EB100 GUIDE2025 by Elite Business Magazine

The definitive league table celebrating Britain’s top performing SME businesses

Welcome

Welcome to the 2025 results of the Elite Business Top 100.

Huge congratulations to all the SME businesses that have secured a spot in the Elite Business Top 100 this year! Your hard work, innovation, and resilience continue to inspire. A special thank you to our sponsors and partners for their ongoing support in making this initiative possible.

This year, we’ve seen an impressive mix of new entrants and returning brands, demonstrating the enduring strength of the SME sector. Over 47% of last year’s winners have successfully retained their place in the rankings, showcasing their ability to adapt and grow in an ever-changing business landscape.

Collectively, this year’s EB100 winners make a significant contribution to the UK economy, generating over £430 million in revenue and employing more than 2,500 people. Their impact extends beyond financial success, driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening communities across the country.

With the support of our partners, the EB100 continues to expand its reach, now engaging an audience of 500,000 individuals across digital platforms, helping winners amplify their success on a national scale.

About the EB100

The EB100 National Awards celebrate and rank the UK’s most outstanding SME businesses. While many awards exist, our approach is

distinct—we go beyond the surface to assess businesses in-depth. At Elite Business, we have always embraced innovation, whether through our online content or our flagship event, Elite Business Live (12th & 13th March 2025).

Our goal is to ensure the EB100 Awards carry genuine credibility, rewarding businesses that truly stand out. Every year, we witness remarkable achievements from SMEs that make it into the top 100, and we’re proud to provide them with a platform to showcase their success.

How the EB100 is Judged

Businesses enter through an online application, where a panel of industry experts evaluates them against a range of key criteria. Beyond financial performance, companies must demonstrate excellence in areas such as longevity, community contribution, team development, and innovation. Every stage of their business journey is considered to ensure a comprehensive assessment.

The AI Advantage

Piers Linney, Executive Chairman & Co-founder of Implement AI, highlights the growing impact of artificial intelligence on business success in 2025. As businesses invest time and resources into understanding AI’s transformational potential, its role in driving growth and operational efficiency has never been clearer. "As global powers fight it out on the world stage, it has become clear that the winners, powered by AI,

will take it all. The cost of cognitive labour will tend towards zero as AI models and AI agents become more powerful. It is an exciting time as AI presents new opportunities as well as challenges, and it is those organisations that embrace both that will develop permanent competitive advantage."

Supporting SME Growth

Liz Barclay, UK Small Business Commissioner, highlights the crucial role SMEs play in driving productivity and growth across the UK. She emphasises the importance of fostering a financially sustainable business ecosystem where businesses can thrive with confidence.

“Businesses of all sizes in all sectors and regions are vital to the Government’s ambitions for increased productivity and growth. The EB100 supports those vital businesses to achieve sustainability and resilience and build the confidence without which firms won’t invest in improving skills, processes, workforce capability and essential equipment which lead to better products and services.”

Diary Date – 12th March 2025

If your business is part of the EB100, we invite you to join us for the Celebration & Awards Evening on 12th March 2025, taking place at Leonardo Royal, St Paul’s, London. Expect an unforgettable evening as we honour this year’s top performers with additional awards for exceptional achievements. EB100 winners will also become part of the Elite Business

Alumni—a network of previous EB100 winners. Once a year, we’ll come together for an exclusive gathering, providing the perfect opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and celebrate shared successes over a drink or two. Of course, the EB100 wouldn’t be what it is today without elitebusinessmagazine.co.uk, one of the UK’s leading business platforms, packed with insights, expert advice, and real-world stories from the SME community. A heartfelt thank you to our contributors for keeping the content fresh and valuable, and to our strategic media partners and sponsors for their continued support.

Here’s to a Fantastic 2025! From all of us at Elite Business HQ, we wish you a prosperous and thriving year ahead.

Scott English EB100 Brand Director

Don’t forget to shout about your success!

Scott English EB100 Brand Director

#EB100

THE EB100 CELEBRATORY & AWARDS EVENING

from the

Highlights

official Annual Celebratory & Awards Evening which took place at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, St Pauls, London in March 2024.

View

The judges*

The Top 100 UK SME Businesses are judged on eight core criteria that helps us gauge entrants on their size, growth, ambitions and contributions made to the community based on information supplied by entrants. We have an independent panel of top judges who score the full top 100 list.

You can read the judges full bios by clicking the button below.

ÁINE ROGERS

Managing Director, Cisco’s SMB for the UKI theatre

ALISON EDGAR MBE

Performance improving expert and Author

ALEX VON SCHIRMEISTER

Managing Director, UK & EMEA

ALISON SHADRACK Founder and CEO, Adia PR

READ JUDGES BIOS

*Please note: we have endeavoured to recuse any judges that may have a conflict of interest from judging certain entries.

ARTI HALAI Executive Coach. Entrepreneur Communication Specialist

CASSANDRA

DONOVAN

Founder & CEO of Prism Thinking Media Ltd

ANDREAS ADAMIDES CEO, Helm (The Supper Club)

CHARLIE MULLINS OBE Founder & Former CEO, Pimlico Plumbers

ANTHONY IMPEY MBE Chief Executive, Be the Business

CHARLOTTE HASTINGS

Managing Director, Seven Hills

CHRISTINA OKOROCHA Co-founder & Director of Entertainment, VAMP

GUY RIGBY Entrepreneurial Champion & Atlantic Rowing Philanthropist

MICHAEL HAYMAN MBE DL Entrepreneur, author & broadcaster; Chair & CoFounder, Seven Hills

SHAA WASMUND MBE CEO of a $100 million technology fund

EMMA SAYLE Founder, CEO, Speaker

IAN MERRICKS

Proposition Lead at VenturePath & Founding Partner at White Horse Capital

NICK DORMAN Founder, Echo

SHALINI KHEMKA CBE Founder, E2E

ERIC PARTAKER CEO coach & mentor, peak performance expert

KIM ANTONIOU Founder & CEO, Auris Tech

PIERS LINNEY Founder and CEO, Implement AI

SIMON SQUIBB Founder, Helpbnk

FLAVILLA FONGANG Award-winning serial entrepreneur

LIZ BARCLAY Small Business Commissioner for the UK

RICHARD BEARMAN Co-Chief Banking Officer, British Business Bank

SIMONE ROCHE MBE Founder Northern Power Women & Power Collective CIC

100

LMNts Marketing

LMNts Marketing is a lean full service sales funnel marketing agency in Frodsham, Cheshire. We believe in collaboration and innovation.

Launch Labs

Growing a business is hard, but we make it more predictable, less stressful, and a whole lot more fun!

Launch Labs

The Secret PlantHouse 99

The Secret PlantHouse specialises in rare and exotic houseplants, succulents, and cacti, offering expert horticultural services, plant care advice, and unique greenery to transform any space.

97

Reeve Social Media

Reeve Social Media is a five-star Google-rated, trusted agency based in Norwich that specialises in purposeful social media for businesses and individuals, that creates impact.

96 Proma Kit

Proma Kit, founded by a professional makeup artist, offers high-quality makeup bags, brushes, jars, and bottles, designed to meet the highest industry standards.

INSPIRING BRITAIN’S SME BUSINESSES

THE UK'S LEADING ANNUAL SME CONFERENCE

✔ HIGH PROFILE SPEAKERS

✔ PANEL DISCUSSIONS

✔ VIP NETWORKING

✔ INTERACTIVE BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Scan the QR code to register for updates.

Over the Moo

The single-minded mission of pioneering Over the Moo is to become a major force within the permissible plant-based ice cream movement. For too long plantbased ice cream has been dismissed for being dowdy and unappetising as ‘early doors’ offerings overlooked the fundamental truth that ice cream is about fun and indulgence above all else!

Today bite-sized is growing at a healthy lick (an emboldened £50m sub category) that’s forging an enviable reputation as the dynamic sub-category within premium tier ice cream.

Bite-sized taps into a growing appetite for intriguing on-thehoof formats offering guilt-free pleasure in small, palatable

chunks. Naturally, low-calorie was never the goal as such a stance would undermine Over the Moo’s non-negotiable great taste credentials. This is a vision around perfectly-proportioned joy.

Each bite is between 29-30 calories! We offer perfectly proportioned happiness in a country where 1 in 10 are lactose intolerant, 1 in 10 follow a gluten free diet and 39% of the nation face high cholesterol challenges. Over the Moo taps into one of the fastest growing food trends of 2025 ‘newstalgia,’ showcasing timeless classics with new twists. Over the Moo tips its hat to the classic Choc Ice of yesteryear championing portable, chocolate enrobed joy in stylish, unfussy flavours.

94 HAD & CO

HAD & CO is a female-led architectural, planning, and interior design firm in North West England, focusing on both new-build and restoration projects.

92 KZ Organics

Pioneering in skincare for Parosmia sufferers, born from empathy and using innovation, the brand prioritises carefully fragranced formulations, offering a haven for those navigating distorted olfactory landscapes.

90 TECHGIANT

TECHGIANT is a refreshingly vibrant ICT Cloud Consultancy. We guarantee buyer certainty by bringing the entire ICT marketplace to you.

Innovisual Digital Marketing Agency 93

Innovisual Digital Marketing Agency helps SMEs achieve high ROI through targeted online advertising, strategic storytelling, and highquality content creation.

91 Sostratus Energy

PR Sauce

The UK's leading annual conference for SMEs, fast-track start-ups and high growth business owners

HIGH PROFILE SPEAKERS

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

VIP NETWORKING

PR Sauce is an affordable marketing and PR resource for independent brands. We're here to give you affordable access to PR and media opportunities, databases and much more. elitebusinessevent.co.uk

INTERACTIVE BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Scan the QR code to register for updates.

Business Data

Research UK and global business insights, market information and statistics

Events

Join small business growth events, workshops, and networking groups

Samuel Wilson’s Loan Trust

Funding young entrepreneurs to establish and develop new businesses

Responsible Business

Measure your carbon footprint and develop a net zero action plan

Call: 020 7332 1812

Start-ups + SMEs

Access advice and support from experienced business advisers

Workspace

Find flexible workspace for members and rooms to hire

Digital Skills

Helping business owners in London make better use of digital technology

Sustainable Procurement

Get supplier ready and access public and private sector business opportunities

Email: sbrec@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Info: cityoflondon.gov.uk/sbrec

Helping

SMEs

Reach their ideal audience for

MAXIMUM IMPACT

Over 80% of advertisers using AdSmart from Sky are businesses just like yours. Don’t miss your chance to strike with precision.

Three Robins 88

At Three Robins we’re on a mission to make healthy, great-tasting oat milk products that kids, their parents and the planet will love.

Yahmapp 86

Yahmapp connects small businesses with local customers through a dynamic platform offering online shopping, event promotion, social media marketing, and networking opportunities.

The Change Hive 84

Looking to grow, scale, or sell? The Change Hive helps SMEs attract clients, automate operations, and increase profits—so they can sell faster and stress-free.

Dash Agency

Dash Agency is an award-winning full-stack marketing agency based in the Midlands dedicated to transforming businesses and growing brands.

87 ADBH Advisory

ADBH Advisory is a boutique immigration practice regulated by the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).

85 Ovrload

Ovrload is a direct-to-consumer creatine subscription brand, changing the way people take creatine through their innovative crealyte® gummies.

Uoffer Global 83

Uoffer Global is a leading global provider of international student recruitment services and HE strategy. We help international students worldwide reach their potential and access the best education.

BrisTechTonic

BrisTechTonic offers Search Engine Optimisation services, workshops, and courses, helping businesses boost online visibility and achieve sustainable growth.

Rochelle White Communications 80

Rochelle White Communications is a creative agency that builds brands into cultural icons. We create and tell unforgettable stories through creative campaigns that change a brand's trajectory.

78 BOOM & Partners

79

Authentic Achievements

Award-winning executive coaching specialising in CEO success and C-suite career transitions. Empowering leaders to navigate change, drive business growth, and enhance team retention with confidence and impact.

77

BOOM & Partners is an award-winning, sectoragnostic business consultancy firm working with early-stage businesses and SMEs helping them to grow and scale. for the founder’s journey

AI & Partners

AI & Partners: Leaders in AI governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management solutions.

The UK’s leading Club for scale-up founders & CEOs.

F or businesses looking for cost-effective ways to capture every single enquiry there’s Moneypenny.

Leaders in outsourced calls, live chat and more

Conversations, perfected.

Pollen

Pollen is a careers platform transforming the entry-level job market by promoting inclusive, equitable hiring through CV-less processes and shaping a sustainable future of work.

The Vegan Patty Lady

Award-winning vegan and gluten-free Jamaican patties, crafted with natural ingredients, bold flavours, and no ultra-processed additives. Taste, culture, nutrition.

Hello Social Avenue

Hello Social Avenue is an award-winning Social Media Agency in Chesterfield, UK, which specialises in Training, Video Production and Social Media Content.

A City Law Firm

An awarding winning Firm ranked by Chamber & Partners specialising in disruptive technology; high growth companies offering commercial and investment readiness advice.

FuturePlus is a sustainability management and reporting platform using a suite of data-driven and intuitive solutions designed to enhance Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and business performance, for organisations.

73 The Scottish Bee Company

The Scottish Bee Company crafts pure honey and Scottish produce, dedicated to ethical slow food practices, sustainability, and pollinator conservation.

INSPIRING BRITAIN’S SME BUSINESSES

Groe Global

Groe Global redefines multilocation franchising through tailored solutions that combine operational excellence, AI innovation, and immersive training.

AI Business Solutions

As the world leader in Operational and Sales AI for franchising, Groe Global pioneers efficiency with a state-of-the-art AI platform that streamlines operations, boosts customer engagement, and enables real-time, data-driven decisions. In partnership with the world’s largest retailer, we’re developing a fully autonomous, AI-driven retail outlet—setting new benchmarks for customer service and operational excellence.

At Groe Global, we integrate cutting-edge technology with human-centric strategies to fuel sustainable growth in today’s dynamic marketplace. ➔ groeglobal.com

Outsourced Operations Management

Our flagship fractionalised management service provides hands-on oversight across hundreds of franchisees in 12 countries. Last year, we onboarded and launched over 200 franchises in the US, Canada, and globally, empowering franchisors to focus on strategic growth while we manage day-to-day operations.

