. With its wide range of programmes, fundraising initiatives, and dedicated team of staff and volunteers, the charity is committed to helping young people achieve their full potential and transform their lives for the better.

THE STARTUP GIANTS

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Recognising businesses that have a strategy which has fundamentally altered customer behaviours

These finalists have brought about positive change and disrupted the status quo while maintaining consistent growth.

To be eligible, each business has either recognised the scale of their market opportunity prelaunch or has had consistent and profitable growth while being able to demonstrate a clear disruptive impact on the industry, sector, or marketplace within the last 12 months.

The winning business will have demonstrated that they have successfully disrupted their industry, sector, or marketplace by shaking things up and bringing about a positive change.

Judges were looking for the business that could best demonstrate how they identified the gap in the market and how they have gone about filling it.

They were looking for how the company prepared for launch. Was

it carefully planned or did they have to run to keep up? What has gone well with the venture and what has challenged it?

At the heart of every successful business is a vision for the future. Judges were looking specifically at the ongoing impact each company would like to create along with the team they wished to build.

Being in business is a journey, and we want to celebrate the success the winner has achieved.

We understand the challenges that startups face in getting off the ground and are dedicated to providing the support, guidance and resources needed to help them thrive.

From pre-funding bootcamps, apps or one-on-one coaching to raise, our team of experienced mentors, advisors and investors work closely with selected startups to provide

startups with investors

tailored support and guidance on growth and funding.

At Startup Giants, we are committed to building a vibrant startup ecosystem in the UK. We believe that startups are the future of the economy and we are dedicated to supporting the growth and success of this important sector. Through our various initiatives and partnerships, we are actively working to create opportunities for startups to learn and pitch for investment on a

national stage and geo-political basis.

As a sponsor of the New Business category, we are proud to be supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. We believe that by recognising and celebrating the achievements of startups, we can inspire others to follow in their footsteps and help to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.

Startup Giants PLC is a UK-based, global venture builder, passionate in mentoring and linking

FINALISTS

ANNEXUSEV

AnnexusEV is an EV Consultancy focused on providing electric vehicle charging infrastructure UK wide. Inspired by Sir David Attenborough to do their part in saving our planet. AnnexusEV also provides clean energy tariffs to help support the transition to low carbon driving.

BUSINESSWISE ACCOUNTANCY & TAX

Every business needs clarity and non-time consuming solutions to their finance. Businesswise Accountancy and Tax provide no-nonsense, reliable services across book keeping, VAT and cashflow planning, all backed up by the latest digital technologies.

DREAM EMPIRE MARKET CO

The Dream Empire Market Co was set up during the Covid Pandemic, through the need for small businesses and crafters to have space to thrive and grow through events and markets. Each event has 40 traders, showcasing their wares to the general public and supporting local charities.

ELEVEN VIEWS

Firmly believing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to marketing, Eleven Views creates innovative ways for businesses to reach their target market. This is one digital marketing agency that gets excited about helping SME’s make an impact.

FIIT4GROWTH

Partnering with clients to create an environment where teams can excel consistently over the long term, FiiT4GROWTH provides executive coaching, leadership development, and group coaching based on scientifically proven curriculums. They align individual and organisational goals, creating success, improving mental and physical wellbeing and reducing stress.

LIBERTY COLLINS

Working collaboratively with clients, Liberty Collins delivers R&D tax advice. Paving the way for businesses to apply and benefit from innovation tax relief, credits, grants and far more. Using finance in an innovative manner, their clients experience growth and return on investment.

IMAGINEERIUM

Driven by a love of bold design, conceptual cleverness and high quality delivery, Imagineerium is a specialised design studio that brings physical space to life for brands, festivals and interiors. With jaw dropping effects and displays, they push the boundaries of creativity to solve projects of all shapes and sizes with their original, show stopping outcomes.

LOKI POKE

Taking the UK by storm, Loki Poke has kept the nation’s tastebuds tantalised and healthy everywhere from their home shop in Bristol to Glastonbury, The Secret Garden Party and Loves Saves The Day. Banning boring bland sandwiches, their colourful poké bowls have expanded to work events as well as every day sustenance.

LITTLE SPROUTS CSA

Relieving parents of one of their stressors, Little Sprouts CSA is car seat, nursery retailer and advice company based in Bangor, Northern Ireland. Supplying the best and safest brands, offering advice, fit checks and fitting to ensure their customers children travel safely and in style.

SIMPLEX ACCOUNTING LIMITED

From paper-mess to paper-less, Simplex Accounting is taking the stress out of traditional bookkeeping and delivering a seamless, stress-free service to their clients. Aiming to give clarity to business owners, their their eco-friendly methods also encourage their clients to be more eco-aware with their processes during their business journey.

OUR VENUE...

Welcome to the East Wintergarden

Canary Wharf’s East Wintergarden was a very easy choice for these awards. Fully classified as a green event space, it’s also a stone’s throw away from the train stations, so using public transport couldn’t be easier for people coming on the evening.

Our catering company, Food by Dish, has sourced all of the food

sustainably and has ensured that their preparation and serving methods coincide with the guidelines set out by the Canary Wharf Group. Anything not eaten is donated to charities helping local homeless people.

As Shobi Khan, CEO of Canary Wharf Group says: ‘We are very much committed to ensuring East Wintergarden is a sustainable

events space. Not only do we have a long list of eco-friendly practices already in place, but the building itself has been crafted with conservation in mind. This means you can enjoy amazing events at East Wintergarden without it quite literally costing the earth.’ Perfect. Once again we can see that if you set a standard it’s entirely possible that you’ll reach it.

THE SCENEPRO

BUSINESS INNOVATION OF THE YEAR

Celebrating businesses that contribute to the greater good of the community

This award celebrates the exceptional efforts of business owners who not only sustain and grow their own business, but have also used the strength and talent of their team to provide help and assistance where it was needed within their community.

During the lockdowns, the media covered positive stories of triumph where businesses helped their communities. However, we

recognise that one of the lasting positive legacies of the pandemic is a greater sense of responsibility for their community that businesses now feel.

Being in business means dealing with multiple challenges, sometimes on a daily basis. The past few years have placed a massive strain on companies and individuals worldwide, but that hasn’t stopped these finalists who have gone the extra mile.

Each of their kind acts has begun with an effort to care. An effort to be better. These efforts have been developed into strategies and our judges have heard tremendous stories of regeneration and human kindness to instil belief and hope where it was needed.

The St James’s Place Community Business Award recognises businesses that go beyond just making a profit, and contribute to the greater good of the community in amazing ways.

ScenePro Digital Forensics is a Hessle-based company that designs and manufactures innovative forensic digital instrumentation

Their ground-breaking technology has positively advanced the field of serious injury and fatal road collision investigation with national and international impact, capturing highly accurate, previously unobtainable data.

Their innovative product has addressed a significant gap in existing technology that often left victims of collisions and their families failing to achieve the justice and financial support they were entitled to receive. ScenePro’s commitment to innovation has not gone

unnoticed, as evidenced by their win in the Business Innovation Category in the 2022 awards.

Following joint evaluation by the UK Science Regulator and National Police Chiefs’ Council, ScenePro Ltd is now actively engaged with all UK police forces. This unique innovative product and subsequent acceptance of the technology into investigative practices has propelled ScenePro from a small R&D company to sole supplier of this type of instrumentation to UK Police, as well as supplying commercial domestic and international markets.

ScenePro’s commitment to advancing forensic digital instrumentation has not only improved the accuracy of data collection in the field of serious injury and fatal road collision investigations but has also opened many new doors for the company. As a category sponsor for the 2023 awards, ScenePro is committed to supporting the next cohort of innovation finalists and helping to pave the way for continued advancement in the field.

FINALISTS

LATTICE BUILD TECHNOLOGY

Staying on top of a build project’s time-critical and expense elements is now possible with lattice.site’s platform. Powered by insightful analytics and real-time progress visualisation, the team has digitalised the collection of project material status with a cloud-based collaborative platform to update and share status reports. This replaces mundane processes of spreadsheets or email chains, whilst ensuring that no data is lost or misrepresented.

MEDICAL LOGISTICS

Medical Logistics was set up to solve two issues within the medical world - lost medical packages and timely medical tests. Eradicating delays for medical tests and ensuring no more lost or damaged packages they offer a full courier service for medical practices and also offer ‘at-home’ test services in London and across the UK.

NODUM

If EV vehicles are the future, then charging stations need to become commonplace too. For those people renting accommodation or living in apartments where parking is limited, there’s no easy solution. Until Nodum’s ChargeBridge entered the space. Using height and length to their advantage they solve the issue quickly and easily for users.

PAPERCUP

Papercup’s award-winning artificial intelligence system finally makes dubbing a scalable translation option. Their synthetic voices sound genuinely human and enable faster turnaround at a fraction of the cost of traditional dubbing. With their team of translators checking every word for perfect results.

SIMPLY DOUGHNUTS

Manufacturing doughnuts in a range of flavours and sizes that are designed to last longer than their competitors has opened up vast amounts of opportunity for Simply Doughnuts both across the UK and with brands internationally. Investing intensively in the development of long-life food technologies, they have set the standard globally on how to extend the life of food whilst reducing the amount of wastage across food, packaging and energy consumed in the making and transportation of the goods.

SHINEALIGHT

‘The light you can’t see, until you choose to see it’, Shine A Light’s revolutionary concept in lighting design, ‘Eclipse’ is a British engineering masterpiece, acclaimed by interior designers and buyers from prestigious hotels around the globe. Representing a new generation in lighting that is more sculpture than traditional light, Eclipse gives out light on demand, but stands as a stylish feature in its own right, opening and closing whenever it’s desired.

SPACEBANDS

Spacebands is a wearable device that collaborates with their mobile and web app ecosystem. It offers hazard prompts, wellness reminders and employee feedback about your workplace dangers, so that businesses stop approaching safety practices with guess-work. Over 1000 businesses worldwide now use them, improving workplace safety and calm.

SYNCLODGE

Working with the belief that all who create music should have equal opportunities in sync placement, regardless of their location, connections, finances, or fame, SyncLodge have created a powerful B2B ecosystem for music supervisors, visual production companies and copyright holders/administrators, to conclude all the sync licensing tasks needed to professionally license music.

THE SIMULATOR COMPANY

Genuinely believing that with simulation, lives can be saved, The Simulator Company is the first British company to manufacture advanced ECLS manikin-based simulators designed to mimic realistic clinical scenarios. All of their patented products are designed to fulfil current and future clinical training needs, helping to simulate challenging clinical scenarios and vastly improve each trainee’s technical skills.

VIDEOSIGN

Videosign knew that they needed to provide extra layers of enhanced compliance and security for their digital, intuitive cloud-based remote system for end-to-end client engagement and remote signing and witnessing of documentation. With global laws changing to allow digital signatures and remote witnessing, and cyber fraud increasing, their platform evolved faster than they could have imagined during the pandemic to enhance security and support remote working in ‘the new normal’.

FORBES FAMILY GROUP

THE GROWTH BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Recognising businesses that have demonstrated exceptional industry growth

This award celebrates businesses that have experienced significant expansion in their product or service offering, resulting in an increase in their bottom line. The judges were looking for businesses that have a proven track record of success and have achieved tangible results through their growth strategy.

