Debbie Gilbert hosts our latest conversation, Fashion, Confidence, and Business Success with Catherine Grout, personal stylist and colour confidence expert. Catherine is founder of style consultancy What I Am Wearing, winner of a Silver Award for Best New Business at the 2025 Best Business Women Awards.

Catherine shares how a long career in tech led to redundancy, a lockdown fashion blog, and ultimately a thriving styling business built around helping professional women look and feel brilliant. She trained at the London College of Style and now teaches there too.

In this episode she covers the three fundamentals of personal styling: colour analysis, body shape, and style personality. Furthermore, she explains why understanding these can genuinely transform how you show up in business and in life.

There is also a brilliant story behind the showstopping teal gown Catherine wore to the awards (spoiler: it cost less than a tenner from a charity shop). Plus there are some brilliant tips on sustainable fashion shopping.

Catherine also gives us a sneak peek at her exciting plans for 2026. These include a new group programme called Style and Grow, more teaching, and possibly even a book.

About Catherine

Catherine is an award-winning Personal Stylist, Colour Analyst and educator, specialising in helping mid-life women feel confident, visible and empowered through personal style. Founder of a successful styling and colour analysis business, she is particularly known for her work with women navigating menopause, career shifts and business growth. Her approach blends practical wardrobe solutions with colour psychology, body confidence and personal branding, helping clients feel more like themselves rather than following trends. In 2025, she was proud to receive Silver for Best Business at the Best Business Women Awards, recognising both her impact and her values-led approach.

Alongside her client work, Catherine is a tutor for the London College of Style. Here she teaches colour analysis to adult students, supporting the next generation of stylists to build skill, confidence and professionalism. She also delivers talks, workshops and online sessions, being passionate about making style feel accessible, joyful and supportive, not intimidating. Catherine's mission is simple: to help women dress themselves happy, with clarity, confidence and intention at every stage of life.

 

{1:40} Why Catherine is so passionate about fashion.

{3:32} The thought process and experience that led to Catherine's business.

{5:09} THe challenges of leaving corporate life.

{6:11} The work Catherine does with her customers.

{11:54} Why feeling confident in what you're wearing is so important.

{13:57} The teal gown that was a showstopper at the 2025 BBWA Final.

{16:26} Entering the Best New Business category at the 2025 BBWAs.

{18:55} Catherine's sustainable fashion tips.

{23:00} Big plans for the next few years.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

                                        https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Catherine:  https://www.whatiamwearing.com/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-am-wearing-personal-styling/

                https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-grout/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/What-I-am-Wearing-107516851018881/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinewhatiamwearing/

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/whatiamwearing/

This week we help you Ensure Your Business is SEO Visible with Emily Williams, founder of Content Clever and silver winner at the 2025 Best Business Women Awards.

She joins Debbie to talk all things content strategy, SEO, and why she's on a mission to help female-led businesses find their voice online.

After burning out three times by age 27 whilst working in healthcare, Emily took her marketing degree, her husband's encouragement, and a healthy dose of determination - and built a thriving content business from the ground up.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• SEO basics still matter: Fresh, quality content updated regularly, proper indexing, and filling in your SEO plugin fields (title, meta description) correctly can make a significant difference to how Google ranks you
• AI has its place — but it's not a shortcut: Use it for ideas and research, but never publish unedited AI content on your site
• Consistency beats volume: One well-written blog post a month beats six that fizzle out. Aim for 800-1,000 words and repurpose each post across up to eight pieces of social content
• Keyword research doesn't have to be scary: Free tools like Answer the Public and Ubersuggest are a great starting points
• On entering awards: Even copywriters find writing about themselves hard — but the process (and the shortlisting email) was absolutely worth it

Coming up for Emily in 2026: A 12-week course for female entrepreneurs who want to master their own content strategy, plus a first entry into the Best SME Awards.

About Emily

Emily Williams is the founder of Content Clever, an SEO and content consultancy helping female founders, SMEs and agencies give their businesses consistent visibility. With over five years' experience running her own agency, Emily specialises in SEO-led content strategies, GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation), and content systems that actually work in the real world.

She has a background in healthcare marketing and now works across a wide range of industries, combining strategic thinking with practical execution. Emily is passionate about making SEO feel accessible, sustainable, and free from fluff—focusing on content that supports long-term growth, not just quick wins.

 

{1:40} How Emily came to start Content Clever.

{2:57} Juggling her business with a toddler.

{3:20} Why working with female-led businesses really matters to Emily.

{4:23} Current things to consider regarding SEO.

{5:50} The impact of AI generated content on SEO.

{6:40} More common content mistakes.

{7:52} The importance of repurposing content.

{8:44} The scary world of keyword research.

{10:07} Emily's experience in entering the BBWAs in 2025.

{12:36} The main challenges for a woman running a business in 2026.

{13:51} Networking and growing the client base.

{16:42} How Emily works with clients.

{19:43} Plans for Content Clever's future.

{21:36} Expanding the business by recruiting freelance copywriters.

{22:19} Emily's business tips.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

                                        https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                       

Connect with Trudie:  https://content-clever.co.uk/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ContentClever

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/content-clever/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contentcleverhome/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thevisibilityedit

 

How a Coach Can Transform Your Working Life with Kate Bishop is the latest episode of the Business Awards Podcast.

Kate shares her journey from burning out in the events industry to discovering coaching almost by accident. After attending a weekend coaching course on a colleague's recommendation (expecting just free coffee!), she found her calling and never looked back.

Now specialising in career change and presentation skills, Kate works with people who feel stuck, lacking confidence, or unsure of their next steps. Whether it's toxic work environments, redundancy, or just feeling invisible in hybrid working situations, Kate helps clients rediscover their value and find their voice. Her aim, to make her clients' Mondays as amazing as their Fridays!

Key Topics Covered

• The burnout wake-up call – How Kate's own experience shapes her empathic coaching approach
• Confidence myths – Why you don't need to be the loudest person in the room
• Public speaking fears – Kate's tips for getting visible without the terror (spoiler: it's just having a conversation!)
• The awards journey – How entering the Best Businesswomen Awards became a valuable reflection exercise
• Networking survival guide – Kate's golden rule: be curious about others
• Visibility struggles – Why so many business owners hide from social media and how to reframe it

Kate's Top Tip

Remember: it's not about you, it's about your business. When you're putting yourself out there on social media or at events, frame it as sharing your business message rather than putting a spotlight on yourself.

About Kate

Kate helps brilliant and but frustrated professionals and business owners rediscover their spark and reclaim their working week with bravery and courage.

Kate plots a strategy that ignites her clients' purpose and passions designed around their lives, to ensure the right balance.

She rebuilds confidence to allow her coachees to feel calm and in control, especially when having to make those big, hairy decisions!

Her goal - to make your Mondays as much fun as your Fridays!

{2:00} What motivated Kate to become a coach.

{5:38} Managing the transition from part-time to full-time coaching.

{7:41} The common reasons why people need Kate's coaching.

{11:01} Finding your purpose, and managing expectations of confidence.

{12:17} Improving presentation skills.

{15:17} The positive outcomes of being able to present yourself.

{16:29} Kate's radio show, The Confidence Collective.

{18:40} Kate's awards experience.

{22:02} Award plans for the future.

{22:40} Attending awards finals on your own.

{24:30} Getting the most from networking.

{28:05} Kate's business tip.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

                                        https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                       

Connect with Kate:  https://www.kate-bishop.co.uk/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/people/Kate-Bishop-Coaching/61559019519314/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katebishopcoaching/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katetheconfidencecoach/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_7T62rkgddO8au9crDFuQ 

The Quietly Confident Business Summit: https://femalebusinessnetwork.co.uk/summit

 

The Brand Artisan with Becky Benfield-Humberstone is now available on the Business Awards Show.
 
Becky was a silver award winner in the Best Solopreneur category at the 2023 Best Businesswomen Awards, having grown her branding business, the Brand Artisan.
 
Becky has been a serial entrepreneur, creating her first business, 'Utterly Horses', and growing it to become the largest retailer in its field in Europe. 
 
Having sold that business, she spent some time in corporate, working at the Imperial War Museum. That taught her influential lessons as she returned to the small business world.
 
Over the years, she has developed her branding and marketing skills to the point where, three years ago, she set up The Branding Artisan. She is passionate about helping small businesses expand and establish their brands and is going from strength to strength.
 
Becky is also a multi-award-winning entrepreneur; last year's silver award at the BBWA final is just one of many she has collected over her years in business. Not only does she win awards, but she writes entries for clients, too.
As if that was not enough, Becky has also published children's books, with more in the pipeline.
This episode demonstrates the impact awards have on a business; the crucial part branding plays in business development, and the need to keep learning and creating. 

 

 

 

{1:40} The work of The Brand Artisan.

