Nearly 90 small firms have been selected as finalists for this year’s Small Awards, which celebrate the nation’s outstanding small businesses.
The annual Small Awards programme – now celebrating its 10th anniversary – is organised by Small Business Britain. This year has a record-breaking number of entries, with thousands of submissions across 11 categories.
Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain, said: “Small businesses are the engine of the nation’s economy and we’re so proud to have spent a decade championing them in our Small Awards.
“Each year we are delighted to see hundreds of entries spanning every sector imaginable. These organisations bring jobs and community to their local areas and deserve to be recognised for their contributions. We’re thrilled with this year’s shortlist and look forward to meeting our finalists in person in May.”
The finalists are:
- ‘At your Service’ award for the best small service business with a strong track record of serving its target customers. Nominees: AJ Illustration, Bridal Reloved Lincolnshire, Colchester Children’s Counselling, Ginger and Tails, Moleworks Solutions, Nourished, Stories With Clothes and X&Y Fertility.
- ‘Bricks and Clicks’ award for the best small business using multiple channels with innovation and skill. Nominees: Agency Clothing LTD t/a 1NE, Amaranth, Baked Worthing, Candle Wise Limited, Clear For Men, Ethel & M Ltd, Marshmallow Avenue and Mont58 Coffee.
- ‘Digital Star’ award for the best digital-only business, recognising small businesses that operate exclusively through digital channels to market, sell and promote their products and services. Nominees: Buxumbox Bike Boxes, Trend Tonic, Ingenious Gifts, The Cake Business Club, Brands By Robin, Keep + Kind, PINKSEO LIMITED and Inkfire.
- ‘Heart of Gold’ award for the best small business that goes the extra mile for its local community through collaboration with other small businesses, charities, schools, councils, or residents. Nominees: City Girl Network, HMPasties, Entrepreneurs Unlocked, Co:Creative Connection, May Marigold CIC, Craig’s Barbershop, Still Sisters and SAY NO! To Joint Enterprise UK C.I.C.
- ‘High Street Hero’ award, recognising a standout high street business with a proven record of contributing to the success of its street. Nominees: Curated by Emilia Hunt, EYES on St Albans, FRESH, Sheen Uncovered, Wave of Nostalgia, Vintage Guru, The Snail of Happiness and Shambles Restaurant and Wine Bar.
- ‘Legacy’ award for the best family business, demonstrating success and the involvement and contribution of family members over time. Nominees: A.E Harnett & Sons, Albert Rees Ltd, BARRETTS OF WOODBRIDGE, Bungard & Sons Ltd, Herbert & Sons, Hoe Grange Holidays Ltd, Major R Owen Ltd and Romney Marsh Wools.
- ‘Mission Possible’ award for the best business or social enterprise driven by mission over and above financial performance, that benefits a group, a community, or society more widely. Nominees: Ablepreneurs, Art Ease North West CIC, ChangeKitchen CIC, Milspo Network CIC, Nemi Teas Ltd, Party Kit Network CIC, Politely Rebellious Next Gen CIC and Wave Community Bank.
- ‘Net Hero’ award for the best small business demonstrating exceptional commitment to the environment, placing sustainability at the heart of its operations. Nominees: Dalton Moor Farm, Ecopulsea, Ecotribo LTD, GROUNDS FOR GOOD, NI Silver, REMO Social Enterprise Ltd, Sustainable Wedding Alliance and Tech cell limited.
- ‘New Kid on the Block’ award for the best new start-up launched in the last 18 months that has demonstrated considerable progress in growth and development. Nominees: Aces High London, Animal Focused Alliance, Britches, Edis Media, Green Traffic Light, Nudie Jewellery, Field and Folk Creative and Little Scandi Baby.
- ‘Sole to Sole’ award for the best self-employed sole trader that celebrates the tenacity and drive it takes to go it alone. Nominees: Animal Encounters Wales, Arcanum Copy, Avenir ESG, Gary Parsons, Michelle Hughes Design, Mini Munchkins, Quiet the Hive and Rebekah Ann Jewellery.
- ‘Supply Chain Champion’ award for the best B2B business, recognising those working within the business supply chain, and supporting other businesses, large and small. Nominees: Cleardon House Ltd trading as The Foxglove Tree, Granny Gothards International, ICAB : Insurance Claims Accommodation Bureau, Little Beau Sheep Ltd, Mahalo Supplies, StillMoving, Total Water Products Limited and Headland Design Associates.
Judged by a panel of industry experts, the winners of all categories, and the overall winner of Small Business of the Year, will be announced at an awards night in London on May 21. The ceremony will be held at Christ Church Spitalfields.