Winners
Our 2024 Winners will be announced on Thursday 18th April 2024 (4pm / 9pm) at The Hilton Reading and will be posted here on 19th April 2024 along with the judges comments.
Business of the Year
Heck Food Limited
Testimonial
HECK is a family business in North Yorkshire that produces field-to-fork meat products such as sausages and burgers.
In business for ten years:
products are available in all the major retailers across the UK
A 60% market share in the premium brand market
An annual turnover of £28 million
In addition, Heck has a massive impact on their community - well done!
Female Entrepreneur of The Year
Debbie Gilbert (Viva Business Support)
Testimonial
A beacon of inspiration for women across the UK, Debbie’s journey embodies resilience, compassion, and a profound commitment to lifting others as she climbs. Debbie founded of the groundbreaking "Best Business Women Awards”, which this year celebrates its 10th Anniversary, and has provided a platform for women to be recognised / celebrated across the UK.
For over twenty years, she has supported other women on their business journey and is highly deserving of this award – well done!
New Start-Up of The Year
SMART MUSHROOMS
Testimonial
This company maximises the potential of Lions-Mane mushrooms in helping with Parkinson's Disease symptoms and prevention.
It produces the finest UK-grown mushroom supplements for both gourmet and medicinal purposes.
The goal is to introduce the transformative benefits of functional mushrooms to the many for overall health and well-being. They reach the market with social platforms.
The sale of over 1,500 mushroom growing kits aims to inspire how mushrooms connect to the food eaten.
Smart Mushrooms are a fascinating and innovative company, and a much-deserved winner.
Young Entrepreneur of The Year
Brad Birchmore (MentionSocials LTD)
Testimonial
MentionSocials began as a graphic design hobby and has evolved into a successful venture, servicing a diverse clientele of over 15 entities. They deliver a personalized program to reach a substantial audience of over 1,500,000 through compelling social media content.
The judges particularly applaud:
Securing an early client of JR Sports Group
Being a finalist in the Buckinghamshire Business Awards
Recognition in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2023
In one year, the business went from £0 to £20,000 with 90% profit.
At 22, the founder transformed the hobby into a profitable business in its first year! Well done!
The SME of The Year
MiTEQ
Testimonial
Doubled it’s turnover & profitability in last 12 months from £2.8m to £7m
Been acknowledged by the FEBE 100 as one of the fastest growing companies in Britain
Huge commitment to CSR, giving back to their local community!
This company is innovative and going from strength to strength and are worthy winners.
The Employer of The Year
Wilson Partners Limited
Testimonial
This company believes in "Happiness and Wellbeing" as a core to success across it’s team of 150 employees.
Ensured that in general salary increases were ahead of inflation
Gives back to it’s local community through financial investment.
Excellent employee feedback
Great opportunities for career progression
A Company exemplifying that happiness of all stakeholders can align with commercial performance. Well done
The Apprentice of The Year
Alexia Williams (Rolls Royce)
Testimonial
The judges were impressed that she was the sole female in her apprentice program, with the mission to promote underrepresented individuals:
Science,
Technology
Engineering
Mathematical-based careers
We recognise her dedication and passion for advancing STEM nationally.
The Charity of The Year
Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home
Testimonial
The Trust was established by parents Chris and Phillipa following the death of their baby daughter.
Jessie May Trust serves families from a child's diagnosis through respite and end-of-life to the point of bereavement.
Over 26 years, The Jessie May Trust has grown from one family's tragedy into a community that supports the journey of other enduring a similar life-changing diagnosis.
In the past year
179 families were supported
13 children were supported at end of life
53 families were supported
81 visits were made to children and families in hospital
Outstanding Contribution to The Community
Hillier Funeral Services
Testimonial
Harold Hillier established the company in 1923 just after World War 1
Currently celebrating its 100th year of operation, 4 generation, Hillier Funeral Service is one of Wiltshire’s oldest family- owned independent funeral service providers focussing on compassion and innovation to meet the changing needs in the community including:
• Free counselling to help with emotions due to loss
• .Host a support group that runs every two weeks
• Hold an annual remembrance service.
• Every family we have cared for is called approximately 4 months after the funeral
• Rebranded the company with a new website, Facebook and Instagram pages
• Opened a new branch in Highworth in 2018
• Offers an in-house wake room service for up to 40 people at a Grade II listed building (Kingshill House)
• Plans to install Solar Panels, electric and hybrid vehicles
• Investment in training for the team
• Contribute significantly to local and national charities.
Lifetime of Achievement
Mary Ryan
Testimonial
Mary Ryan is a game-changing professional in the global medical devices field.
A real expert in all Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs matters.
She spearheaded the Ventilator Challenge UK initiative and transformed the quality process from "paper to digital" to produce nearly 12,000 ventilators in record time to support the fight against COVID-19.
Mary helped Penlon align multi-national manufacturing processes, implemented electronic device history records in ten days, and achieved MHRA approval in a record three weeks.
She is an inspiration in her category, a true professional and expert, and the judges are delighted to name her the 2024 winner of this award.
The Leisure & Tourism Award
The Roseate Reading Hotel
Testimonial
Your commitment to high standards and excellence within the hospitality industry is commendable.
Impressive 5star reviews.
Their success deserves this winning position. Congratulations
Male Entrepreneur
Sean Smith (Globe Vehicle Hire & Sales)
Testimonial
Sean has created a business that is known for its excellent customer service and is a passionate about supporting his local community. Financial performance showed an increase of 50% increase in the past 12 months.
The judges see Sean an exemplar entrepreneur winner for 2024. Well done
Business Leader of The Year
Luke House (Shield Services)
Testimonial
Luke is a leader focused on Sustainable Organic Growth. He leads a successful, excellent team through disruptive times.
The Company is an Employer of Choice in their industry.
Their financial performance is strong, and they are vigilant in spotting new global opportunities.
An exemplary leader and a well-deserving winner.
Networker of The Year
Debbie Gilbert
Testimonial
The judges believe this winner has had extensive impact in her category. She offers a perfect display of networking at its best.
For over twenty years, she has supported other women on their business journey
she has served their networking needs and may have otherwise be excluded, for example, due to childcare.
She created opportunities for space to think about Strategy, Social Capital, and Collaboration.
Created a profit-sharing model rather than a franchise, meaning women could launch a group in their area without the outlay of franchising costs.
philanthropic part of her business to support other women on their business journey.
Innovator of The Year Award
Odyssey Innovation
Testimonial
Odyssey Innovation are sustainable pioneers in marine conservation. They focus their innovation by:
Diverting over 200 tonnes of marine plastic from pollution channels
Promoting cleaner oceans and sustainable practices
Spearheading innovative recycling schemes
Exploring new sustainable materials for their products.
We look forward to seeing their geographic and innovative growth and see their innovations as a vital effort to save the oceans.