{2:20} Why Becky started the business.

{2:52} Where Becky's business career started.

{5:10} Working at the Imperial War Museum.

{5:50} Developing the idea behind The Branding Artisan.

{7:13} When awards came on the radar.

{8:20} How Becky selects which awards to enter.

{9:29} Selecting the right awards for clients.

{10:08} The challenges developing her business.

{11:09} How leads are generated.

{11:55} Becky's advice for new entrepreneurs.

{14:20} Reviewing clients' branding.

{15:16} Becky's future plans.

{16:00} Writing children's books.

{16:55} Becky's branding tips.

{17:50} Brands that do it well.

{19:20} The advantage small businesses have.

{21:45} How Becky grew Utterly Horses to become a saleable asset.

 

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Becky: https://www.fieldandstone.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrandartisanuk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrandartisanuk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckybenfieldhumberstone/

 

The Green Florist with Anna Ball is the latest edition of the Business Awards Show.
 
Anna won the Best Green Business Award at the 2023 Best Businesswomen Awards for her green floristry business, Floral Image UK.
 
Anna worked as a primary school teacher before meeting her husband, and the couple decided to buy the UK license for Floral Image, a global business providing artificial flower arrangements for offices and events.
 
Since starting the UK company, Anna has led the development of a network of 24 franchisees and a growing corporate customer list. Demand has snowballed. Anna has coined the motto, 'A door on every floor, ' indicating how word of mouth brings new business.
 
Like many women, Anna has to balance her business needs with her family. In her case, this is even more demanding, given her daughter is disabled. However, she explains her approach and shows that you can create a work/life balance with effort and some clear boundaries.
 
She tells us about the impact of winning the Best Green Business award last year, how it has brought additional PR for her business, and its effect on her team.
 
This episode is ideal for anyone considering purchasing a franchise business or starting one. It will also encourage those thinking of entering business awards to go ahead and do it! And there are some great lessons Anna has learnt that could be applied by many entrepreneurs.
 

 

{1:31} Why Anna bought the UK license for Floral Image.

{3:03} How designs are produced for customers.

{4:30} The Floral Image client profile.

{5:08} Why buy a franchise rather than start a new business.

{6:17} The Floral Image UK franchise network.

{7:30} Floral Image's global presence.

{7:55} The importance of the product's green credentials.

{9:00} The wedding market.

{9:40} The challenges running a business with a family.

{11:26} When awards came on the radar.

{13:08} Anna's business lessons.

{15:08} Plans for expansion.

{16:17} Managing the franchisees.

{16:30} Anna's plans for 2024.

 

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Anna: https://gb.floralimage.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floralimage/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floralimage

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/floralimage/

 

 

 

Fighting sex trafficking with Ruth Robb is the latest episode of the Business Awards Show.

Ruth founded a fantastic charity, Azalea, fifteen years ago, helping women who have been sex-trafficked. Her work led to a Gold Award at the 2023 Best Businesswomen Awards.

Having worked in social care, Ruth became increasingly aware of the horrors of sex trafficking in her local area around Luton. Being easily accessible from Luton airport and Dunstable logistics hubs, Ruth realised her town was increasingly becoming an accessible location to use for bringing oppressed women into the UK.

She has put massive energy and commitment into setting up and growing the Azalea charity, working closely with the police, border force, home office and other vital institutions to provide crucial support.

She and her team work tirelessly to help support these women, often extracting them from their situation and helping them create new lives.

Ruth does not believe charity is all about money. She is passionate about the role of kindness and giving time and support. It is something she talks of regularly as the founder of the charity. And it has created a wider community that offers resources and time to provide the additional support needed to make those trafficked safer and with opportunities to get out.

This is an inspirational episode highlighting the plight of survivors of sex trafficking, the work the charity undertakes, and her plans for the coming year to continue Azalea's progress.

 

{1:35} What Azalea does.

{2:35} Why Ruth set up Azalea.

{3:24} How Ruth became aware of sex-trafficking.

{4:10} Why Ruth gave the charity the name 'Azalea'.

{4:50} How Azalea identifies women at risk.

{6:15} Celebrating Azalea's fifteenth annivesary.

{7:02} How many women Azalea helps every year.

{7:48} Ensuring survivors of sex trafficking are not criminalised.

{8:42} Luton's ease of access for Europeans.

{9:10} Local women trafficked to Europe.

{9:35} How social media ensnares women.

{9:54} A typical week at Azalea.

{12:23} Azalea's triumphs over fifteen years.

{14:03} Providing love to women who have never had it.

{15:00} The challenges of running Azalea.

{18:14} How Ruth insulates herself from the harrowing thinigs she sees.

{19:03} Being crowned the 2023 BBWA Charity Champion.

{20:51} Publicising the Azalea purpose.

{21:31} Azalea's plans for 2024.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Ruth: https://www.azalea.org.uk/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-robb-96708646/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azalealuton/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azalealuton

Twitter: https://twitter.com/azalealuton

 

Scaling Tutor Businesses with Helen Dickman is the latest episode of the Business Awards Show.
 
Helen was a Silver Award Winner in the Best New Business category of the 2023 Best Businesswomen Awards.
 
Helen studied English at university and, almost inevitably, became a teacher and then an educational consultant. In 2018, she became a private tutor, experiencing the ups and downs of being self-employed in the education sector.
 
Having developed a clear understanding of what makes a strong tutoring business, Helen set up her own business, Love Mondays Club, in 2021. She aimed to help busy female business owners create profitable online businesses without having to sacrifice all of their time. 
 
Helen has also started the Love Mondays Club podcast to grow her profile, telling us what she covers and why she enjoys this so much.
 
Helen has started entering awards over the last year and has had some success. She discusses the benefits of completing awards entries and how winning has raised the awareness of her business.
 
She continues to develop her training platform while planning to travel around Europe before a potential move to Europe.
 
This episode is perfect for anyone in the early stages of establishing their business. It is a must-listen for any tutor or trainer wanting to grow their client list.

 

{2:35} Why Helen started Love Mondays Club.

{5:28} Where Love Mondays Club came from.

{8:06} Creating a work/life balance.

{9:03} What LMC provides for tutors and trainers.

{11:56} Why Helen began entering business awards.

{13:39} Why entering awards is such a learning process.

{15:18} The challenges of starting LMC.

{17:28} The inspiration for the podcast.

{19:17} The guests and topics included in the podcast.

{21:00} Marketing Love Mondays Club.

{22:37} Helen's advice for new entrepreneurs.

{25:47} Helen and business networking.

{28:02} The future for LMC.

 

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Helen: https://www.lovemondaysclub.co.uk/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-dickman/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovemondaysclub/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovemondaysclub

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/lovemondaysclub/

Podcast: https://lovemondaysclub.podbean.com/

 

Going Green with Danielle Seatter is the latest episode of the Business Awards Show.
 
Danielle was a Silver Award Winner in the Best Green Business category of the 2023 Best Businesswomen Awards.
 
Danielle was an early learning teacher, but having left the sector, she decided to start an eco-business, Eco-Able, in 2019. In 2022, she opened her shop in Cirencester, selling a multitude of eco-friendly products, and hasn't looked back.
She tells us why she started a green business and how the product range has been diversified to meet her customers' needs.
She has published two children's books with an eco-slant and intends to produce more in the coming years. The merchandise from those books also finds its way into the Eco-Able store.
Danielle has practical advice for all business owners to help make their businesses more sustainable. She believes in making small, incremental changes, suggesting that everyone reviews their business closely and looks for manageable and sustainable change that can be built on over time.
Having won several awards in recent years, Danielle discusses how this has helped her business and why she entered the Best Businesswomen Awards last year.
As climate change becomes ever more present in our lives, this episode is a perfect way to start thinking about your business and how you can help create a more sustainable planet.

 

{1:25} The work of Eco-Able.

{2:42} Danielle's drive to set up a green business.

{4:24} How Danielle stocks her shop.

{5:58} How awards came on the radar.

{7:15} Winning multiple  BizBubble awards.

{8:20} Why Danielle entered the Best Businesswomen Awards.

{9:25} How businesses can begin reducing carbon footprint.

{11:43} Danielle's best-selling products.

{13:03} Danielle as a children's author.

{15:10} Eco-friendly merchandising from her books.

{15:51} Ideas for future projects.

{16:33} Danielle's challenges in setting up Eco-Able.

{17:44} The Cirencester business community.

{19:08} The benefits of a physical shop.

{20:44} The shop's location.

{21:03} The future for Eco-Able.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Danielle: https://eco-able.co.uk/

LinkedIN: linkedin.com/in/danielle-seatter-ec0 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eco_able/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ableeco

X: https://twitter.com/AbleEco

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/EcoAbleLtd/

Building loyalty in the hospitality industry is our latest episode of the Business Awards Show.
 