However, the judges did not only focus on the numbers. They have focused in on businesses that have achieved growth in many different aspects, such as the expansion of their product or service offering to meet market demand, innovation

into new verticals, growth of their team and the maintenance of their company culture, and personal growth of the business leaders in their ability to lead and inspire. The judges also dove deeply into the past five-year plan, vision and goals of each business, and assessed how the business has since achieved them. They were looking for a story that flowed, with a solid reasoning behind the decision-making process. This award celebrates businesses that have demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, and leadership, and who have made a significant contribution to their industry and community.

Our focus is on active capital and small business investments, mentorship, and career development opportunities. Our ultimate goal is to create positive social mobility within the communities we serve.

We believe that with the right networks, support, investment, and collaboration, we can help individuals and organizations thrive. Our commitment to creating opportunities at a grass-roots level through charity, not-for-profit, and development programs is an integral part of our mission. By providing positive vocations and supporting initiatives, we aim to have a tangible impact on those we interact with.

Our inspiration comes from the communities from which our founder and senior leadership team are from. We are driven to support and uplift these communities and provide them with the tools and resources to succeed. We are passionate about creating platforms for growth and knowledge and have developed in response to the community we have created.

As part of our commitment to enriching disenfranchised communities, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background. Through our work, we hope to take a prominent role in driving positive social mobility and creating a better future for all. To achieve our goals, we have developed a multi-channel media

platform and uniquely curated content creation. By sharing our insights and experiences, we hope to inspire others and create a strong, supportive community. We are dedicated to providing mentorship and career development opportunities to help individuals reach their full potential.

Forbes Family Group is an organisation that is committed to creating positive change in the world. Our focus on active capital, mentorship, and career development, along with our commitment to disenfranchised communities, sets us apart from other organizations.

With our passion and dedication, we are poised to make a significant impact on the communities we serve.

The Forbes Family Group (FFG) is an organisation dedicated to supporting socially disadvantaged and marginalized individuals and communities

FINALISTS

COTSWOLD FAYRE

Starting from the cellar of his house in South-East London, Paul Hargreaves has grown Cotswold Fayre is the leading wholesaler of speciality food to the independent retail sector. The company supplies 2,000 retailers with 4,000 products from around 400 producers which not only provides an efficient service to those retailers but is a significantly carbon-reducing business model.

LEARN DIRECT

Learn Direct is the UK’s leading online learning provider following its inception in 2000. Born out of the government created University for Industry (UFI), Learn Direct has been offering a wide range of customers a seamless service, from employability support to academic learning and in-work training, all through a blend of online courses and programmes.

ITECHART GROUP

iTechArt is a leading software development company with success building unicorn companies and supporting countless enterprise-level clients. Startups and fastmoving, established companies alike rely on iTechArt’s development teams to start and scale their product development. Their team identifies and equips companies with a team of developers perfectly suited to their projects, ready to work hand-in-glove with in-house teams, using shared tools and methodologies.

LUSSO

Created to bridge the gap for luxury baths and basins that are affordable without compromising on quality or aesthetic, Lusso is one of the UK’s fastest-growing luxury homeware brands. It has since expanded to offer a much wider product range and continues to launch new lines as part of its vision to become the world’s ultimate luxury department store.

NORTHERN CATERING EQUIPMENT

Northern Catering Equipment is an independent supplier, installer and service provider of commercial catering equipment, specialising in end-to-end projects, starting from design and ending with a ready to operate kitchen complete with aftercare solutions; the true turnkey project for fast paced event companies.

MEDIMUSIC

Formed in 2020, MediMusic is a B2B service that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create audio fingerprints which mimic the human brain’s response to music and then scientifically dispenses it as an efficacydriven medicine for the benefit of clinical pain and anxiety.

NOURISHED

Rem3dy Health under the brands Nourished and Scripted, they have developed patented 3D printing technology to create the world’s first truly personalised gummy vitamin. Consumers complete a questionnaire where a science backed algorithm makes a recommendation of 7 vitamins, superfoods and nutrients best suited to the user’s lifestyle and goals. Delivering them in 100% plastic free packaging - less waste and cost than purchasing them individually.

RAMSAY AND WHITE

Ramsay & White is an award-winning group that specialises in wealth management, real estate, property management and finance. Their qualified financial advisers assist clients with pensions, investments, and inheritance tax mitigation, covering personal and business. They work with clients across the UK and overseas investors who wish to invest in the UK property market.

TODDS

LEAP RACKING AND SHELVING

Based in Northern Ireland, Todd’s Leap Racking and Shelving are resellers of both new and used storage equipment, providing pallet racking, shelving, mezzanine floors, and automated storage systems all across the UK And Ireland. Supplying to a wide range of industry from large distribution centres for multinational’s to kitting out small office setups.

WHAT OUR WINNERS SAY...

It was very exciting to be a part of the inaugural Business Champion Awards. We were humbled to have received the SME of the Year Award and it was a pleasure to be surrounded by so many successful businesses and their employees. A fantastic evening was had by all, and we hope to return in March 2023.

Scott Sciberras Whiskey & Wealth

I would definitely recommend these awards. The evening was such a great night and so well organised. Great to see the mixture of different businesses. We were lucky enough to meet with some excellent business owners and hope that by staying in contact, we can bring value to each other. Huw Edwards was such a good host too.

Thank you to the organisers and judges for their brilliant work in organising the event.

Justin Powlesland JHP Recruitment

DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE THE

EXPORTER OF THE YEAR

Championing British businesses that cross borders

Exporting goods and services to different countries involves a vast amount of logistics, from systems and protocols to dealing with red tape and hiring staff. It requires a specific mindset and company structure to deal with the day-to-day ups and downs of business life from multiple sources. The Exporter of the Year Award celebrates businesses that have thrived by running teams in multiple countries, forging excellent relationships with suppliers, and surviving and turning a profit even in the most challenging of times.

Judges were keen to hear about the processes and sharing of key information, team building, and vision behind each business and their future plans for growth and raising the profile of the UK on a global basis.

They explored the ideas behind to supporting local suppliers both in the UK and the countries that were exported to. Each of the judges also heard how the finalists grew and sustained relationships of trust despite any pitfalls along the way. This award is a celebration of entrepreneurship on a truly global scale.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is committed to helping UK businesses access and thrive in international markets

Our team provides tailored advice and guidance to help you succeed in the global marketplace.

Through our extensive connections with international marketplaces, we can help you connect with the right partners, allowing you to benefit from reduced commission rates and ‘try for free’ periods. Our team of experts will work with you and provide ongoing support to help

your business grow by selling online overseas.

At DIT, we are dedicated to identifying opportunities for UK businesses around the world. We employ people globally who have a deep understanding of local rules, culture, and preferences, giving you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. Our team of experts provides tailormade advice, working with you to develop an e-commerce export

strategy and identify the right online marketplaces for your business. Whether you’re taking your first steps in e-commerce exporting or looking to expand your online presence, we’re here to help. We pride ourselves on working in partnership with businesses to help them achieve their goals. At DIT, we believe that together, we are stronger, and we’re committed to helping UK businesses succeed in the global marketplace.

FINALISTS

ETK GROUP

Founded in 2010, ETK’s vision is to contribute to the growth of African markets by delivering equitable business opportunities and facilitating access to the market for businesses of various sizes. They give their clients a clear and articulated pathway to international trade with Africa in a way that achieves results.

SPORT:80

Whether you’re an international or national governing body, sport charity or community sports organisation, the Sport:80 Platform helps people to streamline your processes, increase revenue and provide an exceptional experience for their members.

The Sport:80 Platform allows your members’ to fully engage with your organisation, increasing member satisfaction and making it even easier to participate.

THE ENGLISH SOAP COMPANY

The English Soap Company story began in 2000, when founders Bob & Juliet discovered a number of vintage soap moulds lying disused in a machinery workshop farm in Kent. What began as a small family kitchen table business is now an internationally recognised soap and toiletries brand, exporting to over 40 different countries all over the world, with partnerships with large global brands such as Disney and The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.

THE WARRIOR ACADEMY

Believing there to be an incredible power at the intersection of Martial Arts and character development, The Warrior Academy combines modern teaching methods with traditional values to inspire young people to seek challenge and adventure. Teaching them to challenge the status quo and to inspire a generation that can and, they believe, should, impact the world for good.

GLOBAL INFUSION GROUP

Since 1984, Global Infusion Group have been recognised for their worldwide hospitality, events and catering. Their high profile, long standing clients, extend to sport, music, TV, Film, entertainment and corporate events. Headquartered in Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, and with facilities in Asia, Middle East and USA, their trading divisions collaborate with an extensive worldwide network to deliver exceptional events and unparalleled brand activations.

AND THE TRINNOVO GROUP

DIVERSITY INCLUSION AWARD

Afew years ago, many companies simply thought that having a mantra that stated their policy on diversity was enough.

However, incidents and negativity in the workplace have sadly proven that it certainly wasn’t. Increasingly companies have needed to live and breathe these mantras in their day-to-day practice to encompass a richly diverse and inclusive workplace. Our judges have heard how strong leadership and HR

movements were used to put values into action, as well as sourcing a team who all believed vehemently in the cause, in the hope that one day diversity or inclusivity won’t be an issue or a cause, certainly not one needing an award.

Until then, we champion the businesses that are proactive in their fight. These finalists have stood up to bullying in the workplace and coached others to do the same, recognising that a happy workplace is a successful one.

Celebrating businesses that have successfully included diversity and inclusivity in the workplace

With a team of experienced professionals, Trinnovo provides strategic business consulting, financial management, and bespoke software solutions to help businesses thrive in a rapidly changing market.

Trinnovo recognizes the importance of innovation in driving business success. They understand that businesses must constantly adapt to stay competitive and relevant, and

they are dedicated to helping their clients do just that.

Trinnovo’s expertise in business strategy and financial management has helped businesses across a range of industries to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. They offer personalized and customized solutions to each of their clients, taking the time to understand their unique challenges and goals.

Trinnovo’s bespoke software solutions are designed to streamline

processes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. Their software solutions are tailored to each client’s specific needs, ensuring that businesses have the tools they need to succeed in a digital world. With a focus on innovation, expertise, and personalised service, The Trinnovo Group is proud to sponsor the Diversity and Inclusion category in the 2023 awards and help support the growth and success of UK businesses.

The Trinnovo Group is a UK-based company that offers innovative and effective solutions to help businesses grow and succeed

FINALISTS

ISC GROUP

ISC Group UK is a global not-for-profit organisational community that is dedicated to increasing the representation of Women in Insurance, helping them to achieve the highest potential in their career. ISC Group creates a tailored programme in each of their locations to ensure that different cultural challenges are being addressed in the different countries to enable women to gain the confidence and skills they need to progress successfully in their careers.

TEMPLETON & PARTNERS

To get global reach in Industry 4.0, clients need specialist global teams in multiple tech hubs. 99% of recruitment agencies operate locally; generalist giants with global reach operate in country silos. Templeton & Partners build scalable, specialist international tech teams for international businesses across multiple locations, through their own diverse and international team.