Fully

Immersive

Franchise

Incubator: Our revolutionary incubator offers aspiring franchisors the opportunity to attend live franchise management meetings, gaining firsthand insight into successful operations. Combining real-world experience with

personalised mentorship, it equips entrepreneurs with the skills and confidence to launch thriving franchise brands.

69 Carter Consultancy

Carter Consultancy enable businesses to become more profitable, have happier people and delighted customers by creating a Continuous Improvement culture.

Precision Management Consulting 67

Precision Management Consulting helps businesses go from drowning in inefficiency to streamlined success within three months.

Genous

Genous is the UK’s premier home retrofit firm - a one-stop-shop for greener, lower cost and more energy-efficient homes.

Genous was founded by exited consulting entrepreneur and published climate change academic Simon Bones following his own personal frustrations retrofitting several properties, and based on his committed belief that there was a better approach.

Today, the company is focused on the able-to-pay market (though is working with a number of mortgage providers to help democratise retrofit) and uniquely combines end-to-end service using direct contracting with the full set of retrofitting services (insulation, renewable heating and generation, EV integration, smart tech and more).

The Pizza Post

The Pizza Post is a family owned mobile pizza van company run by two brothers, Charlie and Harry Meer-Sipkoski. We bring unique catering to all types of parties and pride ourselves in being stress free.

Technology-led by design, Genous uses digital-twinning, with an unrivalled evaluative and advisory algorithm and associated tools built off integrated heating and electric models of each property. This improves the quality and flexibility of customer data and advice, while only the best equipment is offered, following screening through an extensive whole-of-market assessment process.

The accredited, expert supply chain is subcontracted, local and predominantly SME-based, with shared beliefs in quality and service. Genous also works with architects, lenders, manufacturers and others to provide access to its services to their customers on a B2B2C basis.

the QR code to register for updates. THE UK'S LEADING ANNUAL SME CONFERENCE

Ada Digital

Digital Marketing and Web Design agency based in Warwickshire, Ada Digital has experienced an exciting rate of growth in the previous 12 monthsrenovating and moving into a new HQ and building an expert team to support an expanding client portfolio.

Mintago

Supporting clients with everything from Search Engine Optimisation and Pay-Per-Click to Conversion Rate Optimisation and Web Design, there’s one goal in mind - driving success online.

At Ada Digital, clients' goals are at the heart of everything they do, combining expertise and knowledge to create bespoke digital marketing strategies that really work. By managing solid digital roadmaps, Ada Digital blends creativity with data to achieve real, measurable results. Having spent many years working in-house for large corporate

Mintago is the all-in-one platform for businesses wanting to invest in their team’s financial wellbeing. We’re simplifying the world of finance for employees — bringing everything they need into a single hub.

Enigma Strategic Communications provides audience analysis and influence strategies that transform businesses.

businesses, the company owners truly understand what clients need from a marketing agency to make their lives easier. Ada Digital are committed to delivering exceptional customer service and support, a dedication reflected in their five-star Google reviews.

Ada Digital understands the importance of building strong relationships with clients - from the initial consultation to on-going management, it ensures open communication, transparency, and a personalised approach, ensuring every client's needs are met.

Clients praise the company for its responsiveness, attention to detail, and the results they deliver; making Ada Digital a trusted partner for businesses looking to thrive online.

Gymfluencers

Gymfluencers agency, powered by the Fluencers Group provides health and fitness influencer marketing to the industries top brands.

Founded by Jonathan Lundy.

Salesflow.io

Salesflow.io is an innovative GoTo-Market (GTM) software platform transforming B2B lead generation for SMEs and scale-ups through multi-channel sales automation.

Founded in 2019 by serial entrepreneur Besnik Vrellaku, Salesflow.io enables sales and marketing teams to efficiently identify and engage high-quality leads using LinkedIn and email automation.

Salesflow.io stands apart with its ability to streamline outbound outreach, automating prospecting efforts while maintaining high personalisation at scale to improve conversion rates. With a clientele that includes industry giants like Hubspot, Monday.com, LaunchDarkly, Gocardless, and

TOTFest®

HiBob, Salesflow.io has proven itself as a trusted solution in the sales automation space.

The platform’s sophisticated features help businesses increase response rates, book meetings with decision-makers, and drive revenue growth and sales pipeline at extremely low cost.

Fully bootstrapped, Salesflow.io, serves over 10,000 global users, creating over 500K leads for SMEs with an estimated £500M+ worth of sales pipeline, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in sales engagement technology.

TOTFest® is the UK’s biggest festival for under5s, free roam and all inclusive, welcoming 26,000 guests each summer.

The UK's leading annual conference for SMEs, fast-track start-ups and high growth business owners

Scan the QR code to

Get Better

Get Better was founded with a clear mission: to revolutionise email marketing by delivering performance-driven, databacked strategies that maximise customer engagement and revenue. Frustrated by the inefficiencies

At NewMed, we specialise in PEMF therapy, a technology that uses electromagnetic fields to stimulate and support the body's natural recovery processes.

and one-size-fits-all approaches in the industry, we set out to build a service that blends cutting-edge automation with personalised, human-centric marketing. Our service is designed to help brands unlock the full potential of their email marketing by leveraging advanced segmentation, behavioural insights, and automation. We work closely with clients to craft high-performing lifecycle strategies, from onboarding sequences to re-engagement campaigns, ensuring they build

meaningful, long-term relationships with their customers. What sets us apart is our deep commitment to innovation, transparency, and measurable results. Unlike many agencies, we don’t just optimise for vanity metrics—we focus on tangible outcomes like revenue growth, customer retention, and lifetime value. We deliver highly tailored strategies that consistently outperform industry benchmarks. Beyond performance, we prioritise a people-first approach, both internally and for our clients. We foster an inclusive, growth-oriented culture and actively promote ethical marketing practices. Get Better isn’t just about emails—it’s about helping brands build better customer experiences, sustainably and strategically.

North Sky Yurts

North Sky Yurts are a female founded, eco conscious yurt and bell tent hire business, based in Yorkshire providing luxury glamping for events.

Kindly of Brighton

Kindly of Brighton: The ethical vegan supermarket pioneering a hybrid model for sustainable and convenient shopping.

Founded in 2018 in South Africa and expanding to the United Kingdom in 2023, Scientific Sanitation Solutions Ltd (SSS) is a leading innovator in sustainable sanitation and water purification. Dedicated to solving critical global water and hygiene challenges, 55

Scientific Sanitation Solutions

SSS develops eco-friendly, high-performance solutions designed for safe drinking water, pathogen control, and sustainable agriculture.

At the core of SSS’s mission is its groundbreaking SANI™ family of products, which includes:

• SANI-99™ (for AGRI & Vets): A powerful, alcohol & chlorine-free disinfectant for surfaces, hands, and aerial sanitation

• SANI AMANZI™: A chlorinefree water purification solution delivering safe drinking water in just 30 minutes

• SCIFLOC™: A high-performance flocculant for water treatment, improving water quality in both rural and urban environments

• CuGROW-99™: A copperenriched poultry supplement

Popcorn Kitchen

Popcorn Kitchen is a leading advocate of 'Popcorn Joy' within the UK's artisanal fine snacking scene.

Autify Digital

Autify Digital are trusted providers of e-commerce integrations and digital marketing services, helping ambitious brands achieve sustainable online growth through automation and simplifying daily challenges.

supporting sustainable farming

• SANI-FOAM™: An advanced cleaning foam, with the disinfection power of SANI-99™ for industrial and commercial use, combining efficiency with environmental responsibility

Driven by innovation, sustainability, and global impact, SSS’s solutions are used in healthcare, agriculture, and sanitation, ensuring clean water access and superior hygiene standards. As an approved NHS supplier, SSS continues to shape a future where progress and sustainability go hand in hand.

53 Loud Speaker

Everyone's a badman until you have to speak in front of a crowd. Loud Speaker empowers young people through high-energy workshops, building confidence, communication, and leadership skills to help them succeed in life.

Ortharize

Ortharize is a leading innovator in business travel, delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive growth, efficiency, and success for businesses and customers across the UK.

Panoram

Panoram, a GenAI software specialist for business and legal, was created by three co-founders: Greg Wildisen, Rick Seabrook and Chris Olofson. Greg is a former lawyer and highly commended entrepreneur building legal technology businesses. As a former Accenture partner, Rick was inspired by what eDiscovery and legal technology could do. Chris is a seasoned C-Level Executive practitioner with specialist knowledge of the software engineering industry.

The ‘Professional Revolution’ created by Generative AI (GenAI) is redefining how business professionals deliver their expertise. This has created a divide

in the world of GenAI agents. Many GenAI applications are simply aimed at making the user an hour a day more efficient. However, Panoram sees the value of focusing on AI-at-scale because that's where real disruption occurs to create tangible business impact.

By investing heavily in research and development, and with a deep understanding of the market, Panoram has gained an early mover advantage. Its Large Language Model (LLM) agnostic GenAI platform, PanoramAI, transforms document review and data analysis at scale - signalling the end of many human-led tasks in cyber, eDiscovery, Compliance and commercial due diligence.

The DM Lab

➔ thedmlab.com

Founded in 2010 and rebranding as The DM Lab in 2014, we celebrated our ‘Decade of Digital Discovery’ in 2024 as The Digital Marketing Laboratory. However, we’ve spent almost 15 years transforming businesses with

cutting-edge digital marketing solutions. What started as a two-man team in Herefordshire has grown into one of the region’s highest-rated digital agencies, known for delivering impactful and tailored marketing strategies for clients locally, nationally and internationally.

We focus on delivering a full spectrum of digital marketing services, from SEO, PPC and web design to social media, graphic design and branding. Our services are not just about driving traffic; we aim to create meaningful experiences that lead to tangible business growth. By using data-

driven strategies, we continuously adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape to ensure our clients stay ahead of the competition.

We’ve always believed in a clientcentric approach. We take the time to understand each business and tailor our strategies to fit their unique needs and goals. Our team isn’t just skilled – we’re passionate about innovation, collaboration and driving results. This focus on excellence has earned us a third year as one of the EB100, demonstrating our commitment to sustained growth and exceptional service.

47 STORY22

➔ story22.co.uk

big guns. We train teams to create expert-driven, AI-powered content, helping them deliver compelling campaigns in half the time, at a fraction of the cost. AI works for your team, not instead of your team, enhancing brand messaging without losing the human touch.

Experience: Marketing gets people in the door; exceptional customer experiences keep them coming back. As the UK’s only agency licensed in Unreasonable Hospitality coaching, we help businesses turn everyday interactions into unforgettable moments that convert customers into passionate brand ambassadors.

Marketing shouldn’t feel overwhelming. It should be clear, strategic, and actually work. That’s what Story22 promises its growing band of customers

Most businesses waste time and money on marketing that doesn’t work. They struggle to explain what they do clearly, and fail to attract the right customers, or stand out in a crowded marketplace. That’s where STORY22 comes in.

We help businesses cut through the noise and communicate in a way that makes sense to their customers, so they grow faster without constantly pushing uphill. Our three-pillar approach solves

the biggest marketing challenges businesses face:

Clarity: Customers won’t buy if they don’t understand what you do. We simplify your message using a proven framework, making it easy for people to see why they need you and how you stand out from your competitors.

Empowerment: High-quality marketing should be cost-efficient and accessible—not just for the

Founded in 2020 by Sonya Whittam and Julie Firth, STORY22 supports businesses across industries, including legal, finance, property, pharmaceutical, professional services, and ecommerce, through strategic storytelling and marketing that builds credibility and visibility. But we’re not just about marketing delivery - we teach it too. From AI workshops that save teams hours every week to brand messaging and customer experience workshops that change how you communicate forever, we equip businesses with the skills to succeed.

Marketing shouldn’t feel overwhelming. It should be clear, strategic, and actually work That’s what we do - let’s talk about how we can help you do the same.

Retrained Search

Built by retained search experts, for recruitersRetrained Search is a fast-growing recruitment training business revolutionising how recruitment agencies operate.

Go Live Data

Go Live Data supplies the data you need on over 1.6 million UK registered companies to create the most effective marketing campaigns for your business.

INSPIRING BRITAIN’S SME BUSINESSES

CPG is passionate about helping people start, grow or scale a viable and sustainable business. We provide practical hardhitting strategies that fast tracks growth. We believe that business is the vehicle to help you live the life you want, on your terms.

Magictree Superfoods 43

Magictree Superfoods is one the fastest growing herbal supplement brands specialising in providing potent raw natural herbs in their natural form.

The Book Publicist

➔ thebookpublicist.co.uk

The UK’s leading PR agency for non-fiction books and authors, The Book Publicist continues to go from strength to strength by not losing the personal touch

Over the last decade, The Book Publicist team have established themselves as the UK’s leading PR agency for non-fiction books and authors. They have managed to continue impressive commercial growth each year without losing the personal service for clients and friendly, inclusive company culture that really makes them stand out. Their approach to PR focuses on working with the people behind a book or business to share their ideas and values, to position them as thought-leaders and promote their books, brands, events and more. This involves securing powerful publicity in carefully targeted media outlets, whether it is an interview on BBC World News,

a long-read feature in Harvard Business Review, recording a specialist podcast or securing a book review in The Financial Times.

In the last year alone, the team have secured more than 4000 pieces of coverage, with clients regularly appearing in places like Forbes, Sky News, BBC 5Live, This Morning, Inc and of course, Elite Business.

As a small, specialist, remote team, The Book Publicist are able to generate results that measure up to some of the UK’s most prestigious PR agencies, but with a more personal service at a fraction of the cost. This allows the company to offer a cost-effective service for publishers facing commercial pressures, but also work directly

with authors to allow them to get value from their book long after it is published.

While the company is best known for working with authors, it has grown through word-of-mouth recommendations to now also being retained by entrepreneurs, psychologists, speakers, coaches, consultants, charities and business leaders to position them as trusted experts and showcase their business.

The Book Publicist team pride themselves on helping underrepresented voices get heard. By sharing the ideas of some of the world’s brightest thought-leaders they are working to positively influence business, individuals and wider society to help create a healthier, happier and more productive future.