Ashleigh was voted Best Businesswoman in Marketing and PR at the 2023 Best Businesswomen Awards. 
 
She explains why she and her husband set up their business Halo Business Consulting offering businesses in the hospitality sector the benefit of their twenty years' of experience in marketing, PR, and customer experience in the industry.

Ashleigh explains why the pandemic was such a pivotal moment in hospitality, and how it affected her and her customers. The changes that have emerged have had a huge impact on customer behaviour and the way hospitality businesses interact with their customer base.

She has added awards as an essential strategy in her business. Winning the Gold Award in the BBWA last year has already reaped dividends as Ashleigh explains.

If you have a hospitality business, or indeed any business where building customer loyalty and delivering a great experience is vital, this episode will be of real help. Ashleigh's tips on building loyalty, getting more reviews, and improving delivery at each customer touch-point will help every customer-facing company raise their game.

{1:28} The work of Halo Business Consulting.

{2:53} The challenges and success of the pandemic.

{5:40} Ashleigh's core customer base.

{6:57} Where the name Halo originated from.

{8:50} The changes in the hospitality sector post-Covid.

{10:15} Delivering customer experience in the industry.

{11:36} Bringing together all elements of customer loyalty to build loyalty.

{13:40} Why awards are important to Halo.

{15:10} Collaborating with fellow finalists.

{15:58} Discovering the Best Businesswomen Awards.

{18:20} Ashleigh's experience at the final.

{19:25} Winning brings positive PR.

{20:37} Tips to build customer loyalty.

{23:10} How to get more from reviews.

{25:45} What's next for Halo.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Ashleigh: https://www.gohalo.co.uk/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleighdonald/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haloitsashleigh/

The Joy of Music for Children is the latest release from The Business Awards Show. It features an interview with Cat Bateman, silver award winner at the 2023 Best Businesswomen Awards, and founder of Little Folk Nursery Rhymes Ltd.
 
Sophie had a passion for music from a young age, so setting up a business twelve years ago bringing mothers and their toddlers together to sing nursery rhymes, seemed like a natural thing to do.

She has built a substantial local community, and many of the the young children she taught in the early years, are now learning musical instruments themselves.

Cat has great tips for small business owners, and shares her drive to ensure other entrepreneurs are supported to grow their businesses.

She has been successful in several major award programmes. Cat tells us why she started entering and what it's done for her business.
 
Cat had a wonderful experience at this year's Best Businesswomen Awards final, telling us why it meant so much to her and what she has got from it.

Like so many small business owners, she was deeply impacted by the pandemic, The cost of living crisis is not making things any easier. Nevertheless, she tells a story of great resilience and adaptability that has seen her thrive in adversity. 

This episode is a Christmas gift from the Business Awards Show. Cat is so full of positivity, and gives so much to children, we thought she was the ideal person to have on the podcast for our Christmas episode.

 

{1:24} Cat's path to starting a business.

{7:04} The children in Cat's group

{8:20} Teaching traditional nursery rhymes to children.

{11:04} What made Cat enter business awards.

{13:25} Applying for the Small Awards.

{16:49} Losing essential equipment.

{19:45} Cat's business challenges.

{21:25} The pandemic changes everything.

{25:33} Getting things back to normal.

{26:33} The cost of living crisis.

{28:00} Pivoting to deal with crises.

{29:42} Expanding the business in the future.

{30:47} Overcoming impostor syndrome.

{31:24} Cat's tips for small business owners.

{37:17} Managing stress as a business owner.

{38:54} The Best Businesswomen Awards Final.

{40:05} The downsides of some other awards programmes.

{40:51} The importance of a panel of objective, expert judges.

{42:02} The power of networking at the awards final.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Cat: http://littlefolknurseryrhymes.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlefolksing/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlefolknurseryrhymes/

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/littlefolksing

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/littlefolknurseryrhymes

 

 

A New Kind of VA with Sophie Ryan is our latest episode of the Business Awards Show.
 
Sophie was a silver award winner at this year's Best Businesswomen Awards in the Best New Business category. In this interview, she tells us about setting up her business, Interactive VA, which aims to deliver a more holistic approach to customers.
 
She explains why she created a VA company offering business and physical and mental well-being support. She has a varied client portfolio with a broad range of needs and describes how she fulfils them. Marketing is a vital element of her offering, and she expands on how that is incorporated into her portfolio of services.
 
Sophie also runs other companies, including a property business with her husband. As if that is not enough, she has two children, so it is interesting to hear her views on balancing life's pressures and asking for help.

Sophie is another entrepreneur who has realised the benefits of winning and entering awards. She explains why she has become increasingly involved, and her process for entering. 

This episode will be informative for any entrepreneur struggling to balance their business needs with everyday life. It also demonstrates that business awards can have a material impact on a new business, helping raise profile and reinforce credibility rapidly.

 

{1:33} Sophie's business profile.

{2:53} How Sophie conceived the idea behind Interactive VA.

{4:02} When Sophie started the business.

{4:15} What motivated Sophie to enter business awards.

{4:53} The joy of winning awards.

{5:34} Growing the VA business.

{6:22} Interactive VA's typical client work.

{7:15} Incoporating marketing with the portfolio of services.

{7:49} The source of new business.

{8:19} The importance of networking with other awards finalists.

{9:05} Leveraging awards collateral.

{9:39} Including awards in marketing strategy.

{10:08} How entering awards helps you focus on your business.

{10:35} The interactive VA wellness strategy.

{12:16} Managing stress as a business owner.

{13:27} Sophie's latest business launch, and working with her husband.

{14:22} Balancing the needs of children and business.

{16:46} The work that helps Sophie's clients.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Sophie:https://www.interactiveva.co.uk/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-ryan-30236b185/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/interactivevaltd

 

 

Branding and Design with Emily Hewett is the latest episode of the Business Awards Show.
Emily left Leeds to come south, where she knew nobody, but that did not stop her from setting up her own branding and design business fourteen years ago.
She has remained a sole trader, building a solid team of marketing professionals to support her clients as she grows her customer base.
Supporting local charities is a key driver, as she offers marketing work pro bono to aid their efforts. This is an entrepreneur who lives her values.
Emily tells us about the challenges of balancing work with family; she has two younger children and three adult stepchildren, so she has plenty to juggle!
Emily has won local awards and was a silver award winner at this year's Best Businesswomen Awards. Award success has driven her to sponsor awards and become a judge. Her unique perspective from both sides will be insightful for many listeners.
This episode will be helpful for small business owners trying to devise a marketing strategy. It is an ideal listen for anyone thinking of entering awards, understanding the nuances between different award programmes, and helping to identify where may be best for you to enter.

{1:14} Why Emily started a graphic design business fourteen years ago.

{2:06} How she built her business from scratch.

{3:12} Emily's branding and design services.

{4:37} The common mistakes small businesses make in branding and design.

{6:40} Emily's beliefs about good branding.

{8:04} Supporting charities.

{10:49} Emily's views on entering awards.

{14:15} The long term awards strategy.

{15:22} The challenges faced in fourteen years of business.

{18:10} What drives Emily forward.

{19:46} Being an awards judge.

{21:38} Differences in awards requirements.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Emily:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamemilydesign

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graphicdesigneressex/

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/iamemilydesign

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamemilydesign

Awakening Women's Lives is our latest episode featuring coach Jane Galloway. The title comes from Jane's flagship programme as she seeks to help and champion women to live their best lives. 

Jane worked in the NHS for many years, whilst developing a coaching practice on the side. In 2023 she has taken the leap and her coaching business Quiet the Hive is now her full-time focus.

She has a degree in psychology and is fascinated in people generally, igniting a desire to help others from a young age. Many of the decisions and mental processes she has gone through have proved useful material in her coaching of clients.

As a single mum with two boys, she has juggled parenting with work, but tells us how she has a better balance now than ever before.

In this discussion, Jane, a silver winner in this year's Best Businesswomen Awards, explains why she set up a coaching side-hustle, how it became her full-time role, and how she found that transition. 

She has a podcast too, and tells us why that is important to her. She has entered awards from the outset and explains why it has proved such a useful process and why she enjoys it so much.

She also discusses her goals for 2024, including a book, and growing her practice.

This episode will appeal to anyone thinking of taking their side-hustle further, scared of leaving full-time employment, or thinking of entering awards. It is also a great advertisement for the brilliance of women and why we must embrace our power.

 

{1:58} Turning a side hustle into a full-time business.

{3:33} Where the Quiet the Hive concept came from.

{5:20} Jane's coaching programmes.

{7:27} Why women don't prioritise themselves.

{8:25} Jane's passion for helping others.

{10:30} Where did the name 'Quiet the Hive' come from?

{11:03} Why Jane started a podcast.

{12:52} Podcast details.