SIMPLY DOUGHNUTS

Simply Doughnuts is a British manufacturer of fresh doughnuts with an exceptionally long shelf-life. Its R&D work in extending shelf-lives won it a Queens’ Award for Enterprise in 2020 (Innovation category). Based in York, they have designed a recruitment process that searches for, trains and employs people in the local community that might otherwise find it hard to source work. Their belief and training has helped to inspire their community within the business.

LIVING UP TO ZERO

From inception we knew that we wanted the Business Champion Awards to be eco-friendly and net-zero; not only does that reflect our values within the Capital Business Media group but we knew it would also reflect the values of the businesses that we were hoping to attract to apply.

It was heartwarming to see that during the entire process we were surrounded and supported by like-minded people that also want to minimise their impact on the planet whilst not compromising on living.

Organising our first awards night as a carbon neutral event we thought would be quite a challenge, however it was instantly heartwarming to find out that all of the suppliers we wanted to work with had already set sustainable practices in place that solidified our wishes.

The award’s process and carbon footprint from it was kept to a minimum by moving the judge’s presentation days to online zoom calls. This move alone saved over 1000 people travelling to the capital. As a company the Capital Business Media Group are carbon neutral; everything that can be moved online, has been and anything that’s needed to be printed has been done so on FSC protected recycled and recyclable paper stocks.

To honour Her Majesty’s Jubilee campaign to plant more trees in 2022, we’re also planting trees. Each winner will have ten trees planted in their geographical region within the UK.

For the evening itself, there are so many facets to the event coming together and we are keen to share more about our location and venue because their efforts to be sustainable are literally award winning in themselves.

THE SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS ECO FOUNDRY

Championing companies who strive for sustainability and a lower environmental impact

This award is an opportunity to reward businesses who are passionate about being planet-friendly on a whole other level. Reconsidering every angle of internal and customerfacing processes to become fully sustainable and lowering environmental impact is key to this year’s finalists.

It takes a gargantuan amount of effort to become fully sustainable. Our judges heard how entire ecosystems that are future-friendly, have been created. Taking into account the changing of internal

and external systems factoring in all supply chains, methods and values. As well as that, judges questioned how sustainability was embedded in their entire business culture. Every member of staff had to understand their own impact to see the total result of the company as a whole.

Championing this for our finalists has been no mean feat. However, it’s been heartwarming to see that a vast amount of companies are moving forward, not only in line with government plans for a sustainable future, but also to sleep at night knowing that their company isn’t costing the Earth.

Our innovative range of solutions incorporates real plants into infrastructures, supported by our endto-end service that includes design, installation, and maintenance.

We also provide sustainable event solutions that enhance any space through the natural benefits of biophilia. Our lightweight design enables quick installation and removal, making them ideal for events, exhibitions, and show hire. Our fully unique and customisable range of event products can be

sustainably branded, demonstrating your commitment to promoting the wider benefits of green infrastructure to the economy, environment, and society.

The internal benefits of our solutions include improved health and wellbeing in the home and workplace by the absorption of toxic chemical elements and re-oxygenation of spaces, increased productivity, concentration, alertness, and motivation, acoustic and insulation benefits, and improved aesthetics and building function.

The external benefits of our solutions include improving local air quality, visually aesthetic improvement to any environment, benefits building cost efficiency through heating, cooling and energy cost reduction, an aid to stormwater management, reducing runoff and preventing local drainage overload, re-oxygenation of the local environment, and reduction of the heat island effect.

At Eco Foundry, we are committed to sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility.

Eco Foundry is a UK-based company that pioneers in biophilic design, providing sustainable solutions for a world that needs to be more environmentally aware.

FINALISTS

BAREFOOT ECO CLEANING

Offsetting both their own and their client’s carbon whilst cleaning, has seen Barefoot Eco Cleaning surge forwards to a respected client base. Offering a comprehensive range of commercial and domestic cleaning services to meet each client’s needs in a professional, regular and affordable manner.

BLUETREE GROUP

As the UK’s largest online printer and in 2020, Bluetree exists to manufacture and sell standardised, affordable, high-quality products through investing in the latest technology. They are fully committed to achieve Net Zero for scope 1, 2 and downstream to scope 3 emissions related to the delivery and disposal of their products and activities by 2030. They are on course to achieving Net Zero for scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2035.

BTS FABRICATIONS

Friday the 11th of November is a monumental day for BTS Facades and Fabrications as it’s the day they received their carbon neutral certificate. They are on a mission to be the most sustainable metal rainscreen, bespoke special product and flashing manufacturer. Their ultimate goal is to be Net Zero before 2030.

COTSWOLD FAYRE

Building an environmental strategy based on CO2e, supply chain, food waste and plastic, Cotswold Fayre are the UK’s leading speciality and fine food wholesaler, a certified B Corp and is committed to reaching their target of Net Zero carbon by 2030. Not only that, they’re propelling other businesses to doing the same by being the change they wish to see in the world.

CROWN OIL

Crown Oil is the first fuel supplier in the UK to be certified carbon neutral. They achieved this milestone by running their fleet on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), reducing their emissions by as much as possible and offsetting those they cannot avoid. They are now putting all of their energy into reaching net zero by 2030 and bringing their customers with them on the journey.

POSITIVE PLANET

Offering specialist help and advice to support multiple companies on their pathway to net-zero. Positive Planet’s experienced team cover everything from using recognised carbon accounting standards to ensure that carbon emission reporting is accurate and credible to creating sustainability plans within businesses and offsetting anything else that can’t be actioned.

JUICE GLOBAL

The philosophy at Juice is to make people feel amazing, from employees, to retail partners and their consumers. Their mission to be carbon neutral includes their Juice HQ being powered by wind farms through to their product and packaging being made from 100% recycled materials (so 100% recyclable). Passionate about creating a wastefree world they believe doing business shouldn’t cost the earth.

WATER PLUS

As the trusted water retail partner for organisations throughout England and Scotland Water Plus help their customers to save water and lower their environmental impact. They work alongside their clients around water reduction and offer their support for projects helping carbon prevention and carbon capture.

MINIML

Understanding that understand that manufacturing, transporting and using cleaning products can have a negative impact on the environment. The Friendly Chemical Co work hard to ensure that every raw ingredient and component used to make their products is assessed and chosen carefully to leave a minimal impact on the planet.

YANA ACTIVE

Much like the Amazon tribes that were their inspiration, YANA Active’s range of active wear has been designed with sustainability in mind. To minimise their carbon footprint they have used recycled fabrics, natural fibres and materials, and they’ve kept their CO2 emissions low by manufacturing as many of their products in the UK avoiding long haul transportation.

OUR LOCALE...

Did you know that Canary Wharf Group is the largest sustainable developer in the UK?

With more than 11 million sq ft of sustainable certified buildings, some of which have achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the world’s leading sustainability assessment body, Building Research Establishment. This is only awarded to the top one per cent of developments considered best in class when it comes to health and wellbeing, responsible sourcing and energy efficiency.

Underlining Canary Wharf’s sustainability initiatives is a commitment to achieving net zero carbon by 2030. So far, the steps taken have resulted in a 34% fall in emissions since 2012 – a significant milestone and a poignant reminder that the actions we take now will have a resounding effect on the future of our planet.

One of their most successful initiatives has been their 2018 award-winning ‘Breaking the Plastic Habit’, which aimed to remove single-use plastic from the Estate. Canary Wharf is now the first district in London, and the first commercial district anywhere, to be awarded Plastic Free Communities status by charity Surfers Against Sewage. Across the Estate, you’ll find evidence of a proactive approach to sustainability. There are seven water refill stations, and recycling bins at every turn. There’s a Sea Bin in Middle Dock too, which collects 180kg of plastic debris every year from local waterways, and solar panelled Strawberry Smart Benches with Wi-Fi. And thanks to a dynamic Biodiversity Action Plan – to ensure a thriving ecosystem for cleaner air and healthier people – you can enjoy spotting bird and bat boxes, tufted

ducks, mallards and even seals as you walk around the six acres of parks, squares and amenity space. Canary Wharf has sent zero waste to landfill from managed areas since 2009; instead, the strict recycling polices have meant that, since 2017, Canary Wharf has diverted almost 600 tonnes of coffee grounds from landfill into biofuels, and recycled approximately six million coffee cups. What’s more, the Canary Wharf Estate has run on 100% renewable electricity purchased since 2012, and Wood Wharf was the first construction site to support the Mayor of London’s Clean Air Campaign.

THE ST JAMES’S PLACE

BUSINESS COMMUNITY AWARD

Celebrating

This award celebrates the exceptional efforts of business owners who not only sustain and grow their own business, but have also used the strength and talent of their team to provide help and assistance where it was needed within their community.

During the lockdowns, the media covered positive stories of triumph where businesses helped their communities. However, we recognise that one of the lasting

legacies of the pandemic is a greater sense of responsibility for the community that businesses now feel.

Being in business means dealing with multiple challenges, sometimes on a daily basis. The past few years have placed a massive strain on companies and individuals worldwide, but we’re here to celebrate the champions who went the extra mile to ensure that their company supported communities however they defined them. These

could be completely outrageous or simply facilitating an everyday act of kindness.

We want to hear your stories and how you helped your community during challenging times. Share your heart-warming stories with us, and we’ll share them with the country. The St James’s Place Community Business Award recognises businesses that go beyond just making a profit, but also contribute to the greater good of the community.

businesses that contribute to the greater good of the community

St. James’s Place is a leading UK-based wealth management company with over 30 years of experience

St. James’s Place is committed to providing personalized wealth management services to individuals and businesses across the UK.

Their holistic approach to financial planning includes investment management, retirement planning, estate planning, and tax advice, delivered by a team of over 3,500 financial advisers. Their clients benefit from a tailored investment strategy, designed to meet their unique financial goals and aspirations.

St. James’s Place is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, ensuring that their clients’ best interests are always at the forefront of their services. Their commitment to excellence has been recognized with numerous industry awards, including being named the UK’s Best Wealth Manager by Citywire in 2020.

In addition to their commitment to exceptional wealth management services, St. James’s Place is committed to making a positive impact on the communities they

serve. Their charitable foundation, the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, supports a wide range of causes, including education, health, and poverty alleviation, both in the UK and abroad.

As a leading UK-based wealth management company, St. James’s Place is dedicated to providing personalized, holistic financial planning services to their clients. Their commitment to excellence and social responsibility makes them an ideal sponsor for the Community Business of the Year category in the 2023 business awards.

FINALISTS

ANGLESEY SEA ZOO

Bought by the owner Frankie Hobro 16 years ago, Anglesey Sea Zoo has been transformed into a British species conservation centre and an example of excellence in sustainability. Engaging the public and the community and the wider audience in action for positive environmental change, they also run a voluntary environmental hub for community beach cleans and marine animal rescue group to rescue and rehabilitate injured or stranded marine animals including seals, dolphins, turtles and seabirds.

BIOME ALGAE

Biome Algae works closely with customers, developing seaweed-derived products that are designed to help resolve important societal and environmental issues. This approach magnifies Biome’s own sustainability impact as a key producer and processor within those value chains. Biome focuses on business-for-change and creating a sustainable green future from blue growth. Farming seaweed in clean South-West waters, they measure the benefits and impacts of farming on the marine environment and local communities.