Sweet Lounge

Sweet Lounge creates award-winning, plant-based sweets with no single-use plastic. With over 1 million packs sold, we offer sustainable, delicious treats perfect for all.

INSPIRING BRITAIN’S

The UK's leading conference for SMEs, fast-track start-ups and high growth business owners

Elite Business Live is a one-of-a-kind annual event that is unduly dedicated to business growth. Spanning two full days, this event is packed with high calibre speakers, interactive breakout sessions and unmatched networking opportunities.

✔ HIGH PROFILE SPEAKERS

✔ PANEL DISCUSSIONS

✔ VIP NETWORKING

✔ INTERACTIVE BREAKOUT SESSIONS

INSPIRING BRITAIN’S SME BUSINESSES

Scan the QR code to register for updates elitebusinessevent.co.uk

Excel TM Group 40

Specialising in telemarketing and lead generation services aimed at the construction industry, the ongoing success of Excel TM Group shows it has been making the right connections

Excel TM Group, established in January 2020, is a multi-awardwinning company run by husbandand-wife duo Mike and Sian Dunn, specialising in telemarketing and lead generation services tailored specifically for the construction industry. Headquartered in Chester, Cheshire, the company has rapidly gained recognition for its expertise and effectiveness in connecting businesses within the construction sector.

The company's founder and Managing Director, Mike Dunn, brings a wealth of experience from various stages of the construction process. His background includes roles at Barbour ABI, where he was involved in lead generation, planning and executing construction telemarketing campaigns, and participating in on-site construction projects. This comprehensive experience provides Excel TM Group with a unique

understanding of the construction sector, enabling them to design and implement effective telemarketing and lead generation strategies.

Excel TM Group offers a range of services aimed at maximising return on investment for their clients. These services include appointment scheduling, CPD (Continuing Professional Development) call campaigns, product launches, framework and supply chain agreements, event and seminar coordination, lead enquiry and generation, and market research. Each service is designed to address specific needs within the construction industry, facilitating meaningful connections and fostering business growth.

The company has received accolades for its contributions to the industry. Notably, Excel TM Group has been recognized as the UK's Best Construction Industry Lead Generation Service Provider and was listed among the Top 100 Elite SMEs in both 2023 and 2024. Excel TM Group's deep understanding of the construction sector, combined with their specialised telemarketing and lead generation services, positions them as a valuable partner for businesses aiming to expand their reach and impact within the industry.

The company is in the process of going through a refresh and, as from later this year, will be known as Excel Group – this is to coincide with some additional services that the company will be adding to their portfolio and they will become an all-round business intelligence company for the built environment.

39 Format-3

➔ format-3.co

Format-3 is a digital innovation studio specialising in the ideation, creation and maintenance of cutting-edge apps, platforms and digital products

Founded in February 2023 by self-made entrepreneur, Hardy Sidhu, it stands out from existing services thanks to its uniquely collaborative approach. Tired of agency structures that churn out copycat products without truly serving the market or clients, it was Hardy’s aim to build something different – where Format-3 and client teams come together in non-judgemental, non-hierarchical collaboration to accelerate progress through genuine, valueadded innovation.

Each product created by the studio is the result of Format-3 becoming truly embedded in clients’ teams, where residential thinktanks generate disruptive ideas capable of improving users’ lives. Format-3 moves beyond creating apps and platforms that work now, accelerating client growth by producing solutions that stick for sustainable long-term success.

Since its inception just under two years ago, Format-3 has gained rapid recognition for its pioneering

approach, designing and building market disruptor solutions, hosting high-impact workshops with organisations and running discovery accelerators for the most innovative startups. Notable successes include Paradigm Health, which unlocked a future of medicine 3.0 through Format-3 technology; The Dailywire, whose active subscriptions grew by 50% thanks to the help of Format-3; and Mobeus, whose sales platform concepted and designed by Format3’s embedded product team features at Dreamforce 2024. Ultimately, it’s all about innovation – not just in the digital space but also in business itself. That’s why Format-3 acts as both an incubator and accelerator, offering access to top-quality digital services that SMEs may traditionally struggle to afford and helping them to bring their valuable ideas to reality on the market. Indeed, under Format’3’s guidance, multiple early-stage businesses have successfully progressed from seed level to Series A, B and C –proving that Format-3 is not just another digital agency – it’s a force for meaningful transformation.

Off p y ess with expertise dating back to 1979, delivering a personal touch and a deep understanding of what businesses need to thrive Our unique and inspiring buildings, each featuring creative designs, are crafted to boost productivity and innovation. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and supported by awardwinning, certified Customer Service Excellence, our workspaces ensure seamless business operations

PRIME LOCATIONS IN LONDON:

At HCG we redefine workplace(s) by creating highperforming spaces and shaping organisational culture.

INSPIRING BRITAIN’S SME BUSINESSES

IDM Energy

Founded in December 2021 by Iain Macphail, IDM Energy was created to drive sustainable change across the Highlands and Islands. Built on the success of its sister company, IDM Safety Solutions, it quickly established itself as a trusted partner in renewable energy and trade services throughout North Scotland.

IDM Energy specialises in practical, no-nonsense property maintenance and renewable energy solutions. What makes us stand out is our commitment to real impact, working transparently with clients to help them meet their energy and efficiency goals. Our team has grown from 6 to 19 specialists,

creating local jobs and supporting businesses across 14,460 square miles with award-winning services.

We work across commercial, industrial, and residential properties, delivering straightforward, effective solutions for energy and facilities management. Whether it's renewable energy installations, efficiency improvements, or facilities upkeep, our focus is always on solving problems quickly, ensuring quality service, and getting the job done right.

At IDM Energy, we don’t just offer services—we partner with communities and businesses to create a more sustainable future.

The Power Within Training

thepowerwithintraining.com

The Power Within Training began with a simple belief: leadership should be practical, powerful, and life-changing. In 2017, James and Enas Fleming—a husband-and-wife team from Scotland and Yemen—turned that belief into reality. They’ve faced challenges, questioned limits, and learned first-hand what it takes to lead, not just in business, but in life. That’s what sets us apart. We don’t just teach leadership—we live it. Our programmes are built around Motivational Intelligence (MQ), the science-backed ability to overcome self-doubt, challenge

designed for the real world. Since then, we’ve helped thousands of individuals and businesses unlock their potential, build stronger teams, and lead with purpose. But it doesn’t stop at work. The changes ripple through every part of life—from how people lead their teams to how they connect with their families and see themselves.

This isn’t just leadership training. It’s about helping you think bigger, grow stronger, and achieve more than you thought possible. Leadership isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you become.

Trustist 35

Trustist’s business model is simple enough - that is, drive more traffic to client websites to help them generate more sales

Trustist started life as a reviews business with the aim of driving more traffic to our clients’ websites and ultimately helping them to generate more sales.

Over the last 10 years the product has grown exponentially and we’re proud to serve over 15,000 businesses, offering a unique product that never fails to increase web traffic from Google – all whilst making life much easier for our clients and helping them to collect reviews!

The Trustist widgets allow clients to display the aggregated review count and rating score for their business, with reviews included

from all of their active review sites.

This code also causes Google to display stars and the aggregated review score in the organic Google search results, which has enabled some of our clients to generate an uplift of clicks of as much as 1,000%. Typically, clients will usually see an increase of 80-100%.

In early 2023, Trustist launched a revolutionary FinTech product – TrustistTransfer – which allows users to take payment from their customers quickly and with much lower transaction fees by utilising Open Banking. Building on this success, we then developed instantdebit. instantdebit’s fees

are industry-low and in proof-ofconcept testing, have been reduced to payments taking one second, providing our unique selling point. As standard, instantdebit comes preloaded on payment terminals, allowing businesses to use instantdebit in stores to take payments. These terminals are designed to improve on existing card industry processes and specifically to improve on speed, cost and accessibility of payments. Most traditional card merchants charge around 1.6 – 4.5% per transaction – our products are breaking the mould with transaction fees as low as 0.29%!

Prsnt

As the world leader in instant digital gifting, we allow users to send branded gifts—such as a coffee, cocktail, or sweet treat—via text; removing the hassle of physical delivery.

INSPIRING BRITAIN’S SME BUSINESSES

Try for FREE at: SHOUTOUT.SOCIAL keeping control of your branding.

The UK's leading annual conference for SMEs, fast-track start-ups and high growth business owners

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elitebusinessevent.co.uk

Laceeze

Laceeze, founded in 2016, began with a mission to solve a common problem for young athletes, shoe laces coming undone during sport.

The brand’s flagship product, Laceeze bands, made from premium silicon with a unique ribbed, patented design, ensures maximum grip holding shoe laces in place. It is a simple yet effective solution allowing young footballers and rugby players to focus on their game not their footwear.

In addition to Laceeze bands, the brand has successfully expanded into Defiance clothing & accessories, a range designed with the same dedication to youth sports. Every product has been created by a parent with the specific needs of kids in mind, drawing from our founder Emma’s

32

Recently, Laceeze gained national recognition by appearing on BBC’s Dragons' Den in January 2025, securing investment from Dragon Touker Suleyman. This milestone has further strengthened our mission to support young athletes and give back to grassroots sports communities across the UK. ➔ laceeze.co.uk

personal experiences raising two sons involved in grassroots sports. Laceeze Defiance’s approach of designing for kids first is what sets it apart in this sector, with our goal to become a leading accessories and sports solutions brand for children.

Fearless Business

Fearless Business is a business accelerator for Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers looking to productise their services and confidently charge more.

Dazzle

Dazzle believed the cleaning industry needed disrupting for the greater good! We saw a gap in the market to provide commercial cleaning services coupled with office wellbeing solutions, utilising Tech as a key enabler and voilà – Dazzle was born.

Salad Money 31

We’re providing borrowers with an alternative to high-cost lending. Using open banking affordability assessments instead of outdated credit scores.

29 Arcus Global

Arcus is delivering mission-critical SaaS to the Government. We transform services, automate tasks, deploy AI and enable access to data, delivering Digital Transformation and significant savings.

28 Rogers McHugh

Rogers McHugh are a specialist Construction and Facilities Management recruitment agency placing temporary and permanent staff throughout the UK.

27 Delamere Manor

INSPIRING BRITAIN’S SME BUSINESSES

Delamere Manor is an exclusive luxury wedding venue in Cheshire, offering breathtaking countryside views, bespoke celebrations, and unparalleled service.

The UK’s small business community are collectively its biggest employers but get very little support or recognition from government.

Your Business Community (YBC) exists to provide small businesses with this much needed support and representation.

YBC members get unlimited free advice, discounts on lots of business services and protection against several potential prosecutions. They also have access to finance and can take advantage of offers from our partners. yourbusinesscommunity.co.uk

Find out more by visiting:

London’s business environment drives the entire UK economy. With one in five businesses located in London and a total of 940,000 businesses located within the South East representing 34% of all UK businesses (source: ONS).

LondonlovesBusiness can help you promote your business and reach thousands of potential customers.

A dedicated London network of:

Small businesses

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advertising@londonlovesbusiness.com 020

26 South West Play

For nearly 20 years, South West Play have been the UK’s leading rope and net based playground manufacturer.

WeDoCRM

Our mission is to give CRM teams and organisations, across the B2B and D2C spectrum, the support and expertise they need to drive high-impact CRM operations that drive sustainable revenue.

Rem3dy Health 25

Rem3dy Health pioneers personalised health solutions through Nourished (personalised nutrition) and Scripted (medicine), using patented 3D-printing technology to revolutionise wellness.

THE UK'S LEADING ANNUAL SME CONFERENCE ✔ HIGH PROFILE SPEAKERS

SESSIONS

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GSN 23

Founded in 2012 by Craig Allen, GSN emerged from a vision to take the time out of meal prepping.

“My days began with loading up 3 freezers in the back of a repurposed Tesco delivery truck and driving around the country delivering steam cooked chicken to stockists and convincing gym owners that it was a good idea.” Over the past 12 years, the company has remained committed to its core values, HEALTHY. TASTY. EASY. evolving into the UK’s favourite healthy frozen food solution, now with over 500 UK stockists and still 100% bootstrapped.

We’re not here to be the biggest, we’re here to be the best. We’re reimagining frozen food. Creating meals that challenge expectations, deliver uncompromising quality, and redefine convenience for real people with real lives.

GSN offers a diverse range of award-winning frozen products,

Clan Gordon

Founded in 2008 by brothers Andrew and Jonathan Gordon, Clan Gordon was created to challenge the status quo in property management. As landlords themselves they experienced first-hand the frustrations of poor service, compliance issues and lack of transparency. Their mission is clear: to drive up industry standards and provide exceptional service to landlords and tenants alike.

Unlike agencies that juggle lettings and sales, Clan Gordon focuses solely on lettings, ensuring expert property management and unrivalled landlord support. Every team member is MARLA-certified, and we have dedicated Compliance

and Maintenance Managers, giving landlords peace of mind their properties meet legal and safety standards.

Beyond property management, Clan Gordon actively advocates for landlords, lobbying the Scottish Government for fairer, clearer regulations on electrical safety, lead pipe removal, and rent controls. Our free educational resources empower landlords to navigate an ever-changing regulatory landscape.

This commitment to customer service has fuelled 42% portfolio growth in four years, while AIdriven insights, digital maintenance platforms, and proactive customer experience strategies enhance

including the renowned Pots o Gold, ready cooked Chicken Bites, Protein Wraps and most recently Signature Meals. Each meal is meticulously crafted to be high in protein and low in sugar, without compromising on taste. The preparation process emphasises quality, with meals being handprepared and hand-filled in the UK. What sets GSN apart is the unwavering dedication to quality and innovation to ensure we are the go-to choice in the healthy frozen food market. Our focus on making nutritious eating accessible, enjoyable and convenient has solidified our reputation as a leader in the industry.

landlord and tenant satisfaction. As one of Edinburgh’s highestrated letting agencies, Clan Gordon remains committed to raising industry standards and ensuring landlords receive expert support while tenants enjoy safe, wellmaintained homes.