{13:22} Transitioning from the NHS to being a self-employed coach.

{14:30} Managing flexible working in the NHS.

{15:30} Managing the business.

{16:39} Balancing work with the needs of her two boys.

{18:57} Entering awards.

{21:18} Avoiding the wrong sort of awards.

{22:25} Entering the Best Businesswomen Awards.

{26:09} Jane's goals for 2024.

{29:25} How far Jane has come in a short time.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Jane: https://quietthehive.com/

Podcast: https://quietthehive.com/podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quiet_the_hive

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/quiet-the-hive/

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/quiet_the_hive

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quietthehive

Join Debbie Gilbert from The Business Awards Show as we discover How a Qualified Marketing Expert Can Transform Your Business with Dee Blick.

Dee is a multi-award-winning marketing expert, and author of six bestselling books. Crucially, she is one of only 3% of marketers globally to hold Fellowship status with the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

With 41 years in marketing, Dee evolved from working in "big glossy businesses" to becoming a passionate advocate for SMEs. A natural writer who "tumbled into marketing," she continues writing for magazines, as well as her books, combining her twin passions seamlessly.

Key insights from this episode:

• Why "marketer" has become misappropriated: web designers to promotional gift sellers claim the title without proper training or understanding of marketing fundamentals 

• You have to put in the hard yards to become a Fellow: Dee submitted a rigorous dossier proving decades of grassroots work 

• Unregulated industries are a problem: many businesses have spendt £20,000+ with "marketers" (actually web developers) pushing expensive websites without the right marketing analysis

• Good marketing advice is unbiased: it should prioritize client success over selling schemes, memberships, or specific services

Book Awards vs Business Awards:

Unlike business awards, book awards often nominate works independently. Dee won awards from independent review sites, Guardian Top 10 Reads for Entrepreneurs, and magazine writing awards; all without entering. The Business Book Awards, however, requires a written entry but features rigorous judging where every book is read and assessed on content quality, not sales figures or publisher prestige.

"You're The Best!" - Dee's Latest Book:

Born from a dream (literally!), this personal branding guide distills Dee's 40-year template for moving from "seeker of opportunity" to "sought after." Written against the backdrop of AI "bleaching" authentic brands, it celebrates authenticity and provides a step-by-step roadmap to building your brand without selling expensive schemes.

Dee's Essential Marketing Tips:

Strip back to basics: identify your target audience, overcome barriers to sale, and create wow moments throughout your client journey. Additionally, review marketing spend: small amounts add up to thousands when misaligned with your target audience. And if you don't have time to do marketing, bring in a specialist, even for 10-15 hours a week. It will pay dividends.

About Dee

Dee is a multi-award-winning Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. She is also a #1 bestselling marketing author of books including, The 15 Essential Marketing Masterclasses for Your Small Business (Wiley), winner of the Bookbag non-fiction award. Her previous book, The Ultimate Small Business Marketing Book, hit the Amazon charts at 150 before remaining a top 10 category bestseller for 5 years. It was even translated into Chinese after Dee was offered a publishing deal by CITIC Publishing.

She has just launched her fifth marketing book, You're the Best! How to Build an Authentic and Magnetic Personal Brand. It offers 13 chapters of theory-free wisdom and experience so you can move from "seeker" to "sought after". On Amazon pre-release it was #1 in 6 categories. It is essential reading for any founder wanting to be a magnet for clients, introducers, and influencers on a shoestring budget.

Throughout a 40-year career, Dee has worked with clients from all sectors,helping each one to build their personal brand and become a key person of influence. Consistently, she has followed the same process, delivering considerable success.

 

 

{2:20} Dee's business journey.

{3:22} What made Dee go into marketing.

{4:33} Working with a diverse range of customers.

{6:05} Why the Chartered Institute of Marketing is so essential.

{9:58} The worrying growth of unqualified marketeers.

{13:20} Dee's experience of book awards.

{20:27} You're the Best! The book to build your personal brand.

{28:37} How awards and personal branding align.

{29:36} The Boutique - Dee's work of fiction.

{32:28} Dee's top marketing tips.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

                                        https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                       

Connect with Dee:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativemarketer/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dee.blick

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blick.dee/

You're the Best!: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Youre-Best-Authentic-Magnetic-Personal/dp/1917534078

15 Essential Marketing Masterclasses for Your Small Business: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Essential-Marketing-Masterclasses-Small-Business/dp/0857084402

Our latest episode discusses branding for small business with Andrea Boughton, founder of branding design consultant, Beehive Green.

Andrea worked in large London agencies before having children, taking a break from work for five years before setting up her own branding design business. Our discussion looks at the origins of her company, and how she got it off the ground.

Having worked with small businesses for nearly ten years, she tells us what she has learnt about branding over that time, and what advice she would give others considering a similar career move.

Andrea had significant experience in writing awards entries for large agencies, so she tells us how that has informed her approach to entering awards as a small business. As a silver winner at the 2023 Best Business Women Awards, and a finalist at the Hertfordshire Chamber Awards, Andrea is proving why entering can be so beneficial for any solopreneur.

She discusses her goals for 2024, much of which involves embracing the rapidly-changing world of technology, including AI and new versions of established design software.

This episode is perfect for anyone thinking about branding, entering awards, or even setting up their own business. There is much to learn from Andrea's journey as a branding specialist over the last decade.

 

{1:37} Why Andrea set up Beehive Green ten years ago

{4:15} Getting the business off the ground.

{7:05} Andrea's agency experience with awards.

{8:15} Understanding the value of business awards.

{9:40} Entering the Herts Chamber Awards for the first time.

{12:30} Maintaining business progress.

{13:26} The challenges of running a business.

{15:21} Why working from home is productive for Andrea.

{16:13} Andrea's advice for starting a branding and design business.

{17:32} Beehive Green's typical clients.

{18:22} Where the name Beehive Green came from.

{20:58} Investing in your brand.

{21:54} Entering more awards.

{22:32} The lack of design awards for small businesses.

{24:32} Why awards work for solopreneurs.

{25:27} Andrea's goals for 2024.

{27:12} Becoming an Adobe ambassador.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Andrea: https://beehivegreen.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beehive_green/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-boughton/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/beehivegreen/

In today's interview with Angela Spencer, we learn about Angela's journey from the corporate world to starting her coaching business Virago Wellness. She was Head of Culture in a well known retail business employing over 4000 people. Now she runs her own solopreneur business. 

As you will hear, she has absolutely no regrets. Consequently she is thriving in her mission to help empower women through self-discovery to achieve their best selves.

She tells us how the pandemic was a game-changer for her and her husband. It led her to quickly grew her coaching practice, although she explains the help she enlisted to get off the ground.

Entering awards has been an insightful learning curve. As a result, she is determined to continue to enter awards that meet her criteria for growth and validation.

Angela discusses her ambitious plans for the next few years as she seeks to help more women deal with the rigours of modern life.

Angela's episode is the perfect listen for any woman feeling like they are not good enough and frazzled with the pressures of life. Those struggling to cope with dramatic changes such as starting a family, seeing older children leave home, or yearning for a change of direction will find this discussion particularly helpful.

 

{1:20} The origins of Virago Wellness.

{6:02} The catalyst for change.

{7:30} What is Angela's USP?

{9:42} Transitioning from the corporate world to running a business.

{12:40} The help Angela enlisted to start the business.

{15:23} The benefits of networking.

{16:35} Angela's location and online coaching.

{17:17} The lessons from entering awards.

{19:20} Sharing Angela's awards success.

{20:26} Virago's long-term plan.

{22:42} The possibility of writing a book.

{24:53} Dealing with the return from maternity leave.

{27:20} The pressure on women to sacrifice themselves for their families.

{27:56} The empowerment that comes from self-discovery.

{28:37} More award applications.

{29:28} Awards in Liverpool.

{30:10} Short-term plans.

{30:46} Angela's plans for a day retreat.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Angela: https://virago-wellness.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViragoWellnessCoaching/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virago_wellness_coaching

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-spencer-7241b34b/

Our latest episode features an interview with Emma Baylin, the inspirational founder of Shared Harmonies CIC. The charity was set up ten years ago to fulfil Emma's passion for wellbeing with a love of singing to bring about powerful human connections.

Emma tells us about her journey over the last ten years, how her charity helps those with dementia and respiratory problems, and the benefits she brings to corporate clients. Her work in the community makes such a difference, never better demonstrated than during the pandemic.

Emma explains why being a Silver Winner at the Best Businesswomen Awards in September was so important to her and her team. It will make many seriously consider entering themselves.

Her TedX talk, 'Connecting with Harmony' has had nearly 7000 views, challenging people's beliefs that they cannot sing, explaining the huge benefits singing brings.

Emma has had plenty of challenges through her first decade, but through it all, she has created a wonderful charity that does vital work for the community and the corporate world in the North West of England.