CHARLIE BETTY BEAUTY

So many women battle with deep depression and unresolved trauma, losing their sense of self. Charlie Betty Beauty is a brand with positivity, empowerment and spirituality at its core. We want to help people find themselves again, find their potential and show their creativity through the art of makeup. We also want to spread awareness of the stigma around mental health in the beauty industry, which is why as a business, we also donate 1% of our annual profits to MIND Charity.

CK9TRAINING

CK9 Training is a dog training and behaviour company that operates in person sessions in Surrey, and online training and courses to people globally. Many of their clients are at the point of rehoming their dogs and by delivering their science -based positive reinforcement approach when training both dogs and their owners, they are able to turn the situations around, leaving happy homes in their wake.

ECASS

ECASS provides extra help and information services to individuals and organisations in and around Portsmouth, and Hampshire. From alcohol and drug awareness, and tenant support to domestic violence signposting, debt management support and everything in between, their team work tirelessly to offer support to people who are in need.

FAMN

Famn is a collective of psychologists, coaches, and facilitators, working with major organisations in financial services and beyond, in particular, supporting gender equity.

A father and daughter partnership, derived to help members’ deepen emotional intelligence and selfawareness, ultimately preparing them to make better leaders’ and boost organisational culture.

Aiming to make football fun for everyone, The Football Fun Factory creates experiences that children and their families are inspired to be a part of. Offering weekly training programmes for 2-12 year olds, school holiday camps, birthday parties, and events, their inflatable football experiences set them apart as they create a football paradise for children that develops a long-lasting love for the game.

HAWELI

Born from a love of their local community and a wish to support it, Haweli has since fed 150 during pandemic to Salvation Army in Ealing, provided food for doctors and nurses at Hammersmith hospital and also for locals during Ramadan. They’ve also extended vital support to the Salvation Army in their work for homeless and vulnerable people and regularly provide meals for local people who would not otherwise be able to feed themselves.

FOOTBALL FUN FACTORY SERVE LEGAL

Performing over 175,000 audits a year, assessing age restricted, allergen, customer service and compliance experiences, chances are high that you’ve come into contact with Serve Legal without even knowing it. Used as best practice and is a highly trusted ‘currency’ of responsible trading, they enable companies to independently test that their staff are checking the ID of young customers - an approach supported by local authorities.

WANIS INTERNATIONAL FOODS

Wanis International Foods is a leading importer and distributor of food and drink from around the world. Supplying close to 6,000 customers of all shapes and sizes through their cash and carry outlet and ‘delivered-tocustomer’ service. Founded in 1964 as a small retail outlet supplying the then new immigrant communities, Wanis remains a family business to this day, having grown from humble beginnings into an international food and drink business with revenues in excess £100m.

At the heart of OSIT’s success is its unwavering dedication to providing clients with workspace solutions that are tailored to their specific needs. Whether a company is looking for a fully equipped serviced office, a virtual office, or a meeting room, OSIT has the expertise and resources to deliver exactly what is required.

One of the key factors that sets OSIT apart from its competitors is its focus on providing workspace solutions that are both flexible and affordable. In a rapidly changing business landscape, it’s essential for companies to have the ability to quickly and easily adapt their workspace requirements to meet their evolving needs. With OSIT, businesses have the freedom to

choose the workspace solution that best fits their requirements, whether it’s a short-term serviced office or a long-term virtual office.

In addition to providing flexible and affordable workspace solutions, OSIT is also committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for its clients. With a dedicated team of professionals on hand to provide personalized support and assistance, OSIT clients can rest assured that they are in good hands.

Another key aspect of OSIT’s success is its commitment to innovation.

The company has always been at the forefront of new developments in the office solutions industry, and is constantly exploring new and innovative ways to meet the changing needs of its clients. From cutting-

edge technology to state-of-the-art facilities, OSIT is always striving to provide its clients with the very best workspace solutions available. Perhaps most importantly, however, is OSIT’s commitment to sustainability. The company recognizes the vital importance of protecting the environment, and has implemented a range of initiatives designed to reduce its environmental footprint. From energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems to recycling programs and green transportation options, OSIT is committed to doing its part to build a more sustainable future.

With a focus on meeting the unique needs of each client and a commitment to innovation and sustainability, OSIT is truly a standout player in the office solutions industry.

OSIT is a leading UK-based office company that has been providing innovative workspace solutions to businesses of all sizes since 2001. With a reputation for excellence and a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its clients, OSIT has established itself as a top player in the office solutions industry.

THE DPD

BUSINESS ENABLER AWARD

Recognising businesses that support others to achieve greatness

This awards looks at companies that have gone beyond offering traditional products and services, instead acting as an enabler to their clients or customers to gain a competitive edge.

To win this award, a business must constantly innovate and lead within their industry. This requires strong leadership from the CEO and a team that is committed to analysing market trends, data perceptions, and potential new verticals and competitors.

The judges have delved deeply into the five-year plan of each business to see how it works with

its clients to achieve their overall business aims, whilst aligning company culture, and growing the team in a positive way.

The winning story has made the judges nod their heads when they listened to the reasoning behind the decision-making process. The judges have agreed that, on the evidence presented, the organisation’s product, service or infrastructure has enabled clients and customers to increase revenue, profitability, and gain a competitive advantage.

The DPD Business Enabler of the Year award celebrates businesses that have made a real impact on their clients’ success.

As a company, we understand that we are an extension of your brand and company, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of timecritical, value for money services, and an unmatched reputation for service and security.

Our extensive range of products and services means that we can provide better value for customers than

anyone else. Whether you need to send parcels, documents, or freight, we offer efficient and reliable delivery throughout the UK. DPD Pickup is just one example of our commitment to innovation. Our customers can choose to have their order delivered to the nearest DPD Pickup point, and with our ‘in-flight’ option, they can divert the delivery to a local pickup point if they won’t be at home. We also offer a hassle-

free returns service via our DPD Pickup points.

With more and more online shoppers preferring the convenience of click-and-collect, DPD Pickup is a great option for retailers looking to offer their customers more flexibility and convenience. Trust DPD to deliver your parcels with the highest level of service and security.

DPD is a leader in the UK delivery industry, constantly investing in technology to provide the best possible delivery experience for customers.

FINALISTS

ORTHARIZE

The Ortharize platform has been built to make business travel operations more efficient. Travellers spend up to 40% less when using it regain countless hours booking and reconciling travel over a dozen customisable reports including CO2 emission tracking. Each search will only show results that fit within each company’s designated travel policy so overspending can’t occur.

PLAN A CONSULTANTS

Plan A Consultants is an independent design management consultancy, founded in 2015 to define and manage the complex design processes for architects to deliver successful projects worldwide. We use innovative digital tools to support architects to lead international architectural projects, including leading museums, sports stadiums, resorts and masterplans. Our positive working environment gives dedicated employees, low staff churn, and clients who work with us repeatedly. The architects and designers who employ us say we’ve made a stepchange in how they work, and they keep coming back.

PEOPLE PUZZLES

Knowing that businesses thrive when everyone in the team is aligned and pulling in the same direction, Peoples Puzzles deliver a range of HR Services to help mid-tier businesses source the people they need to succeed. Working remotely or on-site, they will get to know your business and ensure that people are managed, trained and sourced in a way that delivers results.

SWOOP FUNDING

Thinking of themselves as virtual CFO’s, Swoop takes the hassle out of finding funds to grow your business. Their software enables clients to search tailored options across loans, equity and grants. Whilst their team can also help find saving on your business costs like energy, banking, and more.

WILL POLSTON COACHING AND TRAINING

Will Polston is an entrepreneur, business strategist, and one of the UK’s leading performance coaches. Will works with entrepreneurs who want to achieve more in life –whether that’s more money, more time, more health, or more happiness! With one-on-one coaching, his academy and extra resources, Will has designed his business around his ability to assist his clients in breaking through their barriers, turn procrastination into productivity and achieve their full potential.

THE TRAVEL FRANCHISE & NOT JUST TRAVEL

Launched in 2001 Not Just Travel is one of the UK’s largest travel consultancies. Our recruitment arm, The Travel Franchise is the UK’s fastest growing travel franchise. In terms of franchise numbers, we beat the likes of Burger King and Subway. We enable people to start their own ready-made travel business from as little as £3k. We’re the most popular choice for people with no experience in travel to train as a fully qualified travel agent. We offer a complete, ready-made company; training, booking system, website, marketing, mentoring and support.

MARKET DISRUPTOR & LAYTONS ETL GLOBAL THE

SCALE UP OF THE YEAR

Recognising businesses that have a strategy which has fundamentally altered customer behaviours

These businesses will have brought about positive change and disrupted the status quo while maintaining consistent growth.

To be eligible, businesses must have recognised the scale of their market opportunity pre-launch or have had consistent and profitable growth while being able to demonstrate a clear disruptive impact on the industry, sector, or marketplace in the last 12 months.

The winning business will be able to demonstrate that they have successfully disrupted their industry, sector, or marketplace by shaking things up and bringing about a positive change.

Judges were looking for the business that can best demonstrate how

they identified the gap in the market and how they have gone about filling it.

They were looking for how the company prepared for launch. Was it carefully planned or did they have to run to keep up? What has gone well with the venture and what has challenged it?

At the heart of every successful business is a vision for the future.

Judges were looking at the companies goals and results. The vision for the future, and the kind of impact you’d like to create along with the team you’d like to build. Being in business is a journey, and we want to celebrate the journey and the impact the business has made.

Our team of experienced lawyers is committed to providing highquality legal advice and practical solutions that meet the needs of our clients.

At Laytons ETL Global, we understand that every client is unique. We take a personalised approach to each case, tailoring our services to the specific needs and objectives of our clients. We

work closely with our clients to understand their goals and provide strategic advice that helps them achieve success.

Our expertise spans across various areas of law, including corporate and commercial, employment, intellectual property, real estate, and dispute resolution. We have a proven track record of delivering successful outcomes for our clients, thanks to our deep understanding

of the legal landscape and our commitment to delivering innovative and effective solutions.

We are passionate about helping businesses grow and achieve their goals, and we believe that the Business Champion Awards are an excellent platform for recognising and showcasing the achievements of the UK’s most innovative and dynamic businesses.

Laytons ETL Global is a leading UK law firm with a global outlook. We offer a comprehensive range of legal services to businesses, individuals, and organisations across multiple industries.

FINALISTS

AGILITYECO

A leading provider of fuel poverty, energyefficiency and low-carbon services across the UK, AgilityEco works in partnership with utility companies, local authorities, social housing providers, charities and social enterprises tackling the dual challenges of fuel poverty and vulnerability. We design and operate a number of community-based programmes to provide fuel poverty and energy efficiency solutions to these specific households.

BLOOM PROCUREMENT

Bloom offers a dynamic supply chain providing the public sector with a marketplace to buy and manage services. They ensure delivery of quality outcomes from their pre-approved and ever growing network of suppliers and consultants. Crucially, their fully compliant open access marketplace is outcomes-based, meaning the public sector only pays for what is delivered.

BRAMBLE ENERGY

Bramble Energy is working towards a Net Zero carbon future using today’s technology. They have developed a route to access, combine and distribute all forms of renewable energy generating technologies by cost effectively empowering the Hydrogen Economy. They are powering Net Zero with their unique PCBFC™ technology which has a number of key advantages compared to traditional fuel cell systems.