E x p e r t a d v i c e ,

s u p p o r t &

c o n n e c t i o n s t o

f a c i l i t a t e y o u r

p e r s o n a l &

p r o f e s s i o n a l

g r o w t h .

T h e C o m m u n i t y f o r W o m e n i n L e a d e r s h i p .

w w w . w o m e n s b u s i n e s s . c l u b

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, gifting has often been reduced to generic, impersonal gestures. Many companies struggle to find gifts that are not only meaningful but also align with their sustainability and corporate responsibility goals. This is where needi has stepped in to transform the industry.

Founded by Louise Doyle and Steph Scholes, needi is pioneering a new approach to corporate gifting, merging personalisation, sustainability, and support for independent businesses. Since its inception, needi has become the go-to platform for businesses that want to make a lasting impact - not just for their employees and clients but also on the environment and local economies.

The Birth of a Game-Changer needi was born from Louise and Steph’s personal frustrations with the lack of high-quality, sustainable gifts available in the corporate space. While working at a global social enterprise, managing a large fully-remote team, it was difficult to source affordable, unique and environmentally responsible gifts that made an impact – but Lou and Steph found a way. As a result, the business had some of the highest staff and client retention rates. Recognising this gap, they

envisioned a platform that could seamlessly connect people with sustainable, independent vendors - ensuring every gift carried a purpose, a story, and a positive impact.

With this mission in mind, they launched needi in November 2021 after graduating from the prestigious Founder Institute Tech Accelerator.

What Makes needi Stand Out?

Needi doesn’t rely on massproduced, generic items. Instead, it offers:

Personalised, AI-powered gifting: Leveraging AI and psychological insights, needi carefully curates gifts tailored to individual recipients, ensuring every item is meaningful and appreciated Sustainability at the core: The platform exclusively partners with vendors that prioritise ethically sourced, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products, helping businesses meet their ESG objectives

Support for independent businesses: By working with UKbased small businesses, many of which are female-founded, needi creates a circular economy and helps boost local entrepreneurs Comprehensive gifting solutions: needi’s services extend beyond one-off gifts. It specialises in employee onboarding, work anniversaries, client retention, Christmas gifting, and sustainable branded merchandise Waste-free gifting: Every gift is designed to be either useful, repurposable, or recyclable, ensuring minimal environmental impact and avoiding the problem of corporate gifts ending up as clutter

A Brand Trusted by Major Corporations

needi has quickly earned the trust of some of the biggest brands in the world, including Microsoft, Spotify, Meta, Intuit QuickBooks, and KPMG. With over 150 loyal corporate clients, needi is proving that thoughtful gifting isn’t just a

trend - it’s the future.

Companies are making the switch to needi because they understand that gifting isn’t just about givingit’s about attracting and retaining top talent, strengthening client relationships, and showcasing brand values through sustainability. Financial Success and Industry Recognition needi is also achieving impressive financial milestones, recently securing £1.4 million in seed funding, backed by Clarendon Fund Managers, Techstart Ventures, and high-profile angel investors, including former tech founders and EY partners.

This funding round is particularly significant given that less than 2% of global venture capital goes to female-founded businesses - a testament to Louise and Steph’s vision, resilience, and the market’s belief in needi’s potential. Since its launch, needi has generated over £1 million in sales for independent businesses and is on track to soon reach £5 million, reinforcing its commitment to community-driven growth. Join the hundreds of businesses that have already made the switch to needi. Because when gifting is done right, it doesn’t just make an impression - it makes a difference.

Behavet

Behavet is the world’s largest online pet behaviour clinic, transforming lives through expertled, science-backed care. Our certified veterinarian behaviourists, trained by renowned veterinary dog behaviourist and best-selling

A Y & J Solicitors 19

author Dr Tom Mitchell, create tailored behaviour transformation plans delivered remotely via Zoom – removing stress and ensuring real-life results.

Handling 500+ cases monthly, Behavet is trusted by 300+ veterinary practices and a network of 7,000+ referring professionals. Rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot, we prioritise pet welfare, mental health and long-term success. Our approach blends behavioural neuroscience with reward-based training, providing every client with advice specific to their situation to deliver lasting results even in the most challenging cases.

Behavet is the “last port of call” for pet owners seeking real change. Our approach is

A Y & J Solicitors is a multi-award-winning, Legal 500 law firm. Our foundation is built on core values of honesty, professionalism, reliability, and approachability.

Tunley Environmental

Tunley Environmental is a leading sustainability consultancy, offering carbon assessments, Net Zero strategies and biodiversity solutions, led by PhD-qualified scientists with industry expertise and hands-on experience.

designed to remove barriers to care, empower owners and achieve transformational results. Through our personalised approach, Behavet Family community, and partnerships with insurers, charities and vets, we make sure pets and owners have access to the help they need, keeping pets with their families where they belong.

More than just a clinic, Behavet is committed to enhancing the lives of

The UK's leading annual conference for SMEs, fast-track start-ups and high growth business owners

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HRV Group 17

A fresh debut in the top 20 HRV puts the V in ventilation, improving indoor air quality and keeping homes fresh, dry, and comfortable yearround

We can’t see air but it has such a huge impact on our health and wellbeing, especially inside our homes. Indoor Air Quality is reported to be 5 times more polluted than outside, the place where we spend 90% of our time! Today ventilation is crucial.

When we founded HRV in 2014, our primary mission was to transform the industry's reputation for poor installation quality while making ventilation an easy-tounderstand topic.

At that time, changes to Building Regulations were pushing for greater energy efficiency. Homes were being built to higher standards, and insulation was being added to existing properties with the goal of reducing carbon emissions and lowering heating costs. However, as homes became more airtight to retain heat, issues like condensation, humidity, and mould were at risk of increasing.

2014

South West London Lifestyle/ Consumer/ Construction 42

The solution - Insulate tight –Ventilate right.

With ventilation becoming more significant, we saw the introduction of whole house systems like MVHR – the kind of system you’d just see on Grand Designs, as oppose to typical kitchen and bathroom extractor fans. With that came a huge shift in how mechanical ventilation in homes needed to be considered, designed, and installed and this is where we wanted to be – a specialist and trusted advisor for ventilation. We wanted to position ourselves not as a typical trade contractor, but as a customer centric brand.

We started working on large scale new build developments,

delivering MVHR and MEV installs for a wide range of developers and contractors. We soon built a reputation for high quality work, offering quality assurance, technical expertise, and improved profitability for projects we worked on. To date we have delivered over 22,000 certified system installs, and in 2025, we are continuing to advise on ventilation strategy around planning conditions such as overheating and air quality.

Alongside new build we launched a servicing and maintenance division which aimed to support homeowners, property managers and social landlords. We built a range of services including

annual servicing programmes, maintenance, repair, and deep cleaning for ducting as well as investigations for indoor air quality issues.

We have invested in building the team and developing a customer experience that aims to educate and make us easy to do business with. From online booking and educational content, we started to highlight the how’s and the why’s. Did you know a family of four creates as many as 24 pints of moisture inside a home every single day from cooking, hanging clothes to dry, showering and breathing?

Over the past few years, we have developed tools to support customers including ‘Vent Check’ which provides a first stage diagnosis of what might be wrong with a ventilation unit. We’ve made

language easy to understand for typical products – changing the technical jargon of air filter grades from G3, G4 and M5 to The Basic Barrier, The Dust Destroyer, The Summer Sneezer!

In 2025, we have a fleet of vans, we’re recognised service and warranty partners for several of the market leading manufacturers and have achieved an excellent 4.7/5 rating on Trustpilot with over 500 reviews… and we’re just getting started!

With a reported 5 million homes in the UK experiencing issues with mould and condensation and 150200k homes built with mechanical ventilation systems in themventilation is a building service that can’t be ignored.

The HRV Brand is part of a wider group of companies, including The Air Shop and Pinnacle Ductwork. Together, they share a unified vision of delivering high-quality solutions and a passion for creating and maintaining spaces that fresh, healthy and comfortable.

The goal – to be the household name for residential ventilation services in the UK.

Compressed Air Centre 16

Compressed Air Centre (CAC) powers industries with market-leading compressed air systems, driving efficiency, reliability, and cost savings for long-term business success

Beyond exceptional customer service, CAC is shaping industry standards through its active role in the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS). Serge Santos’ appointment to the BCAS board in 2023 underscores the company’s influence in promoting best practices, safety, and sustainability across the sector.

Since 1992, Compressed Air Centre (CAC) has been a trusted partner for businesses reliant on compressed air systems. Founded to deliver high-quality compressed air solutions, CAC has evolved into a market leader, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and costeffectiveness across industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and food packaging. Under the leadership of Serge Santos and co-director Mavis Dede, who took the helm seven years ago, CAC has modernised its operations and reinforced its role as a trusted strategic advisor to its customers. As the exclusive distributor of

HPC Kaeser compressors across Southwest London, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and the Isle of Wight, CAC provides end-to-end compressed air solutions, including system design, installation, maintenance, and energy optimisation. Unlike competitors that simply supply equipment, CAC partners with businesses to deliver tailored solutions that maximise efficiency, minimise downtime, and drive longterm growth. With an industryleading five-year warranty on parts and labour and 24/7 emergency support, CAC ensures uninterrupted operations for its clients.

CAC continues to invest in innovation, developing advanced remote monitoring technology to enhance system efficiency and launching a hire fleet solution for flexible access to premium compressed air systems. Since expanding into Berkshire and Oxfordshire in 2021, CAC has strengthened its market presence, delivering even greater support to businesses in these regions. By combining technical expertise, innovation, and a customer-first approach, CAC is more than a supplier—it is a long-term strategic partner, helping businesses optimise performance and futureproof their operations.

Founded in 2011 by Shalini Khemka CBE, E2E is an exciting and ground-breaking powerhouse of entrepreneurs, investors, non-execs, and SME-focused corporate organisations.

INTRODUCING THE

Altnets 15

altnets.co.uk

The mission for Altnets is simple: to provide Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with premium fibre products that deliver top-tier broadband to communities across the UK

At Altnets we aren’t just another telecoms distributor—we’re a trusted partner for ISPs seeking high-speed fibre solutions, with a reputation for reliability, excellence, and innovation.

Our Story

Altnets was founded in November 2020. The business started with a small but dedicated team of three individuals who shared a vision to improve broadband access across the UK. By the end of its first year, Altnets had grown to six people, and its services quickly expanded to meet the demand for fibre solutions. In the early months, the company operated without a dedicated office, but within three months, Altnets secured its first official workspace. This marked the beginning of an exciting journey as Altnets began to make its mark on the industry.

2020 Brighton Telecommunications 17

By 2024, Altnets had grown significantly, with close to 20 staff members and a state-of-the-art headquarters in the Brighton Marina. Our client base had expanded from 33 in 2021 to more than 100 by 2024. This growth is not just about numbers—it's about our commitment to providing ISPs with the best fibre solutions and ensuring that the communities they serve have access to reliable, ultrafast broadband.

Our Products and Services

We work directly with ISPs to provide them with high-quality fibre products and services that help build and maintain broadband networks. Our portfolio includes a wide range of fibre optic cables, accessories, splicing equipment, and related services—all designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients.

We take pride in offering futureproof solutions, ensuring every installation meets the highest standards. Whether an ISP is working on a large-scale project or a community-focused build, Altnets delivers tailored solutions to drive success.

Altnets goes beyond just supplying products—we support our clients by ensuring they have the right products at the right time, technical guidance, and industry expertise to streamline their projects. Our team works closely with ISPs, offering tailored advice and solutions at every stage, making Altnets a trusted partner in the fibre industry.

Altnets’ growth and success are driven by a commitment to partnership and reliability. We empower our customers to bridge the digital divide, ensuring they can work smarter, not harder. As an industry leader, we uphold our promises and never cut corners— our customers can rely on us to deliver quality and consistency. We’re not afraid to take the road less travelled if it leads to better outcomes, challenging industry norms to create smarter, more efficient solutions.

We pride ourselves on being a dependable partner in the telecoms industry. In an environment where consistency is key, Altnets is known for delivering. We understand the pressures faced by ISPs and work tirelessly to ensure their needs

are met, always delivering on time, every time.

The telecoms industry is ever evolving, and we are committed to staying at the forefront of these changes. We invest in research and development to ensure that our solutions remain cutting-edge, so our clients can always count on us for the latest and most effective fibre solutions.

Altnets is dedicated to overcoming the challenges of the telecoms supply chain, driving the UK towards its connectivity goals. We aim to tackle digital inequality by making ultra-fast broadband accessible to communities across the country.

As we move forward, our mission remains focused: to help ISPs build and maintain fibre networks that will serve future generations. Altnets is proud to be part of the movement that is shaping the future of broadband in the UK.

14 MPCC

Engineering led manufacturing and supplyThat’s the guiding principle behind every spare part MPCC manufactures for Air Compressors, Industrial Pumps and Sewage / Wastewater Systems

The Leeds-based family-owned business was founded in 1989 by Tony Bray, a sea-going engineer for Shell Tankers who saw a necessity for quality, non-genuine compressor and pump spares for the Marine industry. After 35+ years, MPCC is now a leading authority on aftermarket spares and service kits for a huge range of air and fluid handling products. Since Tony stepped down as MD in 2019, sons Thomas, Josh and Ethan took over the reins. Soon thereafter, the company continued to operate throughout the entirety of 3 lockdowns as an essential supplier to the Maritime industry, helping to ensure that cargo ships continued to operate in unprecedented times.

Entering into the healthcare industry during COVID due to a large on-hand inventory of critical components, MPCC became a trusted vendor to the NHS, supplying critical spares essential to keeping hospital compressors performing life-saving care.

Since 2022, new branches have been opened in both Singapore and the UAE to better serve customers throughout Asia and the Middle East, allowing faster access to maintenance spares at the major shipping ports around the world. In 2024, MPCC not only outgrew their UAE warehouse, re-locating to larger premises, but also opened a bespoke hose-making facility in the UK, giving them the ability to better respond to customers’ emergency breakdowns. Now in their second year, the expert team offer hoseaudits all over the UK, helping maintenance engineers better plan for scheduled replacements.