This is an interview that may lead you to seek out your local choir and will undoubtedly challenge your limiting beliefs.

 

 

{1:20} Shared Harmonies work and vision.

{2:38} The idea behind Shared Harmonies.

{4:17} Developing into the corporate space.

{6:57} The various ways Shared Harmonies works with corporate organisations.

{9:40} Shared Harmonies work in the community.

{10:22} The benefits of singing for dementia sufferers.

{11:28} The benefits of singing for respiratory problems.

{13:26} Why Emma has entered awards.

{17:02} The challenges faced over the last ten years.

{23:40} Emma's TedX Talk.

{27:20} What's next for Shared Harmonies.

 

Connect with Debbie at The Business Awards Show

Connect with Emma at:  https://www.sharedharmonies.co.uk/

Emma's TedX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnUDu8A3AUg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharedharmonies/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SharedHarmonies

LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/company/shared-harmonies-cic/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC65-xC7B2d__IVqKKJW1eXQ

Twitter/X:  https://twitter.com/SharedHarmonies

 

Today's episode features an interview with Steven Lambert, Relationship Manager for business support charity and Best Businesswomen Awards headline sponsor, Be The Business.

Be The Business is a significant contributor to business growth in the small business sector, providing mentorship and productivity programmes, research from across the sector, and campaigns for better productivity, tackling information gaps and fixed mindsets.

During our discussion, Steven talks about Be The Business, the work they do to support small businesses, and the typical challenges he regularly sees. He explains why he recommended sponsoring the Best Businesswomen Awards and why Gold and Silver winners are so important to the organisation.

Other topics include the importance of business plans, why having a business mentor can be so transformational for a business owner, and how Be The Business seeks to support female business owners as much as male ones.

This is the perfect episode for anyone looking for business support or who does not know where to turn. Steven shines a light of the small business sector and its importance on both the UK and your local economy. It may well inspire to take another look at your own business and reach out for help that could take you to the next level.

 

{1:25} What Be The Business does and Steven's role within it.

{2:00} Support offered by Be The Business.

{3:32} Be The Business Funding

{3:50} A look at the BTB mentoring programme.

{5:05} Typical business challenges.

{7:15} The difference between mentoring and productivity programmes.

{8:25} Why Be The Business was set up.

{11:35} The benefits of working with The Best Businesswomen Awards.

{12:45} The overall strategy behind supporting awards.

{15:45} How BTB supports businesswomen.

{19:07} Are their common themes in small businesses?

{22:15} Confidence and belief - do entrepreneurs have them?

{23:26} The importance of business plans.

{25:25} The BTB team and its corporate backers.

{27:15} Award winners who are mentors

{28:15} BTB's plans for 2024.

 

 

Connect with Debbie at The Business Awards Show

Connect with Steven at https://www.bethebusiness.com/ 

                                      https://www.bethebusiness.com/programmes/find-business-mentor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethebusiness/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bethebusiness/

Today's episode features an interview with Tessa Day, founder of the largest UK directory for kids activities, Club Hub UK. She also runs the Club Hub Awards for entrepreneurs working in the child activity sector.

Tessa's energy and positivity shines through in this discussion, as she covers Club Hub's activities, to the huge amount work behind entering and running awards.

She is part of f:Entrepreneur, a leading organisation celebrating the very best female entrepreneurs in the country. The connections she has made from this and by meeting awards finalists has helped her grow her business significantly in recent years.

She also tells us about the Club Hub podcast and why she enjoys talking to entrepreneurs in the child activity space so much.

For those thinking of entering awards, this is a most useful episode outlining common failings and frustrations, and how judging processes are set up to be as robust as possible.

Whether you are thinking of entering awards, or interested in the growth of a talented female entrepreneur this is an episode not to be missed.

 

{1:45} Tessa's background and the birth of Club Hub UK.

{3:32} The scale of the Club Hub website.

{4:28} Setting up the Club Hub Awards and Conference.

{6:48} What awards bring to Tessa's business.

{8:03} The benefits of connecting with other award finalists.

{10:08} The Club Hub Awards.

{12:30} The Club Hub Awards calendar.

{13:23} The frustration with last minute entries.

{14:50} The process for entering and managing awards.

{20:00} Judges entering awards.

{21:00} The challenge of rogue award programmes.

{22:29} Tessa's Club Hub Podcast.

{23:24} Tessa's advice for entrepreneurs.

 

 

 

Connect with Debbie at The Business Awards Show

Connect with Tessa at:  https://clubhubuk.co.uk/

Find out more about the Club Hub Awards here: https://clubhubuk.co.uk/club-hub-event-2024/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clubhubuk/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/clubhubapp/

LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessalrobinson/

Today's episode features an interview with Zeenat Ahmed-Peto, winner of Best Customer Service at the 2023 Best Businesswomen Awards. Given this is one of the most competitive and demanding categories to win, I was delighted to speak to Zeenat about her success.

Her approach to customer service in the therapy field makes her stand out. Once your a client of Zeenat's, she's with you for life as you will hear. 

Find out how a successful teaching career transitioned into training to become a therapist, determined to help others as she had been helped herself.

She is full of excitement about her success in this year's awards, and will explain why entering has been such a positive process and the impact could be so crucial to her business.

This is a great episode for anyone who wants ideas about enhancing their customer offering, or who are thinking about entering awards. It is also a fantastic example of an individual who had a well-established career, but decided it was time to do something different. She grabbed the opportunity with both hands and now does a job, running a business she loves.

 

{1:36} How Zeenat moved from teaching to becoming a hypnotherapist.

{3:10} Why clients come to Zeenat.

{4:45} It's not just about hypnotherapy

{6.12} The challenges of tranisitioning from teacher to businesswoman.

{8:20} The importance of connecting with other businesspeople.

{9:05} Why Zeenat entered awards.

{10:22} Zeenat's approach to customer service.

{14:45} The future of Zeenat's business.

{16:21} Zeenat's forthcoming book.

{17:08} The biggest challenges of being a small business owner in recent years.

{19:47} Face-to-face v online consultations.

{20:17} The benefit of awards.

 

Connect with Debbie at The Business Awards Show

Connect with Zeenat at https://zeenatahmedpeto.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZeenatCognitiveHypnotherapy/?locale=en_GB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeenathypnotherapy/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeenatahmedpeto/

In today's episode we have an interview with Tracy Fishburn, founder of Tracy's Treasured Keepsakes. She was the winner of a silver award at the recent Best Businesswomen Awards and also won the Best New Business Award at Biz4Biz awards in July. 

She runs an amazing business taking clothes that people cannot bear to part with that may once have belonged to a loved one, turning them into beautiful teddy bears, elephants and cushions among other things. 

In this episode you can find out how Tracy came to run her own business, even though she never consciously set out to do so. She works with a wonderful charity CHUMS, and tells us why this really matters to her.

She has benefited greatly from entering awards and tells us what a vital impact winning awards has had on her business.

Tracy makes a real difference to her customers with such a personalised product, so listen to find out how this has developed and what you could learn from her approach.

{1:47} Where the idea for Treasured Keepsakes came from.

{2:45} Tracy's previous career.

{3:02} How the business started.

{3:37} The evolution of Treasured Keepsakes.

{4:33} How Tracy learnt to sew.

{5:23} The range of Treasured Keepsakes.

{6:08} Where Tracy's customers come from.

{6:55} Tracy's business journey.

{7:54} Working with a business coach.

{8:28} Why Tracy decided to enter business awards.

{9:32} The Biz4Biz entry process and what she learned.

{10:01} Presenting to a panel of judges.

{11:52} How it felt winning the Biz4Biz award.

{13:00} Attending the Best Businesswomen Awards.

{14:00} The benefits of entering the Best Businesswomen Awards.

{15:28} What's next for Tracy.

{16:30} Why Tracy will always work alone.

{17:58} Partnering with CHUMS.

{18:40} Tracy's business challenges.

{19:38} Tracy's advice to people thinking of starting a business.

 

Connect with Debbie at The Business Awards Show

Connect with Tracy at https://www.tracystreasuredkeepsakes.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracystreasuredkeepsakes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracystreasuredkeepsakes/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tracystreasuredkeepsakes

In this interview with Alec Jones, we learn about the various businesses he has created. Those businesses include the Great British Expo, The Thames Valley and South West Awards, The Great British Business Awards, SME Today magazine, and a wonderful charity, Cherishers.   We learn about Alec's younger years, and what has driven him to build his businesses and to form his charity.    Alec explains what contributes to winning award entries, and what is likely to put judges off. You will find out the most important characteristics of award winners, and why winning awards can be so transformative for so many businesses.    He is a huge supporter of SMEs, his Expos and magazine fundamental in developing that sector. Find out how those businesses have grown and how your business could gain exposure from being part of them.   If you are thinking of entering business awards, want to grow your business, or want to learn from an entrepreneur who is passionate about giving back to his community, this podcast is for you.  