CYBERIAM

CyberIAM is a cybersecurity services company, designing and delivering customised IAM and PAM solutions to large global enterprise businesses. They offer advisory, managed, professional, expert and support services. They help their customers protect themselves against cyberattacks and internal threats.

KW SPECIAL PROJECTS

From race cars to hypercars, new battery technology to advanced applications for additive manufacturing, KWSP is a high-performance engineering specialist. Harnessing state-of-the-art technologies to solve complex challenges they work closely with their clients on collaborations and turnkey solutions for companies operating worldwide.

PETALITE

Solving ‘charge anxiety’ for EV drivers is now a reality with the engineering and design of Petalite’s own SDC chargers and unique business model. They solve the common pains experienced by manufacturers, operators and owners of public rapid DC chargers. Their main focus is around reliability, ROI and charger life as well as addressing long term sustainability issues and driver frustrations.

PSE OFFLINE MARKETING

From Ikea to Hello Fresh, PSE Offline Marketing uses extraordinary levels of data to derive unique methods of marketing straight to the desired customers of their brands. Driven by growth, they work with entrepreneurial businesses with ambitious plans and thrive on playing their part in helping their client’s surpass their goals.

WHISKEY & WEALTH CLUB

As specialised cask whiskey wholesalers, Whiskey & Wealth Club connect masters of the craft with true connoisseurs. In partnership with with some of the world’s finest distilleries, they offer cask whiskey to their private clients at special ultra-wholesale rates enabling anyone the opportunity to tap into the global whiskey market.

OUR DRINKS SPONSORS...

The success of any event depends on the collective efforts of all the parties involved, and the Business Champion Awards is no exception. The awards’ huge success is in part down to our generous sponsors, who not only contributed financially but also added flavour and colour to the event.

In particular, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to King of Soho Gin, Au Vodka, FeverTree, and Double Dutch for sponsoring the drinks at the event.

KING OF SOHO GIN is a Londonbased gin producer that has made a name for itself by producing highquality spirits that are enjoyed all over the world. They are a perfect fit, for the Business Champion Awards given their founder Alex Robson is one of our founding judges and we are grateful for their contribution.

AU VODKA is another sponsor that deserves special mention. Their premium vodka is made from the finest ingredients and distilled five times to produce a smooth and luxurious taste.

We are certain that the vodka cocktails will play a significant role in making the event a tasteful success. FEVERTREE is a leading producer of premium tonic water and mixers that are designed to complement the flavour of high-quality spirits. Their sponsorship of the Business Champion Awards was a perfect fit, and we are grateful for the contribution they made to the event.

We would like to thank DOUBLE DUTCH for their generous sponsorship. Double Dutch, founded by our Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 winners, Raissa and Joyce, is a producer of premium tonic waters and mixers that are designed to complement the fla-vour of highquality spirits.

Their products are widely regarded as some of the best in the industry, and we are de-lighted to have them as a sponsor at the event.

Last but not least, LYRE’S exquisite range of lovingly crafted non-alcoholic spirits are available for all looking for an alcohol-free alternative, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the mirth and merriment of our awards night. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to King of Soho Gin, Au Vodka, Fever-Tree, Double Dutch and Lyre’s for their generous sponsorship of the Business Champi-on Awards. Their contribution will play a significant role in making the event a success, and we are grateful for their support. CHEERS!

THE BEGBIES TRAYNOR

BUSINESS AWARD

TRANSFORMATION

Rewarding businesses that have transitioned from floundering to success

This award is for companies that have saved their business from failure and seen bottom lines rise over the past three years.

It’s no secret that to start in business is to fill a niche, but to stay in business means adapting to change with a hard view for growth. Sometimes, within this, a complete company rethink is needed.

Our judges were keen to hear stories of how each finalist

recognised the need for transformation, how they sought advice and researched concepts before implementing them, how the marketplace responded, and how they guided their team to adapt to key changes and get on board with new processes.

Redefining a company can take on many forms - from working with robots vs. humans to online systems for payroll, apps for mental health, a reboot of company culture,

communications with clients and consumers, quality assurances, and systems and processes.

Our finalists showed what they had learnt from their experiences and crucially what was next in the plans for them to scale and maintain growth.

This award recognises the sheer tenacity, grit and determination it takes to turn a business around.

With over 30 years of experience, we have a proven track record of providing innovative and effective solutions to businesses and individuals facing financial distress.

We offer a comprehensive range of services, including corporate insolvency, personal insolvency, restructuring, forensic accounting, and corporate finance. Our highly skilled team of professionals

provides tailored advice and support to businesses of all sizes and sectors, from start-ups to established multinationals.

Our commitment to excellence and dedication to our clients has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses and individuals facing financial challenges. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide timely and cost-effective solutions, and our team is committed to delivering the highest level of

service and support to our clients.

We believe that by recognizing and celebrating the achievements of businesses and individuals, we can inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and support the growth and success of the UK economy. We look forward to working with the awards and helping to promote the outstanding achievements of businesses across the country.

Begbies Traynor is the UK’s leading independent corporate recovery and insolvency firm, with a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality professional services

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FINALISTS

KSENIA DROBEN MATCHMAKING

Using psychology and tested techniques, Ksenia Droben Matchmaking has been rescuing people from endless swiping, fake profiles, blind dates and gold diggers since 1998.

As professional international matchmakers, the team are motivated to find people’s partners and match happy relationships together.

MAKE AN ENTRANCE

Starting 50 years ago, Make An Entrance serve businesses and consumers with solutions for doorway matting from their online store. From traditional mats, handmade using time-honoured techniques, to contemporary and decorative entrance matting, to customisable and difficult shapes they own their area of the market place with their all-encompassing service.

All of their e-books are fully illustrated, non-fiction A to Z guides for the whole family to enjoy. Compiled using over 1700 images, the content aims to inspire and inform with the aim of uniting people, despite differences, and showing multiple cultures and ways of life through the ages.

ScenePro is a business that has dedicated several years of effort to the development of products that cater to the needs of collision investigation officers. Our fundamental belief is that these officers require the best instrumentation to achieve the best possible outcomes for the communities they serve.

Our journey to success has not been an easy one, and we have faced numerous challenges along the way. However, our unwavering commitment to our customers has been the driving force behind our progress.

Today, we are proud to say that our products are used by 41 of the 43 police forces in England and Wales, as well as the Garda and independent forensic investigators across the globe. This achievement is a testament to the quality of our products and the level of trust that our customers have in us. We have been able to achieve this level of success because we have

remained focused on our customers, constantly striving to improve our products to meet their needs.

Along the way, we have also received recognition from the wider business community and winning the Business Champion Award in 2022 for Business Innovation has given us an opportunity to see how others view us and our products. This metric of success has helped us to recognize that we are viewed as a success by our peers in the industry. This vote of confidence has encouraged us to look at wider opportunities and partnerships with larger organizations, allowing us to reach more customers and expand our product offerings.

Our success has been built on a foundation of customer focus, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. We have learned that success is not achieved overnight but is the result of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to adapt and evolve.

We are proud of what we have achieved, but we know that there is always room for improvement. As such, we remain committed to our customers and to the continued development of innovative products that meet their evolving needs.

We believe that by doing so, we will continue to earn the trust and confidence of our customers and the wider business community.

BRITISH BUSINESS BANK THE

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Celebrating outstanding entrepreneurs under the age of 35

This award recognises exceptional young entrepreneurs who have demonstrated drive, commitment and success in their business ventures, with a proven track record of business growth and innovation.

The judges were looking for young entrepreneurs who had identified a gap in the market and had been tenacious enough to turn their vision into a successful reality. They wanted to hear about the challenges each entrepreneur had faced and how they had overcome them to achieve their goals.

The judges were interested in hearing about the concept behind the business, how it was financed, and the pitfalls that the entrepreneur

had had to overcome to get started.

Getting started in business is tough at any age, but for young entrepreneurs, it can be even more challenging, especially when attempting investment rounds. Each judge wanted to hear about the journey the entrepreneur had taken and where they saw their business going in the future. They have delved into the successes of each finalist to single out the one who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and business acumen, whilst also making a significant impact on their industry and community.

This award aims to inspire and recognise the next generation of business leaders.

We recognise the critical role that smaller businesses play in driving the UK economy and creating jobs, and we are committed to providing the right funding solutions to help them succeed.

We offer a range of financial products and services designed to help businesses start, scale up, and thrive. Whether you’re looking

for loans, equity investments, or other forms of finance, our team of experts can guide you through the process and connect you with the right financial providers.

At the British Business Bank, we believe that every entrepreneur deserves the chance to succeed. That’s why we are proud to sponsor the Young Entrepreneur of the Year category in the 2023 business awards. We believe that supporting

and celebrating the achievements of young entrepreneurs is crucial for the future of the UK’s economy. With our focus on innovation, expertise, and collaboration, we are committed to helping small businesses across the UK achieve their full potential. Join us in supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and let’s work together to build a brighter future for small businesses in the UK.

The British Business Bank is a unique governmentowned development bank that aims to provide better access to finance for small businesses across the UK

FINALISTS

ALFIE JONES The Backyard Barber and Party Tents Rock

When his GCSE exams were cancelled two years ago, Alfie spent some time 3D printing PPE for the NHS, before starting The Backyard Barber. He originally offered gardening services to local neighbours using only his bike and his parents lawn mower. As enthusiasm grew for his efficient and exacting care of external spaces so has his business. Dropping out of college to focus on building his profitable business from scratch and scaling it further, Alfie now manages a team of five as well as promoting himself through multiple media channels. To keep up with high demand, he is continually recruiting more talent to his team and looking to scale further throughout the coming years.

DANNY COOKSEY Vehicles In Video

AVA WHETSTONE-MAGEE Avalanche Equestrian

Ava Whetstone-Magee was only 13 years old when she first dreamt of owning an equestrian clothing brand. Fast forward three short years and she’s now the proud founder of Avalanche Equestrian and its unique range of riding and yard clothing. Producing equestrian clothing that is best for its price point and quality, whilst clearly outlining a path to sustainable manufacturing as closely linked to UK production as possible, has been no mean feat. Yet 2022 saw Ava fulfil her first year of trading with her revolutionary and practical range. Her famous YARD range, the first ‘Hay Proof’, ‘Woodflour proof’, and ‘Hair Proof’ clothing on the market, has secured the business’ future to move forwards and create complimentary lines.

Launching Vehicles In Video Ltd in 2020, Danny Cooksey’s business has since gone strength to strength. Born from a sheer frustration at the amount of time wasted, creating and sending out video responses for a large car dealership, which also left the customer experience lacking, he decided to challenge the status quo and set about creating a collaborative video app response system. His technology makes life a great deal easier for sales and service teams while at the same time offering customers a first-class, professional, and seamless experience. An ever increasing number of dealer groups and independents now use his VIV app to build and streamline their sales and servicing processes.