Today, MPCC supplies not just the marine and healthcare sectors, but also offshore oil & gas platforms, industrial manufacturers and power stations across the globe. With the philosophy that they are engineers first and distributors second, the development cycle and

quality control of every product is second to none; That’s why their high-quality spares, accessories, consumables, and serviceable parts are trusted in more than 70 countries, thanks to a focus on short lead times and economic pricing.

Not only a supplier of their own products, MPCC is an authorised distributor for major global brands such as Atlas Copco, Bock and Danfoss. These strategic partnerships show just how much trust the industry has in the company’s ability to reach businesses far and wide, with

expert in-house logistics and first-class service. As an ISO 9001 organisation, customers can be sure of effective processes and staff who are trained to deliver flawless products and services time after time.

Now in an exciting new phase of the business, MPCC looks forward to entering new markets in the UK, and continuing to grow their brand oversees.

Rock Fall UK 13

➔ rockfall.com

Transitioning from disruptor to global leader, sustainable safety footwear provider, Rock Fall UK, continues to go from strength to strength

The safety footwear industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, with sustainability now a key focus. Leading the charge has been Rock Fall UK.

Established in 1997, Rock Fall UK is a multi-award-winning secondgeneration family-owned business. The company has positioned itself at the forefront of the safety footwear industry through world first innovations that provide solutions to the ever-changing demands of modern businesses. We are proud of our British heritage and our country’s position

as a world leader in health and safety. Retaining our status as an independent SME allows us to be agile, making swift but sustainable and carefully considered decisions.

In recent years, the company has rationalised and diversified its product offering to provide customers with the collection they need to grow their business. Supplying exclusively via Authorised Distribution Partners, Rock Fall pro-actively collaborate with major end-users and industry associations to improve workplace safety.

Sustainability at the Core Rock Fall UK’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every step of its production process. In a time where sustainability is crucial, Rock Fall stands out as a pioneer in the safety footwear industry, reshaping the prioritisation of safety without depleting our planet’s resources.

The increasing adoption of sustainable practices in the footwear sector has created an opportunity for brands like Rock Fall to set the standard. Brothers Richard and Matthew Noon remain steadfast in their commitment to crafting quality, sustainable and eco-friendly safety footwear. Their ethos goes beyond functionality, with sustainability at its core. They understand that today’s actions significantly impact tomorrow, making the integration

of sustainable practices into their safety footwear development not just a choice but a responsibility.

Investing in cutting-edge technology and sourcing ecofriendly materials for their safety footwear has propelled 90% of the Rock Fall brand into the realm of environmental friendliness.

A significant milestone was achieved when Rock Fall became the first British safety footwear company to be certified by the Vegan Society for a range of safety footwear that contains zero animal products in their production or materials.

Rock Fall’s packaging has been redesigned, eliminating all paper packing except for a simple wrap, which saves around 18 tonnes of paper annually. All boot boxes are now produced using a foldable box construction, printed with soy inks, and made from 100% recycled and recyclable cardboard. Additionally, plastic retail swing labels have been replaced with tongue label QR codes.

Rock Fall has implemented a paperless order process, where products are packed and invoiced using a single digital management system, reducing the need for paper, printing inks and toners by 80%.

The entire UK business is powered by 100% renewable energy supplied by Scottish Power.

To reduce Rock Fall’s carbon footprint even further, the company has invested heavily in replacing

the company fleet with hybrid vehicles. Additionally, vehicle charging points are available at the head office to encourage employees to transition over to electric or hybrid vehicles.

Our Environmental, Social and Governance Report is available online at rockfall.com.

What is next for Rock Fall in 2025?

We will continue expanding our product range by incorporating the latest sustainable materials available. We are collaborating closely with our international partners to ensure that our sustainable journey aligns with their values and goals. This natural growth will create new opportunities for all involved.

In 2025, twelve new styles of safety footwear will be launched for various industries, including engineering, offshore, construction, rail, aviation, agriculture, utilities, logistics, security, and public services.

Noble Events 12

When it comes to delivering a wide range of event services, including Conferences, Ultra High Net Worth Events and Media Launches, Noble Events could be just for you

Noble Events was founded in the UK over 16 years ago by Penny Noble, our CEO. We operate globally, with established offices in Leicestershire UK, Dubai and have plans to open a new office in Saudi Arabia.

We expertly deliver a wide range of event services, including Conferences, Ultra High Net Worth Events, Media Launches and Incentives across disparate sectors such as Automotive, Luxury and Financial Services.

With roots stretching from the UK to Dubai across diverse markets worldwide, we have an in-depth understanding of different cultural nuances and global trends. Coupled with our commitment to understanding local insights, we make sure your event is always current and culturally attuned wherever it’s located.

We’re best known for our extraordinary team and their unrivalled expertise. Our team members work hard to get ‘under the skin’ of our clients’ briefs to align with their values and goals, ensuring every event resonates with its target audience. Our bespoke approach means no two events are ever the same - each is carefully crafted to support our client’s brand, ethos and objectives. Whether launching a product, engaging an elite audience, or

enhancing a brand’s reputation, this approach combines with our unwavering focus on meticulous planning, creativity, and flawless execution.

Sustainability is integral to our event planning. We work hand-in-hand with our clients to integrate their environmental goals into every aspect of their events, ensuring that sustainability enhances the event experience without compromise. Whether it’s reducing waste, lowering emissions, or ensuring energy efficiency, our approach is about helping you make conscious, practical choices with measures in place, so you understand how your event is contributing to broader environmental goals.

In 2024 we achieved our ISO 14001 certification, demonstrating

our rigorous adherence to this internationally recognised framework for environmental management. This ensures we systematically reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and minimise our environmental footprint while delivering highquality events, offering clients and stakeholders peace of mind that their events align with the highest standards of environmental responsibility. But we’re not stopping there. We're currently working on securing the ISO20121 Event Sustainability Management System accreditation - a further step in our journey to delivering meaningful sustainable event management. In addition to the accreditations we have already achieved, we are proudly pursuing the B Corp certification.

Leicestershire Business Services

We place the same importance on our internal operations and have achieved accreditations for ISO9001 (Quality Management System) and CHAS (The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.

Noble Events’ ongoing commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and exceptional standards of service has been recognised through various industry accolades including;

• Business Awards UK, Events and Exhibitions Awards – 2024 Winner for Best Corporate Event

• Global Agency Awards 2023 –Winner

• CN Agency Awards – Employer of the Year

• CN Agency Awards – David and Goliath Award

These efforts collectively highlight our role not only as a top-tier event planning company but as a conscientious, community-oriented organisation dedicated to leaving a positive impact on the world around us.

We already work with brands such as Genesis, Cupra, Audi UK, Honda Cars, Honda Bikes and many more. We’re proud to maintain over 90% customer retention, but don’t just take our word for it:

"The Noble team is an utter joy to work with, always steps up, always helps, never grumbles, always just picks up and runs."

Simon Branney Head of PR and Communications Genesis Motor UK

Our professional services cover everything from event strategy and creative production to logistics and delegate-management. With our award-winning combination of talent, passion, and expertise, Noble Events continues to be the go-to agency for brands seeking to make an unforgettable positive impact with their events.

Vending Sense 11

A positive disruptor in the refreshments industry has seen Vending Sense rapidly become one of the UK’s leading providers of smart vending, coffee, and water solutions in the workspace

Founded with a vision to make a positive disruption in the refreshments industry, Vending Sense has rapidly become one of the UK’s leading providers of smart vending, coffee, and water solutions in the workspace. Our journey began with a simple yet powerful idea: to transform the way businesses think about workplace refreshments by blending innovation, and sustainability, with data-driven decisions.

Mason Todd, Founder, Managing Director says:

“When we started in 2016, we knew customers deserved better. We set

out to introduce a new standard in the industry — one that prioritised proactive service.

“Our goal was to change how the coffee and vending market was perceived. Fast forward to today and we’ve built a strong reputation for reliability and innovation, proudly partnering with some of the UK’s biggest enterprises.

“A key part of our success has been building a strong team that shares our vision. This team has been instrumental in driving growth, fostering a positive culture, and ensuring we exceed customer expectations.”

A Smarter Approach

We combine great people with cutting-edge technology to deliver outstanding results. Our team, backed by data-driven analytics, ensures businesses get a seamless refreshment experience—tracking usage patterns, predicting demand, and automating replenishment. This guarantees employees always have access to fresh, high-quality refreshments without waste or downtime.

This approach does more than just enhance convenience—it drives cost savings, operational efficiency, and a better workplace experience for our customers.

Sustainability at Our Core

In an industry focused on convenience over sustainability, we lead with eco-friendly solutions. From recyclable coffee packaging to energy-efficient machines and tree planting, sustainability is central to us. Partnering with ethical suppliers we create sustainable solutions that help businesses minimise waste and support local food banks.

Employee Wellbeing & Productivity

Modern businesses recognise that productivity and work culture are connected. Studies show that employees who experience higher levels of wellbeing can be up to

63% more productive, but it’s their environment that fuels sustained success. At Vending Sense, we aim to transform workplaces into vibrant, energised spaces that not only boost productivity but also bring about a culture of care, convenience, and connection. Our solutions enhance both individual well-being and team dynamics, creating more collaborative spaces that inspire change. We help companies create an atmosphere where employees thrive, empowering teams to work better and ultimately build stronger, happier workplaces that retain top talent and inspire success.

Sam Marra, Founder, Sales & Marketing Director says:

“Our vision is simple: to help the UK’s best businesses create workplaces where people choose to be—by delivering smarter, highquality refreshment solutions that keep teams happy, engaged, and productive.

“The way companies approach office work is shifting. Some are mandating five days in the office, while others are giving employees full flexibility. But the real focus should be on making the office a place people want to be—an environment that drives productivity, collaboration, and satisfaction. We believe the best work happens in the workplace, and businesses that get this right will win the war on talent.

“Right now, we’re focusing on growth, investing in technology, expanding our product range, and raising the bar for service to set a new industry standard.”

As we continue to expand, our mission remains: to drive innovation and lead the refreshment industry into a more sustainable, data-driven, and people-focused future.

Vending Sense isn’t just a vending provider — we are a strategic partner for businesses that want Better, Smarter Workspace Refreshments.

➔ thesomersettoiletryco.co.uk

The Somerset Toiletry Company 10

A top-10 finish in this year’s EB100 bears testimony to a business model - selling honestly priced luxurious toiletries - that is clearly payingoff for The Somerset Toiletry Company

The Somerset Toiletry Company, established in 1999 by husband-and-wife team Roger and Sakina Buoy, began with a simple yet ambitious goal: to create beautiful, honestly priced luxurious toiletries. Roger's entrepreneurial expertise and Sakina's passion for aromatherapy laid the foundation for a brand that has grown from a small family business into an international enterprise, with products sold in over 50 countries. Initially, the company found success producing private label body care products for other brands. This experience not only honed their manufacturing capabilities but also provided insights into market demands and consumer preferences. Building on this foundation, The Somerset Toiletry Company launched its own brands in 2010, expanding its product range and establishing a distinct presence in the market. The company's diverse product

line includes bath, body, and home fragrance items, such as shower gels, hand washes, lotions, soaps, diffusers, candles, and perfumes. Quality is paramount; they source the finest ingredients and, where possible, incorporate natural extracts to create fragrances and formulations they believe in. Importantly, The Somerset Toiletry Company is committed to cruelty-free practices, testing products in-house to ensure safety and alignment with their ethical standards.

Design plays a crucial role in the company's identity. An in-house team of talented designers and artworkers ensures that each product's packaging reflects its essence, whether it's classic and elegant or playfully contemporary. This attention to detail enhances the overall customer experience, making each product feel special both inside and out.

In 2021, they moved soap

production from Portugal to Hallatrow, Somerset, to reduce their carbon footprint. This move not only supported local manufacturing but also allowed for greater control over production processes. They use sustainable palm oil certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), ensuring that 100% of the palm oil used is traceable from locations where there is no threat to endangered species like orangutans.

In 2024, celebrating their 25th anniversary, the company expanded

its production capabilities by unveiling a new, larger factory in Hallatrow. This expansion doubled their production capacity and streamlined operations by linking factory and warehousing sites. The company was also proud to have launched the '25 for 25' initiative, engaging in 25 charitable activities throughout the year. This initiative included acts such as donating toiletries to community organisations, providing hot meals in the local area, sponsored skydives, beach clean-ups and much more.

In 2025, The Somerset Toiletry Company was proud to launch a bath and body collection with The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) which will be sold across the UK and abroad from July 2025.

In summary, The Somerset Toiletry Company's journey from a small family business to an international brand is marked by a dedication to quality, ethical practices, innovative design, and community involvement. These core values continue to set them apart in the personal care industry.

The Cheeky Panda 9

For top-10 finisher - The Cheeky Panda Ltd - traditional tissue and paper products have contributed significantly to deforestation and environmental degradation. It has the solutions to overcome this

➔ cheekypanda.com

The Cheeky Panda is a pioneering brand that has made significant strides in the realm of sustainable and eco-friendly products. Founded in 2016 by Julie Chen and Chris Forbes, The Cheeky Panda was born out of a shared commitment to addressing environmental issues and promoting a greener lifestyle. The company is based in London, United Kingdom, and has since become a notable player in the market for its unique approach to creating everyday bamboo tissue and hygiene products.

One of The Cheeky Panda's major focuses is on creating products that are not only gentle on the environment but also on consumers' skin. The brand has gained prominence for its innovative use of bamboo as a core material in its product range. Bamboo is the world's fastest growing plant, a renewable resource that requires minimal water and no pesticides to thrive, making it a highly sustainable alternative to wood.

The journey of The Cheeky

Panda began with the realisation that traditional tissue and paper products were contributing significantly to deforestation and environmental degradation. In response, the founders decided to harness the potential of bamboo, a plant known for its rapid growth and minimal ecological impact. By using bamboo as a primary material, The Cheeky Panda aimed to reduce the environmental footprint associated with the production of everyday items. The product range offered by The Cheeky Panda is diverse, covering various household essentials. The brand is particularly known for its bamboo toilet tissues, facial tissues, kitchen towels, wipes and a comprehensive B2B range. These products are not only environmentally friendly but also offer a soft and luxurious feel, providing consumers with a guiltfree and comfortable option for their daily needs.