{1:53} The inspiration behind the Great British Expos.

{3:20} Launching Alec's charity , Cherishers

{5:00} Cherisher's base and activities.

{6:00} The Great British Business Awards - how they started and what they stand for.

{7:45} Ensuring judging is fair and objective.

{9:00} Why award entries don't make the final shortlist.

{10:35} The importance of financials in your award entries.

{11:15} Deciding award categories.

{13:10} Reviewing potential award winners.

{14:15} Why Tracy decided to enter business awards.

{15:15} Going to awards with the right mentality.

{17:00} Using statistics to validate entrants' success.

{18:02} Judges expectation of CSR and giving back to the community.

{19:35} Why Alec has started entering awards himself.

{20:30} The Thames Valley and South West Awards.

{22:58} Launching SME Today magazine.

{24:10} What is needed to support SME Today.

{24:54} Alec's advice to people thinking of starting a business.

{27:15} What's next for Alec.

 

 

Connect with Debbie at The Business Awards Show

Connect with Alec at http://www.greatbritishbusinessawards.co.uk/

                                  https://www.greatbritishexpos.co.uk/

                                  https://www.smetoday.co.uk/

                                  http://www.cherishers.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GBExpos/?fref=ts

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alecjoneshall/

                https://www.linkedin.com/company/sme-today/

                https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-great-british-expo/about/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKAlPFf8NZ-17-q4Dj0wOCA

               https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGviVL1O3QxCdPMTeQ8Q89Q 

Today I am joined by one of the Gold Award winners from last week's Best Business Women Awards Gala Evening, Shelley Otway. Having run her own children's stage school for nearly fifteen years, Shelley was rewarded with a Gold Award in the Children and Families category.

Shelley shares the challenges of setting up her stage school, Steppin' Out Stars of Tomorrow. She explains how she dealt with national competitors, navigated the challenges of Covid, and why entering and winning awards has been so positive for her and her business.

Like most business owners, she has faced adversity. But her resilience will provide inspiration for many who may be going through tough times or thinking of starting their own business.

{2:05} How Shelley started her business.

{4:00} The challenges of running a business.

{5.30} How the business has grown stronger.

{6.33} Dealing with Covid.

{10:20} Ten years of Steppin' Out.

{13:00} The challenges of running a stage school post-Covid.

{14:30} Why Shelley decided to enter awards.

{16:58} How Shelley managed the entry process.

{20:25} Getting press coverage.

{22:10} The impact of winning an award.

{22:35} Shelley's words of advice.

{25:35} What's next for Steppin' Out.

{26:36} Steppin' Out locations.

Connect with Debbie at The Business Awards Show

Connect with Shelley at https://www.steppinoutstars.co.uk//

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StepOutTheatre

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepouttheatre/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJYAFUizZ2AqlF08_Sb3-w

Fiona is a print journalist, business owner and award-winning TV producer/director with a fascination for people's stories all her life – ever since seeing a TV reporter in action more than 40 years ago.

Today, as a respected media consultant, recently named the UK's Top PR Adviser 2021 to 2022, prolific blogger and PR (Public Relations) trainer, Fiona cuts through all the BS false promises to get journalists truly interested in you and your stories.

In this episode, Fiona talks us through her career in journalism, building her PR company - Fiona Scott PR, and her involvement in awards from entering, judging and sponsoring. There is so much Fiona knows about the awards industry, so we are delighted to share this with you. 

{1.45} Fiona starts off by telling us the dream that sparked her career in journalism 

{2.25} How Fiona ended up working in TV but initially trained as a teacher 

{3.54} Why Fiona decided to go from being employed to self-employed (running her own PR company)

{5.00} The evolution of how we consume media from 2009 and how business is a separate skill from your original skill-set  

{6.20} When awards first cropped up on Fiona's radar

{8.00} The awards that Fiona has entered in for her business

{9.08} Awards for smaller companies (Solopreneur category) that is currently sponsored by Fiona to show her support for small businesses

{11.07} Tips from Fiona on judging awards and what she is looking for from entrants 

{14.01} Working with businesses who have won awards and how to make the most of the publicity from it

{16.16} Credibility of winning an award from a journalism perspective

{17.50} Fiona's involved in business networking and the support associated with a business community

{20.48} The launch of Fiona's podcast with a focus on PR and sharing tips within the industry

{23.25} Fiona's main piece of advice for early-on businesses 

You can find out more here:

WEBSITE: www.scottmedia.uk

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefionascott/ 

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/theFionaScott 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week's Business Awards Show looks at Bringing Awards to the Isle of Man with Louise Wheeler, founder of L C Consultancy and the Elevate You Awards. Originally from Essex, Louise ended up in the Isle of Man almost by accident. In her words it was because she and her now husband were offered a free lift from Guernsey!

Louise's Journey:

After 15 years in L&D, including four years in the gaming industry, Louise took the leap to establish LC Consulting. Starting with basic challenges like setting up professional email addresses and websites, she built a thriving consultancy specializing in leadership training, executive coaching, and organizational culture development.

Key insights from this episode:

• Why bite-size learning works - Louise delivers impactful half-day sessions (3-3.5 hours) rather than full-day programs that sap attention and effectiveness

• The power of differentiation - Louise strategically gained qualifications and licenses to offer services competitors weren't providing, making her the go-to expert on the Isle of Man

• Awards awakening - From collecting a corporate award without personal attachment to discovering the transformative power of business awards through a virtual course speaker

• Strategic award planning - After winning Director of the Year (Institute of Directors) and Woman Who Solopreneur, Louise now focuses on industry-specific awards in L&D, coaching, and culture

Creating the Elevate You Awards:

Inspired by Sandra Garlick's Woman Who awards, Louise founded Elevate You to recognize women leaders, entrepreneurs, and solo-preneurs on the Isle of Man. What started as an expectation of 30 attendees exploded into 100+ guests at an afternoon event designed for working mums.

Louise's innovative approach included afternoon timing (finishing by 3:30pm for school runs), no childcare barriers, elegant afternoon tea, and intimate celebration - deliberately different from traditional evening galas. The overwhelming feedback? "Do this every year!"

Louise's wisdom: "Say yes and do it scared" - embracing opportunities despite fear leads to unexpected success and growth.

About Louise

After leaving her senior corporate role in 2021, Lou took the leap to build a consultancy that brings together her qualifications and 15+ years of experience across leadership development, coaching, and culture transformation. Today, she specialises in helping leaders and managers grow into confident, capable, resilient, people leaders.

Alongside this work, Lou created Elevate You, a brand devoted to recognising, supporting, and empowering women in business. In 2025, she launched the Isle of Man's first-ever awards event dedicated to celebrating women, an entire platform she built from scratch while running her consuiltancy. Elevate You has grown into a community platform that champions achievement, sparks confidence, and brings ambitious women together.

Away from work, Lou is a mum and wife living in a very lively, boy-filled house. Their two Cockapoos insist on being her "worjk colleagues" and she admits they are adorable but major distractions!

 

{2:15} Why Louise left the gaming industry to set up an L&D company and an Awards programme.

{4:23} Why Louise came to live in the Isle of Man.

{7:30} The challenges running a consultancy business.

{10:34} Finding her first clients.

{14:00} The types of projects Louise works on.

{17:16} When awards first came on the radar.

{22:27} Winning an Institute of Directors' Award.

{24:05} How the Elevate You Awards were created.

{27:47} The inaugural Elevate You event in September 2025.

{28:49} The judging process.

{30:28} The number of finalists and winners.

{35:40} Turning Elevate You into a community platform.

{37:09} Louise's one nugget of wisdom.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

                                        https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Louise:  https://lcconsultancy.im/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/l-c-consultancy-limited/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089246773652

                 https://www.facebook.com/p/Elevate-You-61573836203920/

 

Today's interview with Darrin Salt is brilliant for anyone looking to enter business awards. Darrin is both a judge and sponsor of the Best Businesswomen Awards. He has also won awards for his company, The Technologies Group, a leading provider of IT services and cyber-security to SMEs.

He started out as an employee in his business in 1989, but when the owner chose to retire, he was given the opportunity to buy the business in 2010. The business has gone from strength to strength under his leadership, as he has expanded the breadth of services offered to SMEs and larger customers. This year he is launching a cutting-edge new business services platform, VaVaVoom. His aim is to help entrepreneurs and employees work seamlessly in any remote location without worrying about security or file manaagement.

As one of our most experienced judges, Darrin's insights into how to produce the best awards entries is a must listen. He has also been a sponsor for seven years and explains why he is so passionate about the Best Businesswomen Awards.