EMMA TAPPER & SCOTT RUDD Miniml

Emma and Scott met at university and started their business the moment they graduated. With a keen eye for sustainability, they decided to harness their growing annoyance at the amount of waste created in the cleaning industry and show the world that packaging can operate in a more conscious and planet friendly way. They now manufacture eco-friendly cleaning products on a closed loop system. With 14 products in their Miniml cleaning product range, any containers that their products are sold in, can be returned to be refilled again and again, creating a zero waste process. They have since disrupted the marketplace again, this time with their first skincare range, Good Human.

ELLA JONES Ancora Equestrian

Show jumper Ella was just 18 when she had a dream to start a fashionable, affordable equestrian clothing brand from her bedroom. She’d been competing in an old fashioned tweed jacket until the age of 13 and really struggled to look on point and feel comfortable growing up. She founded Ancora Equestrian Ltd with the of designing an affordable, fashionable and practical clothing range that’s suitable for all ages and budgets in all the horse competition sectors and for wearing casually around the yard.

JAX DAVEY Nuevo

Upon leaving the military in 2016, Jax set up creative agency

The Rolling Rogues that worked on a number of big budget productions for in-house recruitment drives within specialist military groups. This evolved into developing the first virtual reality mission planning tool, now being trialled by the British military. After selling the agency to Berkshire Hathaway he later came onboard at Nuevo as CEO. Listed this year in Forbes’ 30 under 30, Jax’s leadership skills have spearheaded Nuevo’s growth exponentially. This is due to his passion to build an agency not just to provide creative help, but provide a wider service all in the name of sustainability for global clients such as the likes of Canada Goose, Ernst & Young and Ordnance Survey.

OMAR MEHO

Music Workflow Academy

Omar Meho opened Music Workflow Academy, a school that teaches aspiring performers how to produce music and DJ, two years ago in Chester. Since then, 32,000-plus students from more than 150 countries have taken courses, with some going on to land DJ sets and record deals. Offering music production lessons, mixing, mastering, sample packs, tutorials, stems, DJ lessons and playlist placement, Music Workflow Academy has won best Music Production & DJ school both globally and in the U.K. by Corporate LiveWire and the UK SME Awards.

TYLER GARRATT

Garratt & Co.

Garratt & Co is a carpentry contracting company which undertakes all aspects of carpentry works for property developers building residential properties. His new and modern approach to the building industry has been well received by customers and established developers are rushing to sign his firm up with 40 properties completed so far. Within a short seven months of trading Tyler has grown a team of 16 members of staff and looks to finishing the year turning over just shy of half a million pounds.

JAYANAND KUMARAGURU LG Planning

Jayanand Kumaraguru is the founder of LG Planning Limited, a consulting firm specialising in planning, building regulations, interior design, project management, valuations and surveying services for residential, commercial, industrial and various other building sectors. The business provides a complete service involving initial concept discussion through to a feasibility study to construction stage.

OUR TROPHIES...

The Business Champion Awards is not only a programme that celebrates the achievements of outstanding business champions, but as a carbon neutral company it also seeks to recognise companies that prioritise sustainability in their business practices.

The awards has commissioned LasersAreUs, a sustainable wood manufacturer based in Port Talbot, Wales, to create the trophies that will be presented to the winners of each category.

LasersAreUs use 100 per cent renewable energy and their commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with the values of the Business Champion Awards. The company’s use of innovative laser cutting technology reduces waste and energy consumption while producing high-quality and precise products.

Their dedication to sustainability is reflected in the materials they use;

each trophy is made from locally sourced, FSC-certified sustainable wood, which ensures that the wood is harvested in a way that maintains the health of the forest ecosystem and benefits the local community.

The trophies are designed to be both beautiful and eco-friendly, with a sleek and modern design that perfectly captures the spirit of the Business Champion Awards.

We hope each trophy serves as a reminder that companies can, and should, prioritise sustainable practices in every aspect of their business, from the materials they use to the way they operate.

THE EVELYN PARTNERS

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Honouring entrepreneurs who have made a significant impact

The

Evelyn

Partners Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognises outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional business acumen, creativity and leadership skills in building and growing successful enterprises.

The award recognises entrepreneurs who have the ability to identify opportunities, take calculated risks and maximise the potential for growth in their businesses.

The judges of our finalists were not just looking for impressive facts and figures but also for the overall character of the contender. They wanted to know what motivated the

entrants to keep striving forward, and what they were passionate about changing in the world with their business and outlook.

The judges also looked behind the values that drove each entrepreneur and were interested to hear about the successes and failures they had experienced, also hearing how each experience has helped shape them into the successful entrepreneur they each are today.

The award celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and perseverance required to build a successful business, and the positive impact that such businesses can have on society.

As proud sponsors of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the 2023 programme, we are committed to recognising and celebrating the achievements of outstanding business leaders who have demonstrated exceptional vision, creativity, and drive.

At Evelyn Partners, we understand that entrepreneurship is not just a profession but a passion. We work closely with our clients to provide personalised and innovative

solutions that address their unique financial and business needs, allowing them to focus on what they do best - building successful and sustainable businesses.

Our team of experts brings together a wealth of experience and expertise across a range of industries, enabling us to deliver comprehensive and tailored advice that helps our clients achieve their goals.

We also recognise the importance of connecting with like-minded

individuals who share a passion for entrepreneurship. That’s why we are committed to building a community of the UK’s top entrepreneurs, where ideas can be shared, and inspiration can be found.

Together, we can help each other to break down barriers, push boundaries, and achieve success beyond our wildest dreams.

At Evelyn Partners, we believe that the sky’s the limit, and we are committed to helping you reach for the stars.

Evelyn Partners is a leading provider of wealth, accountancy, and business advisory services, dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs to achieve their goals and unlock their full potential.

FINALISTS

ASHER MOSES Sherbet London

Asher Moses, CEO of Sherbet, bought his first cab in 1990 before growing this to a fleet of 500. He has since made his fleet fully electric and digitally connected, with the aim of developing the iconic London taxi for the modern era. By keeping tech and data at the forefront, he continues to grow his business with a ground-breaking fleet ready for the smart cities of the future. Indeed, Asher has singlehandedly proven that London cabs can be a sustainable part of any global 21st century smart city.

BOBBY THANDI XR Games

Believing fully in forging a future where XR is taken mainstream, CEO Bobby Thandi has raised £4.1 million for his award winning, VR games studio, XR Games. As well as creating Zombieland VR: Headshot Fever, Angry Under Pressure VR, and All-Star Fruit Racing VR, with several other projects currently in development alongside major international partners. Bobby is also keen to raise the profile of both the VR sector and Leeds as a hotspot for tech investment.

GREG JACKSON Octopus Energy

Greg is an experienced digital entrepreneur, passionate about using technology to make positive change. Launched in 2016, Greg’s vision of using technology to disrupt the energy market has enabled Octopus Energy to unlock the power of the green grid - offering cheaper electricity when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing. In September 2021, Octopus Energy Group was valued at approximately $5 billion. Never one to sit still, Greg has also founded a number of successful businesses, including e-commerce company C360, and is an angel investor in a wide range of tech start-ups.

MARK INSTANCE Tribeca IT

Tribeca Technology Group provides global, specialist IT managed services and consultancy to the Alternative Investment Market from their offices in London, Kent, New York, Hong Kong and Dublin. Led by Founder and Managing Director, Mark Instance, they provide 24 hour ‘follow the sun’ support for all their clients. Mark’s vision was to build a firm capable of supplying a bespoke service to clients within the Financial Services sector globally, working as an extension of their internal teams to help drive their growth. Since 2006 the firm has grown steadily at around 30% per year, through new client acquisitions and an excellent client retention rate.

JAY BRADLEY The Craft Distilling Group

Jay Bradley, Founder and CEO of The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. and Craft Distilling Group and co-Founder of Whiskey & Wealth Club, is on a mission to reinstate Irish whiskey as a global leader by restoring its reputation as a sipping spirit. Despite being from Dublin, he discovered Ireland’s past as the global leader, responsible for 70-80% of all whiskey sold globally, after reading a 19thcentury book. At the time he owned a BBQ restaurant in New Zealand but only stocked two bottles of Irish, far outnumbered by Scotch and Bourbon. Today, despite huge inflation and a drop in investor confidence in the traditional financial markets, Whiskey & Wealth Club has achieved turnover of just under £15,000,000 in Q2 and Q3, an increase of 148% from £5,965,279 in 2021.

JORDAN BROMPTON myenergi

In 2016, Jordan Brompton and her business partner, Lee Sutton, created myenergi to try and change the world of electric vehicle charging. Six years later, myenergi is leading the way for renewable energy electric vehicle charging solutions. Since then, myenergi has grown from a team of two to a team of 350 and attracted funding from investors Sir Terry Leahy and Bill Currie. Recently shipping their 300,000th unit and with a presence across the UK, Germany, Ireland, Australia and the Netherlands. Partnering with XITE Energy Racing with driver Jenson Button the 22/23 loooks to be positively electrifying for the business.

JOHN ROUSSOT Fiit4Growth

Founded in September 2020 by experienced international growth strategist and award-winning business coach and entrepreneur John Roussot, UK-based FiiT4GROWTH has empowered major global brands to grow with his unique, purpose-driven ‘Liberating Greatness’ High Performance Coaching programmes. FiiT4GROWTH is an executive coaching and training company that specialises in High Performance Coaching for commercial leaders and their teams. Partnering with The High Performance Institute, John’s science-backed coaching supported clients to engage their people, energise their teams and develop robust strategies.

SHIRLEY WHITE OTC Beverages

OTC Beverages are multi award nominated and award winning non alcoholic drinks, based on Caribbean and south east asian flavours. They only use organic and natural flavours in their product creations to enhance the taste and provide antioxidants that support a healthy lifestyle.

OTC Beverages was born when Founder Shirley White felt that there was a gap in the market for a premium non-alcoholic drink, due to this area of the market growing in popularity at an exponential rate.

WHAT OUR WINNERS SAY...

The Business Champions awards was a wonderful event. Highly entertaining - with so much crammed in ensuring that it was enjoyable from start to finish. Huw Edwards did a super job of MCing the occasion and the organisation was very smooth. The overall message was one of such positivity which really resonated with us at Network Central as that’s what we’re all about.

Thank you to everyone involved. We loved it - and were so thrilled to pick up one of the very attractive awards too!

Jen Hinds

Network Central

Please pass on our thanks to the whole team. The event was first class and we really felt the red carpet vibes. From the location, branding and set up to the food, entertainment and awards themselves it was extremely well put on and a pleasure to attend. The added extra of planting trees for the winners is a great idea and our team loved it.

Helen Brown Seeblue Marketing

We were totally honoured to win an award at the event (our first award ever!) so thank you to you and the entire team for making it possible.

Gemma Mills JOMO Club

THE SCOREAPP

SME OF THE YEAR

One of the most prestigious small business awards in the UK

This award recognises small and medium-sized enterprises that have been in business for a long time, offering a high level of product or service, whilst also managing to overcome challenges and ride high on successes that breathed new life into their ventures. With six million SMEs trading across the UK, competition is fierce and business life is tough.

Adapting to change is key, and the ability to stay current in the eyes of both consumers and clients is crucial to realising growth.

The judges were interested in hearing about pivotal moments that shaped the landscape of the businesses and how far they had come; they heard successes, failures, and a whole lot of learning in between. The judges wanted to celebrate how hard the teams had worked and the journey that the

businesses had taken to reach where they were today.