In addition to its commitment to sustainability, The Cheeky Panda has actively embraced the concept

of the circular economy. The brand emphasises recycling and minimising waste throughout its supply chain. The packaging used for The Cheeky Panda products is made from recycled materials, and the company encourages customers to recycle the packaging after use. This holistic approach to environmental responsibility sets The Cheeky Panda apart as a brand that is not only conscious of the materials used in its products but also considers the entire life cycle of its offerings.

The Cheeky Panda's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its product line. The company actively engages in initiatives to support reforestation efforts and environmental conservation. By partnering with organisations such as WWF and World Land Trust they invest in preserving natural habitats,

Over the years, The Cheeky Panda has garnered recognition for its innovative and eco-conscious approach. The brand has been a B Corp since 2019 and was voted the UK's number one most sustainable brand in an independent survey of 4,000 Which readers. The company

has received over 30 awards and accolades for its contributions to sustainability and its positive impact on the environment. The success of The Cheeky Panda serves as a testament to the growing consumer demand for products that align with ecofriendly values.

In conclusion, The Cheeky Panda has emerged as a trailblazer in the realm of sustainable and environmentally friendly products. Founded on the principles of addressing environmental concerns, the brand has successfully integrated bamboo into its product range, offering consumers a greener alternative for their daily essentials. With a commitment to circular economy practices and active involvement in environmental conservation, The Cheeky Panda continues to inspire both consumers and industry players to prioritise sustainability in their choices.

8 Serve Legal

New entrant and top-10 finisher in the EB100, Serve Legal, uses compliance auditing to ensure companies and retailers have an effective means of verifying age-restricted sales.

In 2006, Ed Heaver and Julian Sargeson encountered a challenge that would lay the foundation for Serve Legal. As alcohol retailers, they unknowingly sold alcohol to underage customers, leading to their licence being confiscated by local authorities. This experience exposed a significant gap in compliance auditing. Businesses lacked an effective way to verify age-restricted sales, creating risks for both customers and retailers. Seeing an opportunity to address this issue, they launched Serve Legal with a bold vision and a strong commitment to ethical business practices.

Serve Legal’s mission quickly resonated with businesses across the UK and Ireland, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, where regulatory compliance is crucial. Today, the company operates with a network of over 8,000 auditors, many of whom are young people aged 16 and above. These auditors act as mystery shoppers, conducting third-party

audits to assess compliance in establishments selling agerestricted products. Their reports provide businesses with vital insights, helping them enhance their verification processes, train staff, and resolve compliance challenges.

At the heart of Serve Legal’s operations is a tailored approach to compliance auditing. Working closely with each client’s compliance team, the company designs audit programmes that address specific regulatory challenges. With a vast network of trained auditors spanning the UK and Ireland, Serve Legal conducts thousands of compliance checks efficiently, providing businesses with actionable insights to improve their operations. Whether in city centres or remote locations, Serve

Legal ensures comprehensive coverage and consistent reporting. The need for these services has never been greater. UK Government regulations have tightened significantly, with onthe-spot fines for selling to minors becoming more common. The recent Tobacco and Vapes Bill is set to ban disposable vapes, placing even more scrutiny on businesses. In this ever-evolving regulatory landscape, Serve Legal stands as a trusted partner, helping businesses navigate compliance requirements, mitigate risks, and contribute to safer communities.

While Serve Legal initially focused on alcohol-related audits, the company has continuously evolved to address a broader range of compliance needs, now boasting a range of over 15 tailored solutions. Partnering with Anaphylaxis UK, Serve Legal introduced Allergywise audits to assess allergen management and customer safety practices. The company also expanded into responsible gambling compliance, helping gaming establishments adhere to regulations designed to prevent underage and problem gambling. Recognising other safety risks, Serve Legal launched audits focusing on the sale of knives to underage customers and other age-

restricted items in retail settings, ensuring businesses implement responsible sales practices. Additionally, the company is now in collaboration with University of Durham to develop facial biometric accuracy and fairness audits, evaluating the effectiveness and ethical implications of facial recognition technology in an increasingly digital world. What sets Serve Legal apart is not only the breadth of its services but also its investment in young talent. The company provides flexible work opportunities for thousands of freelance auditors, many of whom gain valuable experience and are mentored to own leadership positions in the company. Through initiatives like the Talent Sponsorship Programme, Serve Legal supports professional growth by offering training, career development resources, and mentorship. Many former auditors have advanced into senior positions, both within the company and across various industries, demonstrating Serve Legal's commitment to nurturing future talent.

From its beginnings as a response to a compliance gap to becoming an industry leader in regulatory auditing, Serve Legal’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and dedication. With a clear mission and an unwavering commitment to ethical business practices, the company continues to make a meaningful impact on businesses, young professionals, and communities alike.

Logika Group 7

Finishing a strong seventh in the EB100, new entrant Logika has one major aim - to provide a more holistic approach to environmental consultancy

Logika Group was founded to achieve one major aim: to provide a more holistic approach to environmental consultancy –allowing businesses, community and the environment to thrive together in harmony.

Noticing that the traditional separation of expertise was slowing progress, in 2019 the Group united decades of experience under one umbrella. In fact, its roots date back to 1993, when the first of its constituent companies – Air Quality Consultants – started out.

Europe, with the Environmental Policy and Economics team working horizontally across the Group.

Now, with offices in London, Bristol, Brighton, Warrington and Brussels, the Group consists of four sister companies: Air Quality Consultants, Noise Consultants, Logika Consultants and Logika environments

Science-led innovation

Each and every project Logika Group handles is backed by scientific precision and commitment to sustainability. Indeed, the Group is unique in that it provides such a comprehensive suite of consultancy services, supporting clients through all stages of the project lifecycle –including post-completion.

Our key areas of expertise include:

• Air quality and climate change – developing strategies to monitor and reduce emissions for healthier natural and urban

• Noise and vibration –implementing sophisticated modelling to minimise noise pollution, enhance living conditions and allow nature to thrive

• Environmental planning and design – embedding sustainability into all kinds of infrastructure and urban development

• Biodiversity and green infrastructure – restoring ecosystems, enhancing green spaces and maintaining compliance as we improve urban spaces

• Sustainability and net zero –helping companies to achieve carbon neutrality with tailored

Central London Environmental consultancy

sustainability roadmaps

• Environmental policy and socioeconomics – guaranteeing that projects positively enhance communities by addressing all aspects of environment, society and health

Real-world impact

Another quality that sets Logika Group apart is its ability to translate consultancy into meaningful environmental and social change. This can be seen in some of our standout projects, whether it’s conducting nationwide air quality monitoring to see the pollutants that contribute to respiratory illness significantly reduced, or protecting water resources whilst restoring biodiversity in rivers for longterm environmental resilience. We advise and support government agencies and private-sector clients alike, facilitating everything from the expansion of London City Airport to policy updates led by expert modelling for DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

Social commitment

Beyond consultancy, Logika Group remains actively engaged in the community, to generate positive social change. From transforming concrete playgrounds into thriving green spaces on a volunteer basis to setting new precedents for conservation projects through the creation of biodiverse habitats at Lower Valley Farm – we exist for improvement and vital change. That’s why we’re equally committed to nurturing the next generation through graduate programmes, university partnerships and internships, whilst looking after our own through dedicated diversity training, career development opportunities and mental health support.

Doing things differently

Ultimately, Logika Group stands out from traditional environmental consultancies, given its unique combination of cross-sector technical knowledge and combined, socio-economic and environmental commitment. Our well-rounded solutions are not only backed by the latest research but also bring together expertise from multiple disciplines, rather than focussing solely on one area at a time, as is standard practice in the industry. Everything we do is backed by rigorous analysis, compliance and measurable impact – plus we’ve made sure that environmental and social responsibility are embedded in every aspect of our business model, making us better equipped to help others make them a priority. Everything from policy advocacy to community engagement is sustainable and – with thousands of approved projects and direct contributions to policy reform – our growing team can’t wait to lead more efforts for a greener, healthier tomorrow.

de Novo Solutions 6

➔ de-novo-solutions.com

de Novo is redefining digital transformation, driving innovation with Oracle Cloud and ServiceNow, empowering businesses with scalable, cost-effective solutions that streamline operations and accelerate growth

As digital technology and Artificial Intelligence continue to evolve, de Novo Solutions, a pioneering Welsh technology company based in Langstone, Newport, is redefining the market for digital transformation for Finance, Procurement, HR, and Payroll, using Oracle Cloud and ServiceNow technology and through the creation of its own Industry Cloud Solutions.

Recognised as one of the UK’s fastest-growing companies with a sixth-place ranking in the Elite Business Top 100, de Novo, in the space of a few years, has built up an impressive client roster, including HM Treasury, Office for National Statistics, Ministry of Justice, Kent County Council, Swansea Council, and Harris Federation.

Founded in 2021, de Novo has quickly become a market-

leader in the delivery of Oracle Cloud, helping businesses in both the Public and Private sectors transition with simplicity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Its approach enables organisations to maximise their financial investment in cloud applications by reducing implementation complexity and operational costs. In just four years, the company has grown from a small startup to a global player, expanding into India. The cornerstone of the company’s growth plan are its Apprenticeship and Graduate programmes, set up in partnership with the University of South Wales to introduce fresh talent into the technology consulting industry.

optimise system performance, and Cloud Recovery Services to ensure rapid recovery for failing or stalled implementations. The company also offers extensive training services to ensure teams are equipped to maximise the potential of their cloud investments.

Looking to the Future

Innovative Cloud Solutions

de Novo offers industry cloudbased solutions for Central Government, Local Government, and the Education sector, including Multi-Academy Trusts, which empower enterprises to digitally transition from outdated, siloed systems to modern, efficient digital platforms with leading multichannel business processes. Among the company’s flagship products are:

• Odyssea™: A standout example of de Novo’s innovation, a groundbreaking cloud-based solution tailored with industryspecific functionality. Built upon the powerful Oracle Cloud platform and leveraging AI, Odyssea™ empowers organisations to digitally transform while addressing their unique sector-specific demands. Its unique implementation model addresses 80% of a client’s requirements through a templated blueprint, leaving the remaining 20% to be configured, ensuring faster deployment and a quicker return on investment.

• Value-as-a-Service™ (VaaS™): In the realm of managed services, de Novo’s Value-as-a-Service™ has redefined traditional Oracle Cloud support. This nextgeneration proactive service delivers tailored, measurable outcomes, simplifying the complexities of cloud operations with continuous support, seamless updates, and proactive management. VaaS™ helps clients stay on track with their digital transformation journeys, enabling them to leverage cutting-edge technologies like Generative AI, while focusing on core business goals. By rigorously tracking value and assessing performance, VaaS™ ensures clients can confidently demonstrate ROI and make data-driven decisions.

In addition to these core offerings, de Novo provides a comprehensive suite of services to ensure seamless cloud adoption and operational success. These include Testingas-a-Service™ (TaaS™), Cloud Readiness Assessments to prepare organisations for a smooth transition, Health Checks to

de Novo is set to further expand its service offerings and global presence. Future plans include broadening the Odyssea™ platform by deepening AI integration while enhancing its delivery model to stay agile and responsive to client needs. However, the company’s biggest strategic move is to use Odyssea™ to create its own state-of-the-art digital Shared Service to facilitate the complete outsourcing of an organisation’s HR, Payroll, Procurement and Finance operations. Work is already underway, and the company is forecasting that the new service will be fully available to customers by February 2026.

The company is also committed to growing its workforce and supporting the local economy in Wales, with a focus on talent development through apprenticeships and military leavers initiatives, as well as proactive support of the Neath Port Talbot regeneration project.

With its cutting-edge solutions and industry-leading partnerships, de Novo is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory in the digital transformation space, supporting clients across the globe as they embrace the future of business technology.

HEADING TO THE CLOUD

Cloud technology has huge potential for SMEs, but many are still hesitant because of concerns about cost, complexity, and security. Mark Sweeny, Chief Executive of de Novo, talks to us about how his company’s tailored cloud solutions are helping SMEs embrace innovation, simplify their operations, and set themselves up for the future

Mark Sweeny, Chief Executive and Founder of de Novo Solutions, is on a mission to transform how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) approach digital transformation.

In an era where cloud technology is rapidly reshaping business operations, Sweeny’s vision is all about empowering businesses to thrive in the experience economy through tailored, cost-effective Oracle Cloud and ServiceNow solutions.

Recognising the unique challenges that SMEs face - including budget constraints, resource limitations, and the need for scalable solutions - his approach is not just about promoting technology, it’s about creating a strategic partnership that drives growth and competitiveness. Digital transformation is no longer a luxury for companies, but a necessity for survival and growth. de Novo aims to demystify the cloud and provide SMEs with the tools they need to compete on a global scale.

The philosophy underpins its commitment to simplifying complex cloud journeys, ensuring that SMEs

are not left behind in the digital age because they have hesitated due to doubts around cost, complexity or security.

“Those concerns are completely valid, and they’re the reason many SMEs hold back, along with a reluctance to spend money modernising the back office when customer-facing spend seems more important to a growing business,” Sweeny says.

Investing in the cloud

But for de Novo, of course, that challenge is also an opportunity.

“At de Novo, we’ve built our entire approach around making cloud adoption simple, cost-effective, and tailored to SMEs. Cloud isn’t an expense, it’s an investment that pays for itself over time.”

The firm’s approach focuses on addressing those perceived barriers which often deter SMEs from embracing cloud technology. By leveraging Oracle Cloud for finance, procurement, HR, and payroll, for instance, de Novo eliminates the hidden costs associated with outmoded legacy systems.

“You’re no longer sinking

money into expensive servers, IT maintenance, security, and inefficient processes. With cloudbased solutions, you pay for what you use, scale when you need to, and free up resources to focus on growth, whilst continuously taking advantage of new innovations, like Artificial Intelligence,” Sweeny explains.

One of de Novo’s standout offerings is Odyssea, an industryspecific cloud solution designed for Central Government, Local Government, and Education sectors.

“Odyssea is built upon the powerful Oracle Cloud platform and leverages AI to streamline back-office operations, allowing businesses to move faster with minimal disruption - 80% of the implementation is already templated, with the rest configured to meet your exact needs,” Sweeny explains.