Darrin has had his own successes in business awards, explaining why being a judge inspired him to go on his own journey.

This episode will also give you some valuable insights into the world of cyber-security and why it is so important for SMEs. It really isn't only large organisations who are targeted by cybercriminals.

This is a fascinating discussion for anyone thinking of entering any business awards, or who runs their own business and needs advice about cyber-security.

{1.47} Darrin tells The Technologies Group story

{2.31} The TG client profile and the service they provide

{3.11} The launch of VaVaVoom - a new platform for a new way of working

{4.20} The launch of this exciting new platform

{5.31} What gets Darrin's interest in awards entries?

{6.21} How to increase your entry's rating

{7.33} How to make entries clear and impactful

{10.10} Why Darrin sponsors the Best Businesswomen Awards

{11.29} Darrin's own awards journey

{13.08} Darrin's biggest challenges

{15.38} Why cyber-security is so important for small businesses

{17.21} Darrin's goals for 2023

{18.09} Physical v virtual award ceremonies

You can find out more here -

WEBSITE : https://thetechnologiesgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ttgrp/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tt_grp

Amanda Fitzgerald of Amanda Fitzgerald PR is the ultimate door-opener. For the last nine years she has been helping small business owners learn how to pitch their businesses to the press, get past gatekeepers, and secure valuable media coverage. She also happens to be a wild water swimmer, so is happy to take on extreme challenges!

Amanda wasn't always a PR specialist. In her early years in business, she imported Peruvian knitwear into the UK. It was only after winning an award for her business, that she realised the power of PR and her ability to generate her own press profile. Having got her business into publications from the Daily Mail and You magazine to Marie Claire and Vogue, she realised that selling a PR service to others was more appealing than selling Peruvian knitwear.

Amanda started to help other business owners and found herself getting clients into more publications, creating her 7 Secrets on How to Pitch to the Press, and becoming passionate about training entrepreneurs in what she calls the essential business life skill of PR.

Amanda has become a sponsor of the Best Business Women Awards in 2023, and tells us why this was an easy decision for her to make and how she thinks this will benefit her business.

This is an episode that clarifies why winning awards are so pivotal in building credibility and opportunities for getting press coverage for your business. Amanda also focuses on human interest elements of her clients, getting their 'golden nuggets' that make them more than just a business owner. 

Amanda explains how entering awards, finding what makes you unique as a business and a person, and following the steps to grab media attention will make you stand out and get picked up by radio, press, or TV.

{1.40} Amanda shares her business journey, from Peruvian knitwear to PR

{7.34} The demise of the knitwear business

{10.02} How Amanda transferred her skills into a PR business

{11.25} Why Amanda became a sponsor of the Best Business Women Awards

{19.25} Amanda's advice for new business owners

{23.30} BBWA winners' PR stories 

{28.15} PR ideas you can use for your business

 

You can find out more here -

WEBSITE : https://amandapr.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafitzgeraldpr/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/amandaprexpert

Jen and Sue Blackwell are a dynamic mother-and-daughter duo who are changing the lives of people with learning disabilities through dance. They created Dance Syndrome in 2009 and it was registered as a charity in 2013. They strive to continue to provide new and exciting opportunities for people who may otherwise be excluded from mainstream dance. We believe that everyone has the right to follow their own interests and passions – whether they have a disability or not.

Sue said ' Jen wanted to follow her dream of being a dancer and dance leader. Jen went to mainstream school and whilst there she realised how much she loved to dance and decided that she wanted to become a community dance worker. After leaving school, Jen found herself in the frustrating position of not being able to fulfil her ambition because there was no suitable dance training for a person with a learning disability. After 10 years of unsuccessfully searching for training that was appropriate and inclusive, it became clear that many others were in the same situation. Something needed to change so we took matters into our own hands."

Dance Syndrome has an equal number of learning-disabled and non-disabled company members, and provides inclusive dance and leadership opportunities for people who believe disability need not be a barrier to living life to the full. All dance activity is led and informed by people with learning disabilities. Dance Syndrome activities give people confidence, respect, value and self-belief through our philosophy of 'anything is possible even though you have a learning disability. 

 

{0.20} What is Dance Syndrome 

{1.28} Sue and Jen talk about the journey of Dance Syndrome 

{4.22} The demand for Dance Syndrome and its growth across the North West 

{5.12} Future expansion across the UK 

{6.01} Different awards Dance Syndrome have won

{8.22} The biggest highlight for Sue and Jen

{9.00} Future Plans for Dance Syndrome 

{13.10} How you can get involved with Dance Syndrome 

{15.01} Dance Syndrome's top tips

 

Find out more here:

 Website: https://dancesyndrome.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DancesyndromeUK/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dancesyndromeuk/

Caroline Marshall is the founder of a multi-award-winning Virtual Assistant Agency, Upsource; a large team of Virtual Assistants who provide Business and Virtual Assistance, Lifestyle support, Events and Social Media services to Entrepreneurs, HNWs, Startups and SMEs. 

Having a background in Personal Assistance, Business Support and Events, she transitioned to the Virtual Assistant industry in 2016, firstly as an employed VA, and then ultimately launched her own agency in July 2020. Upsource has seen significant growth throughout 2022 and enjoys sharing how she lived by her outsourcing values to get there.

Caroline and her tips have been featured in the Metro, Daily Mail, Grazia, Stylist, Waitrose Magazine and The Guardian. Caroline Marshall believes anyone can achieve success when they have the right support in all areas of their life and business. 

Outsourcing administration doesn't have to be a luxury; it can be a way of life. Working with Upsource will help you to focus on what really matters to you, clear those big goals and work towards your dreams. They can take you by the hand if you need it or just work alongside you to understand the best way we can empower you to achieve success.

 

{1.34} Caroline shares her background, why she decided to create her business 'Upsource' and balancing work and motherhood. 

{3.20} The services that Upsource offers

{4.04} Why Caroline started entering into business awards 

{5.36} Caroline talks about her first business award win 'The Newcomer Award'

{7.21} Winning awards and becoming a judge for future awards 

{9.20} Caroline shares some business tips and how she has overcome adversity 

{10.47} Business training and support Caroline has undertaken to help her grow Upsource whilst also being a mother

{12.16} Business networking and the positive impact this has had on Caroline's business

{13.03} Future plans for Upsource

{14.00} Discussing podcasts and The Business Awards Show 

 

You can find out more here -

WEBSITE : https://weareupsource.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinep...

Instagram: www.instagram.com/weareupsource

Kate Adam is an awards expert with an impressive track record of helping businesses from all sectors win business awards. She has honed her craft over many years, backed by a wealth of marketing expertise. Her talent is creating and writing award-winning entries to help businesses get the recognition they deserve. Over 90% of her clients reach awards finals, and 60% have won awards locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. In 2022 two of her clients won 6 national awards between them! Kate works hard to drill down the figures, get underneath the business and tell the story so a judging panel can assess the information clearly and concisely. If you need help with your award entries, speak to Kate Adam.

 

{1.35} Kate introduces herself, talking about her business and business journey so far in marketing

{2.25} Going self-employed in 2006 and how networking benefited her business 

{3.18} Kate's initial experience with helping her clients enter award shows 

{5.47} Questions Kate asks a business who comes to her asking whether or not they should enter an award 

{9.38} The process Kate takes a client through with award entries 

{11.15} How to get the right evidence together for award entries

{15.30} What is the WOW factor within award entries at The Best Businesswoman Awards 

{16.56} Why a business owner would use Kate's services instead of writing an award entry themself

{21.21} The benefits of using Kate's services

{25.30} Kate's top tips for award entries 

{27.30} Future plans for Kate's business, Meredith Marketing 

 

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateadam/

Website: www.meredithmarketing.co.uk

Lynne Parker founded Funny Women in 2002 in response to a misogynist comedy promoter who told her that 'women aren't funny'. She went on to create the Funny Women Awards and 20 years on, the rest is history. 

Funny Women is now an acclaimed not-for-profit community for women to build self-confidence and develop their own distinctive voice. Lynne describes it as her 'life's work' providing a safe, diverse, creative platform that empowers women to perform, write and use humour in business and everyday life.  

In addition to producing comedy shows and running events, Lynne is a renowned performance coach encouraging people in business and public life to 'Stand Up to Stand Out'. Borrowing techniques from the world of stand-up comedy, Lynne has developed workshops and runs events under the HERlarious brand to improve self-confidence, develop presentation skills and build teams. Her work empowers many women both professionally and personally to have a voice.

Lynne brings her two worlds together in her podcast, HOW TO HAVE FUN AT WORK, with guests from both comedy and business.

 

{1.35} Lynne introduces Funny Women and what it's all about

{6.24} The criteria for Funny Women 

{6.40} The different awards at Funny Women 

{10.34} Being a founder of a not-for-profit company, Lynne talks about the other aspects of her career by hosting workshops and training courses. 