Winning The ScoreApp SME of the year award is an incredible accomplishment that could elevate a business’s reputation, increase its exposure, and provide valuable networking opportunities. It was also a chance for each finalist business to reflect on their achievements and look towards an even brighter future.

ScoreApp is a game-changing platform that helps businesses revolutionise their lead generation and qualification marketing funnel

At ScoreApp, we understand that everything is downstream from lead generation, and that’s why we’ve created a powerful tool that enables you to create a full lead generation and qualification marketing funnel with ease.

Our platform allows you to engage your audience through scorecards, quizzes, and assessments, collect and act on rich data, and automate

your sales process. With this data, you can personalise your marketing campaigns to drive higher engagement and better results. Plus, once you’ve set up your scorecard, it runs 24/7 generating warm, highly qualified leads direct to your business.

ScoreApp is more than just a lead generation platform - it’s a robust, all-in-one solution for businesses looking to transform their sales and marketing processes. Our platform

empowers you to identify and target the most qualified leads, streamline your sales process, and ultimately drive revenue growth.

Our team of experts is dedicated to providing exceptional support and guidance to help you get the most out of the platform. Whether you’re a small business owner or a marketing professional, ScoreApp can help you achieve your goals and transform your business.

FINALISTS

ABERDEEN DIVING SERVICES

Their team has decades of experience and knowledge in all aspects of PADI training, HUET diving, offshore survival instruction, equipment servicing, pool cleaning and much more. Giving expert and impartial advice, their customers have the benefit of their experience and hands on knowledge of all leading brands to get you into the water safely.

COPYLAB

Working for approximately 70% of the world’s largest asset managers via a network of 100+ investment communication specialists, Copylab’s team delivers content strategy and writing within the investment world.

CAYP PSYCHOLOGY

CAYP Psychology is an independent clinical psychologyled service. Their top priority is effective, professional and timely psychological support for Children, Adolescents and Young People, covering a wide range of social, emotional, behavioural and psychological difficulties.

DLC TRAINING

From leadership and management to supply chain and logistics, DLC Training offers courses across the entirety of business. Boosting productivity and knowledge across industries, they are the UK’s leading distance learning provider. Renowned for their support packages, they are dedicated to helping each and every learner achieve their professional development aims.

OPPIDAN EDUCATION

MAKING MOVES LONDON

Looking for a new office space can be overwhelming, especially in a fast-paced property market like London –but don’t worry, Making Moves, matching businesses to their perfect London office space is what they do best. Their team of expert office space agents work hard to make the moving process as seamless as possible, so you can keep focusing on what matters, your business.

Believing that the best tutors are mentors, Oppidan Education supports thousands of young people through one-to-one mentoring with families and in-school programmes. With a team of 200 mentors dedicated to the pursuit of positive change for children throughout their education, they boost self confidence, engagement with learning, and communication skills.

ROCKLEIGH

With over 20 years of experience, both in commercial and domestic tree work Rockleigh Ltd works with some of the top companies in the UK providing not only tree surgery, but a full landscape maintenance service.

ZENZERO

Delivering industry leading IT Support, ZenZero specialise in midsize businesses, schools and charities across the UK. Their sustainable IT solutions not only address their client’s current needs, but also have the capacity to grow and evolve in line with the growth and evolution of the individual organisations they work with.

TRIBE ENERGY SERVICES

From procurement and bill validation to meter installation and contracting, Tribe Energy Services provides their clients with the most competitive pricing for their home and business energy needs. Unlike other energy providers, Tribe pride themselves fully on offering a straight talking, simple pricing, structured engagement so their customers are aware of everything that is happening with their energy contracts.

With a reputation for delivering high-quality news, analysis, and advice, Business Matters has established itself as an invaluable resource for anyone looking to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the UK business world.

At Business Matters, we believe that business success is driven by innovation, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.

Our mission is to empower our readers with the knowledge, insights, and tools they need to succeed in today’s dynamic and competitive business environment.

Whether you’re a startup founder looking to secure funding, a small business owner seeking to expand your operations, or a seasoned executive navigating the complexities of global markets, Business Matters is here to help.

One of the key strengths of Business Matters is our team of experienced journalists and industry experts. Our contributors come from a wide range of backgrounds, including finance, technology, marketing, and more. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our pages, enabling us to provide readers with comprehensive coverage of the latest business news and trends.

Another key aspect of Business Matters is our commitment to providing practical advice and guidance to our readers. We understand that running a successful business can be a complex and challenging endeavour, which is why we aim to provide actionable insights and advice that can help our readers overcome the obstacles they face. Whether it’s advice on marketing strategy, tips for managing finances, or guidance on navigating regulatory requirements, our experts are here to help.

In addition to our print magazine, the Business Matters website that provides readers with up-to-theminute news, analysis, and opinion pieces.

Our website which receives over one million visitors a month features a range of multimedia content, including videos, podcasts, and webinars, which allow readers to engage with our content in a variety of formats.

At Business Matters, we believe that the UK business community has enormous potential, and we’re committed to helping entrepreneurs and business leaders realize that potential.

Whether you’re looking to start a new venture, expand an existing one, or simply stay informed about the latest developments in the business world, Business Matters is the go-to resource for UK business news and analysis.

Business Matters is the UK’s leading business magazine and website that is focused on providing insightful and informative content to entrepreneurs, business leaders and professionals across the whole of the British Isles.

THE

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

This is one of the highest accolades presented at The Business Champion Awards and is awarded to an exemplary business leader who has shown repeated business success.

The winner has successfully led a strategy for outstanding performance and demonstrated that they had gone above and beyond over the course of a number of years.

A long list of potential candidates was compiled throughout the year with the panel of judges awarding the award to an individual based on the following criteria:

The winner is someone who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision, with a proven track record of driving growth and

success in their business. They must have overcome challenges and obstacles and shown the tenacity and determination to succeed even in the face of adversity.

Their passion and drive must have been infectious, inspiring those around them to share in their vision and work towards a common goal. They must also have demonstrated exceptional organisational skills, and the ability to scale their business while maintaining its core values and principles.

Above all, the winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award has shown compassion and empathy towards their colleagues and customers, recognising that success is not just about financial results, but also about building strong relationships and creating a positive impact in the community.

AND OUR CHAMPION IS...

SIMON DEVONSHIRE OBE

Entrepreneur, investor, and business leader who has made

remarkable contribution to the business world

Devonshire’s outstanding achievements span across various sectors, including technology, digital marketing, and the creative industry.

The big businesses include O2 Business, the B2B division of the mobile telco, a €1bn annual revenue P&L, employing over 1,000 people. During Simon’s five years leadership the division doubled its number of customers to over 450,000 businesses.

Simon then helped create and run Wayra Europe, one of the first and biggest corporately backed start-up

accelerators, owned by Telefonica. During the three and a half years that he lead Wayra Europe, the team attracted and assessed applications from c. 15,000 businesses, from which Telefonica invested in 234 fast growth digital start-ups.

Due to his success, Simon was, in 2014, formally appointed as the Government’s Entrepreneur in Residence and awarded an OBE in 2016 for his services to enterprise and entrepreneurship.

In addition to his contributions to the startup ecosystem, Simon has also been instrumental in the development of several successful

businesses. He co-founded Zopa, the world’s first peer-to-peer lending platform, which has since lent over £5 billion to borrowers. Simon has a portfolio of business interests including being the Entrepreneur in Residence for the National Physical Laboratory.

Simon Devonshire OBE is a truly outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to the business world. His leadership skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to diversity and inclusion make him a deserving winner of our Outstanding Achievement Award.

a

JUDGES

The Business Champion Awards take great care about the makeup of our independent judging panel.

We would like to thank our judges for kindly giving their dedication and expertise. All decisions regarding the judging process are made by our independent Judging Panel consisting of senior executives from various sector and backgrounds within the UK. This unique approach ensures that every entry is given the utmost consideration by people highly qualified to pass judgement.

PROFESSOR AINURUL ROSLI PHD, SFHE

Professor Ainurul Rosli specialises in SME growth programme development with special interest in small business scaleup strategies for impact. An enthusiastic ecosystem builder, who collaborates with industry players, policymakers, educators and researchers to help champion social value for small business competitiveness. Prof. Rosli’s work is instrumental in supporting the UK Government Funded Small Business Support programmes. She is currently chairing the Practice and Impact Special Interest Group of the Institute of Small Business Enterprise (ISBE).

ALEX ROBSON

Alex Robson is co-founder and CEO of West End Drinks, a truly independent spirits company.

Originally from the North East, she comes from a long line of female entrepreneurs and her upbringing instilled business knowledge from an early age.

The decision to start her own premium gin brand was sparked by an epiphany over a classic gin martini with cofounder of West End Drinks and business partner Howard Raymond.

ALI DOWSING-REYNOLDS

Ally Dowsing-Reynolds is CEO at Leeds-based home décor brand and retailer Dowsing & Reynolds.

Having worked in the advertising industry for over two decades, Ally left her senior role to lead the brand and marketing at Dowsing & Reynolds. In 2022, Ally stepped into the role of CEO to lead the 70-strong team and brand through its future growth.

ANISH RAJANI

Currently working for Eco Foundry who specialise in the design, branding, installation, and maintenance of living walls, Anish has worked alongside the two co-founders to accelerate the green revolution.

Specialising in sustainability and marketing, Anish has helped develop EcoFoundry alongside the two CoFounders, Beccy Dickson and Macey Mitchell.

Having worked at larger institutions, including PwC and Barclays, he appreciates working for companies of any size.

ANDY DOHERTY

Completed his degree in Commerce and was fortunate to land his first export role with a local Christchurch, New Zealand exporter, Moffat Ltd, who distribute their market leading products around the world, including to the UK. He quickly developed new markets in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and further afield in South Africa.

Since then, Andy has worked with other manufacturers and most recently developed markets in Japan, Europe and throughout Asia.

BECCY DICKSON

Beccy Dickson is co-founder and MD of Concept Foundry and Eco Foundry.

A self confessed Eco-Warior and Tree Hugger, Beccy believes the planet and sustainability should be at the forefront of everyones business. Designed to accelerate the green revolution, Eco Foundry specialises in the design, branding, installation, and maintenance of living walls. As a confident and determined leader, Beccy is a keen innovator, focusing on accuracy, sustainability and supporting diversity within business.

BEN SAWYERS

Ben Sawyers is PR Professional that has worked for some of the worlds most recognisable production companies, TV channels and brands.

Currently a senior publicist at Paramount working on Channel 5 he has led national media campaigns for the channels content working closely with talent and production companies. Previously he worked at All3Media International where he worked on brands including Celebrity Juice, Grand Designs and The Apprentice and Eurostar where he worked in the press office.

CAROLINE FENNER

Caroline has worked in media for the last 18 years. Caroline was responsible for the launching London Lite, moved the Standard to a profitable free newspaper and bought the Independent.

In May 2022 Caroline joined BuzzFeed as Commercial Director for EMEA managing sales and account management for BuzzFeed’s portfolio of brands including BuzzFeed, BuzzFeed News, HuffPost, Tasty and Seasoned.