Such a templated approach reduces complexity, making cloud adoption faster and more accessible for SMEs and unlocking long-term benefits of software-asa-service quickly.

Security is another critical area where de Novo has focused its resources, partnering with industry giants Oracle and ServiceNow.

“With built-in encryption, realtime monitoring, and AI-driven threat detection, cloud security is stronger than ever,” Sweeny says.

The collaboration ensures enterprise-grade protection that is typically out of reach for most SMEs, alleviating security concerns and reinforcing cloud technology’s reliability.

Future-proofing

But beyond cost savings and enhanced security, Sweeny emphasises the strategic advantage of cloud technology: data empowerment.

“For us, it’s not just about helping companies move to the cloud—it’s about future-proofing them and unlocking the many opportunities that simply weren’t possible before

by giving them access to their own organisational data. Cloud empowers people.”

One powerful example of its transformative potential is seen through de Novo’s work with a global concert production company.

“Their global finance operations were fragmented across disconnected legacy systems,” Sweeny recalls.

“Each of their finance systems was running in silos, which meant they had no clear visibility into costs, performance, or opportunities for growth.”

By optimising Oracle Cloud locally in the UK and then expanding it globally, de Novo delivered significant operational improvements.

“Automation reduced admin time by over 40%, freeing up their team to focus on strategy, not paperwork,” Sweeny says. “Real-time insights helped leadership make smarter, faster decisions, improving cash flow and cost control. And integration across departments streamlined procurement and supplier management, reducing delays and inefficiencies.”

The project’s ongoing global implementation is expected to deliver a 30% improvement in operational efficiency, showcasing the cloud’s capacity to enhance scalability and competitive edge.

Strong culture

Reflecting on de Novo’s rapid growth - from a 10-person startup in 2021 to a thriving company with over 110 employees - and the challenges that brings, Sweeny attributes much of the success to the people behind the business.

“One of the biggest challenges was hiring the right people - not just those with the right technical skills, but those who shared our vision and values,” he says.

To maintain that alignment, the firm prioritises culture and mindset over experience.

“Every new team member had to align with our mission of delivery

excellence and transforming businesses through innovation, and demonstrate they have the right behaviours to be part of the #wearedenovo team from the outset.”

To keep up with growing demand, de Novo recently expanded its delivery model by opening an Innovation Centre in Chennai, India.

“Today 21 of our 100 people work in Chennai, and our expectation is we will grow this to 50 by the end of 2026, if not earlier,” Sweeny says, emphasising how the move supports continuous cloud solution advancements while maintaining quality standards.

Innovation remains at the heart of the firm’s expansion plan. Launching solutions such as Odyssea, Value-as-a-Service (VaaS), and Testing-as-a-Service (TaaS) has disrupted traditional cloud implementation models.

“These innovations empower organisations with cloud solutions personalised to their unique needs, moving away from the ‘one-sizefits-all’ mentality,” Sweeny explains.

The customer-centric approach has driven exponential growth, with demand for VaaS continuing to rise.

“Each of these milestones has reinforced our mission: to help businesses overcome barriers and scale beyond their limits, and we’re now supporting customers to do this not only in the UK, but also across North America, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.”

Making it personal

Customer satisfaction is not just a value but a strategic priority at de Novo.

“We are not just another IT provider - we partner with businesses to drive real outcomes, not just implement software,”

Sweeny adds.

The company’s customer-first approach to innovation is grounded in real business needs, ensuring that every solution evolves to address emerging challenges.

“We keep things personal - our clients aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. We build long-term relationships, stay engaged, and continue adding value long after implementation.

“It’s so easy to focus on technology all the time, but technology is about enabling and empowering people – and having a passionate team who engage with our clients face-to-face is instrumental in cementing the longterm relationships which contribute to a sustainable business.”

Looking to the future, Sweeny sees a rapidly evolving technology landscape where AI, hyperpersonalisation, and modular cloud solutions will redefine how businesses operate. de Novo is already putting money into those

One of the biggest challenges was hiring the right people - not just those with the right technical skills

areas to keep clients ahead of the curve.

“We’re currently investing heavily in AI-driven automation, industryspecific cloud solutions, and a more flexible, cost-effective delivery model to ensure our clients stay ahead of the competition,” Sweeny reveals.

Shared experience

As de Novo continues its global expansion, Sweeny’s vision remains focused on empowerment, innovation, and growth.

“Shared services are what brought me and several of the de Novo Executive Team to Wales 20 years ago when we built one of HM Government’s first Shared Services for HM Prison Service, and in doing so we created 500 new jobs.

“Twenty years on we have been approached several times by existing clients and the market, specifically Education - MultiAcademy Trusts - to see if we would provide a complete outsourced

bureau service. Admittedly today, we don’t need 500 people, as we can use the technology and advances in Artificial Intelligence provided by Oracle and ServiceNow to create a digital service end-toend.”

For SMEs navigating digital transformation, de Novo represents more than just a technology partner, it’s a strategic ally guiding them into the future.

With that being the case, he has advice for SME leaders on integrating cloud technology in a way that drives both immediate efficiency and long-term innovation.

“Start with your biggest pain points - where are you losing time, money, or visibility? Addressing those first delivers quick wins and immediate ROI.

“Think long-term cloud isn’t just about cost savings, it’s about unlocking new capabilities like automation, AI, and data-driven decision-making. As a business, you don’t want to be constantly looking backwards. Cloud gives you the ability to access your data in real-time to inform decisionmaking and model future scenarios to help you to grow and adapt.

“Choose a partner, not just a provider - someone who understands the challenges SMEs face and can help you grow. Most importantly, choose people who enjoy what they do and are easy to work with - that's part of our reputation which we strive to maintain.”

The key to the right implementation of any technology solution is ensuring it is the right fit for your organisation and futureproofed against such rapidly changing tech development. The nature of cloud-based applications mitigates against much of that, but partnering with a company that knows the terrain and helps you stay quick on your feet in that regard is essential.

Coincidentally, that’s what de Novo is all about.

CubeLogic 5

➔ cubelogic.com

Rising star – and a global leader - CubeLogic, surges to a top-5 finish in the EB100 with its innovative client-centric risk and compliance management software solutions

In the dynamic landscape of risk management and compliance software solutions, CubeLogic has emerged as a global leader, achieving an impressive 30%+ revenue growth in the fiscal year 2023. The London-based company's success is attributed to its unwavering commitment to innovation, client-centric solutions, and a strategic focus on global expansion and product enhancements.

Historical Journey

CubeLogic's near 15-year journey is marked by continuous evolution and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by organisations in the energy, commodities. With a vision to be a leader in enabling timely risk and compliance analysis using cutting edge technology, CubeLogic has consistently strived to provide flexible tools and risk metrics to support clients in maximising returns on

marketing and trading activities. The company's commitment to excellence, industry knowledge and technology innovation has kept it at the forefront.

Product and Service Overview

CubeLogic offers state-of-theart, cross-asset class risk and compliance solutions tailored for trading physical or financial energy and commodities. The flagship RiskCubed platform differentiates itself by integrating Business Intelligence (BI) natively, providing clients with a powerful tool to consolidate, analyse, and mitigate risks effectively. CubeLogic's product suite has evolved to include advanced credit risk, compliance, and market risk analytics addressing the evolving requirements of global markets. The company's dedication to excellence in risk and compliance management is reflected in its numerous accolades, including:

1. Category Leader in Chartis’ RiskTech Quadrant for Energy Trade Surveillance solutions.

2. #1 Credit risk in front and middle office functionality and #1 Credit Risk Software for Enterprise Risk Software in the 2024 EnergyRisk Software Rankings.

3. Category leader in Chartis Energy50 2024 awards in 3 categories including: Credit and counterparty risk: for oil and gas and cross-market, Trade Surveillance cross-asset and power.

4. Category Leader in Chartis’ RiskTech Quadrant for Energy Trade Surveillance solutions.

What sets us apart

CubeLogic's position as a global trailblazer is fortified by its unique achievements. Notably, it is the first and only trade surveillance vendor to be formally recognised as an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) for both the EPEX Spot and Nord Pool European power exchanges, accounting for a significant portion of European intraday power trading activity. CubeLogic's award-winning energy and commodity-specialised trade surveillance solution, CubeWatchTS, sets a new standard

in the industry. Additionally, CubeLogic’s credit risk platform has continuously added new features and integration partners to better serve and enhance user benefits. The company serves blue chip companies across the globe, from North America, continental Europe, Asia and locally here in the UK.

Record Growth and Market Success in 2024

This team growth supported the addition of 13 new logos to CubeLogic’s client roster, including major oil firms and other global enterprises, with more partnerships on the horizon and a robust sales pipeline for 2025.

Additionally, the company achieved significant operational milestones, including go-lives with multiple complex projects in credit and compliance.

Outlook for 2025

As CubeLogic enters 2025, it does so with a robust global client portfolio, ongoing projects, innovative product features, and a strong sales pipeline. The company relishes diversity with employees

across six global offices and employees from twenty different countries. CubeLogic remains committed to further growth and improvement initiatives, building upon successes in previous years. With an unwavering focus on innovation and client satisfaction, CubeLogic is poised to continue its leadership in the risk management solutions sector.

In conclusion, CubeLogic's 15year history is a testament to its resilience, diversity, adaptability, and commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of risk and compliance management. The company's unique achievements, industry recognition, and dedication to excellence position it as a standout leader in the global market. For organisations navigating the complexities of energy and commodities. CubeLogic stands as a trusted partner, offering unparalleled expertise and innovative solutions.

Must Have Ideas 4

Straight in at number 4 in the EB100, online retailer, Must Have Ideas, has built its reputation on a combination of product innovation and a focus on delivering world class customer service

Must Have Ideas was founded by Amy Knight, her husband Rob Knight and their friend Chris Finch in 2018, following a chance encounter with an antibacterial silicone sponge on holiday in the USA. Recognising the potential of these unusual silicone sponges in the UK, each founder contributed £1,000 to buy 1,000 of what became their very first must-have product: Hygiene Hero.

Fast forward 6 years and what started out as packing orders on the dining room table has grown into a thriving ecommerce business with a 60,000 square-foot warehouse employing over 150 members of staff and dispatching more than 7,000 orders a day. But Must Have Ideas don’t just sell products, they sell solutions to everyday domestic problems. With a diverse range of over 200 ‘lifehack’ home and garden products that you won’t find on the shelf at your local supermarket, Must Have Ideas’ motto ‘Discover Something New’, reflects a commitment to bringing fresh solutions to old problems.

‘Hero’ products include Mould Magic, an extreme mould and mildew remover, Nanna’s Secret, an all-natural cleaning clay and Open Sesame, a multifunctional opener that opens jars, bottles, lids and packets.

In the aggressively competitive world of online retail, a combination of product innovation, a loyal, online community and a focus on delivering world class customer service has helped Must Have Ideas stand out from the crowd.

Being family run, they’re fiercely dedicated to delivering ‘good old fashioned’ customer service and their in-house team are highly trained; empowered to take whatever action necessary to keep customers happy. Must Have Ideas proudly stand by 3 key promises: delivery within two days or the order is free, a no questions asked 100-day money-back guarantee, and a simple returns process. It’s this customer-centric philosophy that has been so crucial when it comes to delivering a smooth shopping experience.

Determined to make every purchase feel personal, Must Have Ideas’ highly creative team invest a great deal of time carefully crafting detailed stories for each product with captivating ‘step-by-step’

demo videos (think teleshopping channels and infomercials for the internet age). This, coupled with immersive, non-traditional long form landing pages means products are showcased in a way that goes far beyond simply listing features – customers know exactly what they’re buying and how it works before they commit to purchase. This transparency has helped build a growing community of over 720,000 followers on social media, enabling the team to engage in meaningful interaction with customers, listening to and acting on, feedback quickly.

In September 2024 Must Have

Ideas further expanded its reach with the launch of a 24-hour teleshopping channel on Sky, Freesat and YouTube. Filmed entirely within their own on-site studio, MHI TV represented a major leap forward for the business. To navigate the astronomical costs and person power traditionally associated with running a live teleshopping channel, 8-minute product segments are prerecorded, scheduled and stitched together to form different programmes using pioneering self-developed technology – a first for the shopping channel industry. This ensures that no two shows are ever the same and by using realtime automated graphics, gives the impression of a fresh live show. By staying true to traditional customer needs, embracing new technologies and new ways of thinking, Must Have Ideas is poised to expand its reach even further, redefining the shopping experience while setting a new standard for the future of ecommerce.

Cotswold Fayre 3

cotswold-fayre.co.uk

Finishing second and third in the EB100 in the last two years, Cotswold Fayre - the leading speciality fine food wholesaler - certainly has what it takes when it comes to being consistent

Cotswold Fayre is the leading speciality fine food wholesaler supplying independent & national retailers with quality products sourced from the best producers from the UK and across the globe. Having celebrated our 25th Anniversary in 2024, we started as a distribution hub for a few small producers in

the Cotswolds. The values we had then, still hold true today. Here at Cotswold Fayre, we are dedicated to providing independent retailers with a complete range of top quality ambient, chilled and frozen foods, drinks, pet, home and lifestyle products. We now supply more than 2,000 food retailers across the UK with over 5,000 products.

The vast majority of our suppliers are drawn from Great Britain and Ireland, but we recognise that there are some products that just can’t be produced here. So, rather than limit our portfolio we also stock the finest products from around the world. An increasing number of our brands are exclusively available through Cotswold Fayre to the UK and Ireland.

Most of our suppliers are small producers that you won’t find in the major supermarkets. We differ from other wholesalers in that we work in close partnership with our suppliers, many of whom we count

as friends, not just suppliers! This means that our customers are also ‘close’ to the people making the food and drink sold within their shops.

Cotswold Fayre’s impact and influence on its suppliers has started to change the face of the wider food and drink sector. The business was one of the first UK companies to be certified as a B Corp, in 2015. Since certifying, it has run an accelerator programme to help and encourage its suppliers to become more environmentally and socially responsible. And it’s working: as of January 2025, the wholesaler is proud to have over 80 suppliers who are now also certified as B Corps – more than the total UK B Corp community that existed in 2015.

Cotswold Fayre is now the leading carbon neutral wholesaler of speciality foods to independent

food retailers in the UK. It supplies most of the best food stores in the UK and attracts many of the best new food brands, working in collaboration with them to improve sustainability throughout the supply chain. Whilst our heartland remains in independent retail with customers such as farm shops, delicatessens, garden centres, and food halls, increasingly, larger, national retailers are turning to us to consolidate their ranges across speciality fine foods.

In 2019, the business had the opportunity to develop its own retail and hospitality site Flourish Glenavon Farm, situated between Bristol and Bath, which opened in June 2021, and is a great example of vertical integration. This was followed more recently by Flourish Farleigh Road to the south of Bath, which opened in October 2024. Not only is this a great example to our retailers in terms of putting people and planet before profits, developing our expertise within fine food retail, but also a fabulous showcase for many of the brands we sell.

Our Chief Empowerment Officer, Paul Hargreaves, is a leading voice within the speciality sector; regularly called upon for his insights and business knowledge, particularly within purpose-led organisations. More recently, Paul launched his own podcast series, The Fourth Bottom Line, where he interviews key business leaders to find out more about the people behind their success.

Fleximize 2

As a new entrant to the EB100, SME business loans provider, Fleximize, is certainly making a major splash by finishing second overall

Fleximize launched in 2014 with a simple mission: to transform the way small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access finance.

At a time when traditional banks were unable to support smaller businesses due to high overheads and retreating from the SME space entirely, a gap emerged in the market for a fast, agile approach to funding. Combining cutting-edge fintech with a personal touch, the company stepped in to meet this need, becoming a trusted partner for thousands of businesses across the UK.

How Fleximize works

At its core, Fleximize provides fast, flexible business loans tailored to the unique needs of SMEs. Unlike traditional banks, which often have rigid lending criteria, or automated online lenders that lack a human touch, Fleximize blends cuttingedge technology with a deeply personal approach.

Businesses can apply for funding online and receive a decision in as little as 24 hours. Through a streamlined application process, Fleximize assesses a company’s financial health using real-time

data, credit checks, and tailored underwriting criteria. Every customer is assigned a dedicated relationship manager, ensuring they receive expert guidance and support throughout their funding journey.

Fleximize offers both secured and unsecured loans, ranging from £5,000 to £500,000, with flexible repayment terms of up to 60 months. Features like topups and repayment holidays are available as standard, making these loans adaptable to a business’ ever-changing needs. Meanwhile,

the Penalty-Free Promise allows customers to repay early without fees, ensuring they only pay interest for the time they’ve had the loan.

What sets Fleximize apart

Fleximize operates in a competitive space, but a few key factors differentiate it from other lenders:

A human touch in a digital world

Unlike traditional banks or purely tech-driven lenders that rely solely on automation, Fleximize believes that SMEs benefit from real conversations with experts.

Every customer works with a dedicated relationship manager who genuinely cares about their business. This "bank manager feel" provides the reassurance and personal service business owners seek when making financial decisions, paired with the convenience of tech tools that simplify process.

Transparent and customer-friendly features

With SME lending often unregulated and diverse methods of displaying rates, it can be challenging for brokers and borrowers to compare offers. To combat this, Fleximize’s awardwinning Rate Comparison Tool enables them to compare loan options easily, giving clarity on the true cost of finance.

Innovative technology

Fleximize continuously invests in technology to improve efficiency without compromising service. Its proprietary Fleximize Admin platform streamlines application processing, automates decisionmaking, and enhances fraud detection, ensuring a smooth experience for customers and brokers alike.

A commitment to SME growth

More than just a lender, Fleximize actively supports business owners

beyond financing. Its Knowledge Hub offers free resources, expert insights, and practical advice to help SMEs navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

Looking ahead

With over £100 million lent in 2024 alone, Fleximize continues to expand its offering.

One of its key goals is to make business funding accessible to an even broader range of customers. Building on the success of its recent changes to lending policy, the company plans to widen access even further and develop new products tailored to underserved sectors. International expansion is also on the horizon, as Fleximize explores opportunities to bring its unique approach to SME funding beyond the UK.

By combining flexible finance with exceptional service and innovative technology, Fleximize is redefining business lending - helping more entrepreneurs turn their ambitions into reality.

J&J® Global Fulfilment 1

This year’s EB100 winner, J&J® Global Fulfilment – the world’s first cloud-based fulfilment company, servicing hundreds of clients across the globe – continues to go from strength to strength

After working with multiple fulfilment companies, James Hyde and James Strachan began to get fed up with outdated systems, inefficient operations, and unhappy customers. So, instead of moving onto the next fulfilment partner, they founded their own. It’s here, in 2010, that J&J® Global Fulfilment was born.

In 2025, J&J® Global Fulfilment is the world’s first cloud-based fulfilment company, backed by a global network of fulfilment centres. With sites across the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and Canada, J&J® specialise in providing the technology, knowledge, and infrastructure required to enable eCommerce growth and operational excellence. As a leading eCommerce business fulfilment provider, J&J® store, pick, pack, ship and manage the returns of hundreds of clients across the world. They have won two Queen’s Awards for ‘Innovation’ and ‘International Trade’ and have been recognised by the Sunday Times as one of the UK’s 100 fastest growing companies twice in a row.

ControlPort™

J&J® also offer ControlPort™, which is a unique, award-winning fulfilment platform that provides a real-time overview of the supply chain and business – every product, every eCommerce platform, and every fulfilment centre in one place. From order tracking and management to inventory insight reports and stock analysis tools, the tech generates a wealth of business intelligence to optimise stock and make data-led decisions. Thanks to the forensic level of detail, clients can do everything from identifying where goods are being held up to spotting which are going out of date and might need clearing via a sale. J&J® clients have complete clarity and control over their inventory, making the overall management a breeze.

CommandPort™

Alongside ControlPort™, J&J’s® global operation is powered by the world’s first digital-native warehouse management system, CommandPort™. The system helps ensure industry-leading accuracy and also fosters a mindset of continuous improvement.

Not only does it provide more visibility than any other technology on the market, CommandPort™ also enables J&J® to fulfil orders at 99.999% accuracy and ship 98% of orders on the same day they are made.

Navigator™

J&J® also offer a world-class internationalisation consultancy for eCommerce brands, Navigator™. The end-to-end process offers a transformative, multichannel strategy, developed by experts and implemented by the J&J® network. The process supports clients looking to go global – growing the business safely and securely, legally and profitably. It involves taking a deep dive into the business as it stands, identifying the current strengths and gaps, before setting in place a comprehensive roadmap to help clients achieve their vision of becoming a global brand.

Scale Up

Achieving growth requires strategy and vision – and that’s why J&J’s® Scale Up initiative exists. Scale Up inspires and connects ambitious eCommerce brands with eyes on growth to see their future clearly

and tackle challenges head-on.

From tailored talks and stimulating roundtables to educational videos, blogs, podcasts and events, brands gain access to the most impactful insights to enable growth.

With expertise focused on three crucial areas for eCommerce success – customer experiences, streamlined operations, and global scalability - J&J® help businesses see beyond limits and scale beyond borders.

The latest event was focused around ‘Going Global’, with four experts sharing insight into how to create a coherent strategy to expand internationally – safely, securely, legally and profitably.

POP!

Understanding the importance of a high street presence, J&J® recently launched a pop-up shop initiative for three clients. It is more than just a shop – it was a demonstration of what partnership truly means to the team at J&J®.

Looking ahead

Looking towards the future, J&J® plans to open several new fulfilment centres across the globe, and explore new opportunities in North America, South America, Oceania and Asia.

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Disease, Fear and Success... The Battle

This isn’t a showcase of achievements or a flamboyant advertisement. This is a story of navigating the often-turbulent waters of entrepreneurship, specifically within the legal industry, while battling a chronic illness. It’s a story of a small, boutique law firm, punching far above its weight, competing with regional, national, and even international giants. It’s a story of a team, united by a shared vision, achieving remarkable things. And it’s a story of the raw, unfiltered reality of leading, innovating, and growing, all while facing the unpredictable nature of living with an autoimmune disease.

Success

It’s a word bandied about frequently, often attached to images of gleaming trophies and celebratory pronouncements. But what does it truly mean? For me, it’s not about self-congratulatory moments or basking in the limelight. It’s about the journey, the grit, the unwavering pursuit of a vision, even when faced with storms that threaten to capsize the ship. My journey, particularly with my health, has taught me that success is forged in the crucible of challenge, tempered by resilience, and defined by the impact you have on those around you.

At 22, I stepped into the legal arena, a world often perceived as traditional and rigid. At 28, I took the helm of my own firm. It was a daunting task, a deep dive into the complexities of business ownership, legal intricacies, and team leadership. But it was a challenge I embraced. I envisioned a firm that was more than just a provider of legal services. I wanted to build a place where creativity flourished, where innovation was celebrated, and where growth was not just a metric, but a shared experience.

We started from the ground up, building our reputation brick by brick. We focused on crafting bespoke solutions, understanding that each client’s needs are unique. We carved a niche for ourselves, becoming a trusted partner for businesses seeking tailored legal counsel. We’ve scaled up projects from their nascent stages, nurturing them to fruition, seeing them blossom into success stories. We’ve competed with the heavyweights, not by mimicking their strategies, but by forging our own path, one defined by agility, personalized service, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We’ve closed deals that once seemed beyond our reach, proving that a small, dedicated team can achieve extraordinary things, having been shortlisted for a ground breaking five national Law Society Awards in one year.

Sameer Karim, CEO, DWS Legal

Disease

But this journey hasn’t been without its trials. Alongside the professional challenges, I’ve been navigating the unpredictable terrain of an autoimmune disease. There have been periods of remission, offering a glimpse of smooth sailing. And then, the flare-ups – the sudden storms that threaten to derail everything. These episodes bring not just physical discomfort, but also a profound sense of vulnerability. The fear is real. The impact on my ability to function, to hold a meeting, to simply get through the day, is significant. And then there’s the weight of responsibility – the awareness that my health impacts not only myself, but also my staff, my clients, and the future of the firm.

There are no “hero moments” here, no selfproclaimed victories. There’s just the consistent, persistent effort to move forward, to overcome obstacles, to learn from setbacks, and to inspire those around me.”

The decision to acquire the firm was a pivotal one. It wasn’t taken lightly. It was a commitment to my team, to our clients and to the vision I held for the future. And thankfully, we’ve progressed beyond what I initially imagined. But the journey is far from over. My focus now is on nurturing the talent within our firm, fostering a culture of ownership and belonging. I want to empower my team to build their own personal brands, to discover their own motivations and to become true leaders within the legal field. Because ultimately, it’s the team that shares the vision, executes the strategy, and drives the success. And so far, the team’s contributions have been nothing short of outstanding. Whilst navigating and executing complex transactions, the team understand the critical role a dedicated legal partner plays in achieving a successful outcome.

People talk about success as if it’s a destination. They envision a moment of arrival, a point where all the struggles cease and the rewards are reaped. But true success, in my experience, is a continuous process. It’s about striving for well-being, both physical and mental. It’s about embracing innovation, constantly seeking new ways to improve and excel. It’s about being a trailblazer, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible within the legal industry. It’s about creating a legacy that extends beyond individual achievements.

Underlying all of this, a powerful force drives me: a deep sense of fairness, result and outcome, it fuels my determination to fight for my clients, to ensure they receive just and fair outcomes. It’s a responsibility, a sense of achievement, that transcends personal circumstances. It’s a uniform trait, I believe, instilled in many entrepreneurs. It’s a subconscious realisation, perhaps, but a powerful motivator nonetheless

SCAN ME

For me, success is about health, progress, innovation, and being a trailblazer. It’s about the journey, the challenges, the resilience, and the collective effort of a team working towards a shared goal. And it’s about the unwavering belief that even in the face of adversity, even when battling a disease;

Fearcan be faced, and success, in its truest form, can be achieved. We are committed to continuing this journey, pushing our capabilities further and making a lasting impact on the legal landscape. We are driven by the desire to inspire, to innovate, and to create a legacy of excellence, not just for our firm, but for our clients and the entrepreneurs and the business community.

And so, we continue the climb. The summit may shift, the path may twist, but our compass is set: health, progress, innovation, and blazing trails. This isn’t just our story; it’s a testament to the power of resilience, the strength of a team and the enduring pursuit of a vision, no matter the storm.

London Office: Berkeley Square House, 2nd Floor, Mayfair, London, W1J 6BD 0207 0169 135

Midland Office: 14-18 Friar Lane, Leicester, LE1 5RA 0116 2999 199

To find us on all platforms info@d-w-s.co.uk | www.d-w-s.co.uk

EB100 GUIDE2025

Welcome

About the EB100

How the EB100 is Judged

The AI Advantage

Supporting SME Growth

Diary Date – 12th March 2025

SPONSORS

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The judges*

100

LMNts Marketing

Launch Labs

Launch Labs

The Secret PlantHouse 99

97

Reeve Social Media

96

Proma Kit

INSPIRING BRITAIN’S SME BUSINESSES

Over the Moo

94

HAD & CO

92

KZ Organics

90

TECHGIANT

Innovisual Digital Marketing Agency 93

91

Sostratus Energy

PR Sauce

Business Data

Events

Samuel Wilson’s Loan Trust

Responsible Business

Start-ups + SMEs

Workspace

Digital Skills

Sustainable Procurement

Helping

SMEs

Reach their ideal audience for

MAXIMUM IMPACT

Three Robins 88

Yahmapp 86

The Change Hive 84

Dash Agency

87

ADBH Advisory

85

Ovrload

Uoffer Global 83

BrisTechTonic

Rochelle White Communications 80

78

BOOM & Partners

79

Authentic Achievements

77

AI & Partners

Pollen

The Vegan Patty Lady

Hello Social Avenue

A City Law Firm

73

The Scottish Bee Company

INSPIRING BRITAIN’S SME BUSINESSES

Groe Global

AI Business Solutions

Outsourced Operations Management

Fully

Franchise

69

Carter Consultancy

Precision Management Consulting 67

Genous

The Pizza Post

Ada Digital

Mintago

Gymfluencers