BENJAMIN VIZ

Local Business Manager for Metro Bank supporting local businesses and the community with their banking and financial needs, which is part of Metro Bank’s ethos and vision to be the “No 1” Community Bank in the UK.

“Community is at the centre of everything we do, whether that is at work or in our homelife! Making a difference gives us satisfaction but it also changes the world around us for the better.”

CORINA BALANEANU

Corina is the co-founder of Innovation Partnership (IP), a membership organisation for board directors/C-suite focused on innovation and change.

The network has two focus areas.

Matchmaking – sourcing solutions and connecting corporates with other corporates or pioneering startups. Roundtables – case studies including senior leaders from NASA, The Pentagon, Mercedes-Benz, Amazon, Sainsburys, LEGO and SoftBank to name a few.

Corina has led delegations to Silicon Valley and Tel Aviv, visiting emerging startups, VCs and corporate incubators.

DANIEL PRIESTLEY

Daniel Priestley is CEO of Dent Global and winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year category in 2022 and joins the judging panel for this year’s award.

Dent Global runs entrepreneur accelerators around the world. We have a group of companies through acquisition that do growth services for our three and a half thousand clients.

DUANE JACKSON

Duane grew up in childrens’ homes and left school with no qualifications and ended up serving a five year prison sentence for drug trafficking.

Yet, in 2003 Duane received support from the Princes Trust to start in business as a web developer. He eventually spotted the opportunity to sell this accounting software to small businesses and SaaS company: KashFlow was born.

DEAN FORBES

Dean Forbes is one of the UK’s most successful transformational tech leaders. In a 20-year-career, he has successfully transformed several technology companies, building them into success stories for investors by delivering over $2bn in exit transactions.

Twice homeless and a primary carer in his teens for his disabled mother, Dean now campaigns and invests to level the playing field for the UK’s under-served communities through his not-for-profit foundation – The Forbes Family Group (FFG).

By 2013 KashFlow

employed 40 people and the business was sold to IRIS for an undisclosed sum.

HELEN BROWN

Helen Brown is Managing Partner of Seeblue, an awardwinning Account Based Marketing agency for technology companies.

Before Co-Founding the Seeblue in 2019, Helen spent 15 years working in global tech companies leading programmes and teams in Enterprise Marketing.

Helen was Chair of the Vodafone Group Women’s Network and Seeblue are the pro bono Marketing partner for the Digital Poverty Alliance, working to end digital poverty across the UK by 2030.

JACQUI BARRETT

Jacqui has spent 15 years at the BBC working in commissioning, scheduling and financial management across BBC One, Two and Three.

Co-founder & MD of Salient Future. A creative agency specialising in building awareness of diversity, financial inclusion and sustainability.

More recently Co-founder & MD of Wider Thinking. Providing EDI awareness, data-driven strategy and EDI measurement. Giving everyone a voice, improving organisations’ reputation, performance and prosperity.

JASON LONGHURST

Chair of UKBCSD, Jason is also a NED, advising Clean Growth and Sustainable Development SME innovation companies on shaping Net-Zero and Green Economy in the UK.

He has held a number of Director/Board positions in both public and private sector organisations including regional development agency, county and unitary bodies, driving leading growth, investment and sustainable development projects.

Jason is also UK Head of Sustainable Investment & Partnerships at Prologis UK.

JAMES CAAN

Serial entrepreneur and television personality and investor on Dragons’ Den from 2007 to 2010.

Caan founded the recruitment company Alexander Mann in 1985, which he sold in 2002. and co-founded executive head-hunting firm Humana International, growing the business to 147 countries, selling his stake in 1999.

He was the Chairman of the UK Government’s Start Up Loans Scheme and is former Chairman of The Big Issue Magazine.

He is also the founder and current CEO of the UK-based private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw.

MANLEY HOPKINSON

Over the last 20 years, Manley has worked with an extraordinary range of organisations globally, within his own consultancy and also as a Senior Advisor to McKinsey & Company.

Founder and Director of The Compassionate Leadership Academy, Manley has been schooled on leadership through a mix of practical and academic experience - as an Officer in the Royal Navy and the Royal Hong Kong Police, a skipper in the BT Global Challenge, the world’s toughest yacht race.

MARK ESHO

When Mark was five years old, he went from a happy, carefree child to becoming paralysed overnight. He had contracted the poliovirus. He was given a 10% chance of survival, but not only did he survive – he thrived.

Mark has overcome what others might perceive as insurmountable obstacles to become the Founder of several successful companies.

Mark has also launched The Circle Foundation, a project supporting disabled entrepreneurs wanting to start up in business.

MICHAEL PECK

Michael Peck’s company, ScenePro Ltd, develops, manufactures and supplies forensic instrumentation to the private and public sectors for use in the investigation of road traffic collisions.

He has a wealth of expertise in motor vehicle engineering, motorsports and vehicle handling dynamics and has established himself as being a respected in the field of forensic collision investigation.

Passionate about innovation, Michael judged the innovation category for 2023 having led his own company to winning this award in 2022.

MATTHEW MARGETTS

Matthew Margetts is the Marketing Director for Smarter Business Group. Smarter Business is a Crown Commercial Supplier and one of the largest utility procurement specialists in the UK.

Smarter Business has numerous accreditation awards from supply partners who continuously recognise their high levels of training, compliance and transparency at customer level.

Matthew has over 20 years experience in media and technology marketing and sales working for blue chip organisations in UK, Far East and Australia.

NATHAN JOHNSTON

After working in some of the toughest markets in the world, Nathan has witnessed first-hand the pressures of corporate life and how those pressures can start to seep over into someone’s personal life.

That’s why I jumped at the chance to work with Altbe.

Today, Nathan considers himself fotunate to be in a position where he can help drive the change that’s so desperately needed for people to finally be able to thrive at work.

NICK TRAVIS

Nick is a Partner at Evelyn Partners and Head of Entrepreneurs.

He assists a broad range of clients in structuring their longterm financial plans and discretionary portfolios. He works closely with tax and financial planning professionals to ensure that all elements of a client’s wealth (often including their businesses) are considered.

Nick is particularly focused on supporting business owners in structuring their personal financial affairs while they grow and eventually exit their businesses.

REBECCA DAVIES

Rebecca Davies is the Founder and Managing Director of HR Ready Ltd. With over 20 years’ experience, she holds her Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management, is MCIPD qualified and is a qualified Coach and Mentor.

Rebecca’s experience within HR, Recruitment and Training enables her to support rapidly growing SME’s reach and surpass their ambitions.

She provides invaluable insights to problem solving and she brings people and businesses together in partnership.

PHIL RIDGWELL

Phil is a business leader, investor and philanthropist who has a true passion for starting businesses and investing and supporting talented people.

He has been building and managing businesses for 16 years and believes in the power of investing in people rather than just products or businesses. His firm belief in business has always stayed the same – rolling the sleeves up, showing passion and sticking to your guns will reap rewards.

REBECCA HOLLIS

Rebecca Hollis is the CGO for ScoreApp and property Investor. Rebecca embodies the philosophy of winning together through her work with entrepreneurs, start-up’s and the National Competitive Cheerleading Program for England.

With more intentional entrepreneurship, Rebecca is now on a mission to inspire, support and collaborate with changemakers through the start-up phase and acquisition.

RICHARD ALVIN

Richard Alvin is no stranger to the world of media and events. Group Managing Director of business media company Capital Business Media

Richard is honoured to have received Freedom of the City of London and made a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce (RSA). Keynote speaker, media commentator and analyst of business for media outlets and the host of Save Our Business broadcast on NBC in the US.

ROB BOLL

Rob is a forward-thinking CIMA qualified Management Accountant and Founder of Evoke Management and CEO International Leaders UK.

He has both founded, taken over existing businesses, and invested in a number of start-ups.

Rob’s passion is to help SMEs and entrepreneurs to move their business forward by providing flexible access to excellent strategic advice and guidance.

He has worked with a range of SME companies helping them overcome challenges and to take them to the next level.

SARAH HEX RICHARD H HARRIS

Richard is known as a hands-on, technology entrepreneur with a 20+ year track record of building, transforming and exiting early-stage technology .

Richard was named Digital Entrepreneur of the Year for Security Innovation in 2010.

As Chief Executive and a founder of Ensygnia, Richard developed and patented world-wide a visual alternative to NFC called Onescan.

Richard holds a number of NED and board advisor positions. He is the London Dealmaker for Corum Group (sell-side M&A).

Sarah Hex is the Head of Deal Origination for Mercia Asset Management PLC, Working across the range of funds, through debt, equity and venture.

Passionate about supporting SME businesses and helping them to achieve their growth ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Sarah is also a founding member of the FundHer North group of investors and supporter of diversity within business as well as a keen trail runner and volunteer for a charity for abused women.

SCOTT LONGMAN

Scott has been hosting International Professional Networking Events both online and in-person since 2008 and is the Founder and Director of The City of London Entrepreneurs Club.

He is fortunate to hold Freeman of The City of London, Liveryman of The City of London and Ambassador For The City of London – 2012 onwards.

SHOAIB AHMED

Shoaib is the Founder and Director of Yello Hippo, a leading LinkedIn personal branding agency based in Manchester.

At just 23 years old and within 8 months of launching, he’s generated over £100K+ in revenue, scaled to a team of 5 and is managing the personal brands of some of the most exciting entrepreneurs in the country.

Shoaib is also a public speaker himself and remains vocal on issues that affect young people and graduates.

SCOTT SCIBERRAS SIMON DEVONSHIRE

Scott Sciberras founded Whiskey & Wealth Club and is now the CEO.

As CEO, Scott’s primary responsibilities include making major strategic decisions, including those that direct the company’s overall growth. Scott strives to exceed sales targets as well as improve the company’s productivity and performance.

Scott is judging the 2023 awards following Whiskey & Wealth Club winning the SME category in 2022 so knows what it takes to be an SME category winner.

Simon is a serial entrepreneur.

He previously ran O2 Business, the business division of the mobile-network and co-founded Wayra Europe, the business accelerator belonging to Telefonica.

He served as Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) for the UK Government. Simon co-founded One Water and helped scale-up Zopa.com at seed-stage.

Being an active investor in eleven remarkable digital businesses and is currently EiR for the National Physical Laboratory, Rolls Royce, Institute of Cancer Research and the Manufacturing Technology Centre.

TANYA POPEAU

Tanya Popeau is the Director of Synthesis and has worked with the world’s leading corporates, non-profits, government agencies and academic institutions, to design breakthrough innovations to global challenges.

Her clients have included Unilever, the United Nations, UK government, UCL and the University of Chicago.

Tanya was also a consultant and advisor to the United Nations. She worked for the UN’s largest agency and was at the forefront of their shift to a strategic focus on innovation.

TEVIN TOBURN

Tevin Tobun is an award-winning entrepreneur and CEO of the UK’s leading independently owned B2B food logistics and tech company, GV Group.

Delivering more than 24 million food items to a value of £350 million, the company works with some of the biggest contract caterers. High street retailers Ole and Steen, schools, hotels, and hospitals across the country.

The company employs over 750 and has a global network, spanning the UK, South America, and Africa.

Champions are champions not because they do anything extraordinary but because they do the ordinary things better than anyone else.

LAUNCHING SOON