{14.35} 'Stand Up to Stand Out' - the in-person workshop hosted by Lynne to find your funny

{21.51} Needing more humour in business and how Lynne has helped propel careers through her Awards 

{23.20} Lynne talks through her podcast "How to have fun at work" and more detail about what that is about

{24.40} Awards Lynne has entered herself and her experience entering awards

 

Find out more below: 

www.funnywomen.com

www.herlarious.co.uk

 Facebook: @wearefunnywomen

Twitter: @funnywomen @funnywomenlynne

Instagram: @funny_women @funnywomenlynne

LinkedIn personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynneparker/

LinkedIn company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/313141/admin/

In this interview, we speak to Sophie, who founded Catering Elite, a recruitment company, 20 years ago to fulfil a need for reliable catering staff for hospitality businesses and events.

Sophie shares her business story and how she has grown her business to an impressive client list. We discuss why awards have been important to her as a profile raiser.

 

{1.22} Sophie introduces Catering Elite and how she became a specialist in the industry

{2.44} What inspired Sophie to create her business 20 years ago 

{3.44} Operating in a niche sector

{4.46} When Sophie discovered business awards, and awards she has entered 

{5.40} Sophies award strategy for her business 

{7.45} Being an awards judge and advice for businesses who enter 

{10.02} Working in the hospitality industry during Covid and how Sophie kept her business going

{12.02} Other challenges Sophie has faced over the past 20 years in business 

{15.04} How Sophie has used customer service to retain her customers for two decades 

{18.01} Sophie shares some wisdom; how she has kept going no matter what 

 

Find out more here

Website: https://cateringelite.co.uk/current-jobs/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CATERING01/?ref=hl

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cateringelite_/

 

 

In this interview, we talk to Trusha Lakhani, Business Coach and FD

Trusha has worked in business since she was a child and was involved in her family business - the manufacture, distribution and retail of soft drinks. She went on to study and qualify as an accountant, where she quickly gained a senior position. After many years doing this, she decided to focus on the parts she enjoyed and started a business coaching business combining this with working as an outsourced Finance Director.

She offers 121 coaching and group coaching programmes, helping businesses take their company to the next level. Trusha discusses her business journey and what winning the Best Customer Service Gold Award in 2022 and Silver Award for Best Coach have meant to her business. 

 

{1.40} Trusha introduces herself and talks about what exactly she does 

{3.40} Where Trusha's awards journey began

{5.38} How is Trusha's 121 business structured, and what does she do as a Finance Director

{7.58} The challenges that Trusha sees businesses go through

{9.48} Winning awards for customer service 

{13.04} Future business plans for 2023 and beyond 

{14.27} Advice for any struggling businesses out there 

 

You can find out more below - 

Website: https://trushalakhani.co.uk/

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/trushalakhani/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@trushalakhani4792/videos

In this interview, we talk to the founder of mySpike, Veebha Parmar.

Veebha's love of cooking inspired her to create a vertical cooking tool that helps you make delicious roasts, meals in the oven or on the BBQ. mySpike is a best-selling product and now has a spice range.

Veebha shares her story, the ups and downs of starting a business from scratch through to winning Best Product at the Best Businesswomen Awards 2022.

 

{1.20} Veebha explains what exactly mySpike is and how she created it 

{2.12} Inventing the product and the journey of taking it to market 

{3.38} Developing the brand and creating a spice range

{3.58} Marketing tactics Veebha has used for mySpike 

{6.10} How Veebha juggles being a mum of 2 alongside her business

{7.10} Entering awards and Veebha's thought process behind that

{10.03} Working with PR agencies after winning Best Product at the Best Businesswomen Awards 2022

{10.44} Veebha shares some great advice for anyone struggling in the product business

{12.01} Sharing recipes across mySpike's social media

{12.44} Veebha's favourite mySpike recipe 

{13.04} Seeing customers being creative with their own mySpike creations 

{13.32} Future goals for mySpike 

 

You can find out more about mySpike below - 

Website: https://myspike.co.uk/pages/story

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_myspike/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myspike

In this interview, we speak to Sharmini Thomas, founder of Sharmini's Indian Cuisine. We talk business and why awards have been so important to her business success. Sharmini has won many awards, including Best Consumer Business in the Best Businesswomen Awards 2022.

Renowned for her delicious authentic curries, Sharmini has bested some of York's top Indian Chefs, including Bengal Brasserie, Jaipur Spice, and Rafi's Spice Box, by winning The Yorkshire Vision Curry Contest. Her curry was voted by 95% of the public as being in the top three.

Through her cookery classes, her business unravels and helps customers to understand the mysteries of Indian Cuisine, including the proportion of ingredients used, the layering of spices and why you need a keen sense of smell!

Sharmini Thomas, originally from Kerala, is a York-based Cookery Tutor who began conducting Indian Cooking Courses through the City of York's Adult Education over 20 years ago. In the year 2008, she decided to take the reins and start her own cookery school, which led to the conception of Sharmini's Inspirational Indian Cuisine.

 

 

{1.51} Sharmini begins by talking about when she began cooking and how she began her business

{3.13} How Sharmini developed her reputation and skills as an elite cookery tutor 

{3.47} We talk about recipes and how Sharmini created her style

{4.46} The format for Sharmini's cooking classes; how to book, what you'll learn etc 

{7.57} Awards: When and why Sharmini started to enter and the benefits

{9.17} Entering the Best Businesswoman Awards 2022 and how Sharmini found out about it 

{9.50} The big bonuses of entering awards for her business

{11.06} Sharmini talks about expanding her business, selling her 19 spices range and recipe book online 

{12.17} Challenges Sharmini has had to overcome in business 

{13.30} Different awards Sharmini has entered 

{14.40} Earning the title of "The Curry Queen" and the positive publicity

{15.38} Sharmini gives out her best business tips to keep you motivated! 

{16.35} How showcasing reviews can have an amazing reaction to your business 

(17.15} Future plans for Sharmini's Indian Cuisine

 

 

You can find out more here

WEBSITE: https://cookery.sharmini.co.uk/

Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/SharminisIndianCuisine/

You Tube : https://www.youtube.com/user/SharminiCookery

Join Debbie Gilbert from The Business Awards Show to find out How to Win at Awards with Stephanie Brown. Stef is an expert awards consultant with an impressive 88% success rate across 500+ award entries.

She shares her unique journey from professional dancer in Montreal to becoming a sought-after awards specialist in the UK. After working in creative agencies for 15 years, she discovered her talent for crafting winning award entries that combine creative storytelling with analytical thinking.

Key insights from this episode:

• Why award strategy matters more than simply entering awards; align entries with your business objectives (business development, recruitment, or investment readiness)
• The importance of context in award entries - big numbers mean nothing without proper framing and comparison
• How to identify when you're not "award ready" and why waiting can save money and credibility
• Red flags to avoid in pay-to-play awards: mandatory expensive winner packages, charging judges to participate, unclear judging criteria, forcing attendance, and public voting systems
• Why you should announce being shortlisted, not just winning - it's valuable PR at every stage
• The dreaded "oh sh*t moment" - why last-minute entries rarely succeed and how to create an awards schedule instead

Stephanie emphasizes that winning isn't the end goal - it's about creating valuable content you can leverage across your marketing channels. Furthermore, with her marketing background, she helps clients maximize their award investment beyond just winning a trophy.

Whether you're considering entering awards or want to improve your success rate, this episode provides invaluable guidance on navigating the awards landscape ethically and strategically.

About Stephanie

Stephanie became an independent awards and case study consultant in 2009, after 15 years as an in-house marketer at various creative agencies. She works with clients to define their awards strategy, identify what to enter, and to write copy/provide advice for winning entries. She has over 500 entries under her belt and an 88% shortlist success rate. Stef also helps to review entries written by her clients.

What has she learned over the years? Everyone loves to win awards. It's bright and shiny recognition you can feel good about. But entering (and winning) awards should be more than that. People decide they need to enter awards, they don't actually think about why they should do so. That's where they can go wrong – and potentially waste a lot of time and money. It's all about defining the exact reasons why to enter awards, how they support business/brand objectives, and what you hope to achieve if and when you win them.  

Prior to her marketing and awards career, she was a professional dancer, choreographer and lighting designer. Originally from Canada, she's lived in the UK since 1992. Outside of work, her passions include dancing Argentine Tango and cultivating exotic orchid genera.

 

{1:30} Stef's journey into award-writing.

{7:23} Applying strategy to entering awards.

{8:58} Identifying the right awards and collating information that will increase  your chances of                     winning.

{12:18} How to manage clients who aren't award ready.

{13:59} Unethical award programmes.

{14:44} How to spot the red flags of poor awards.

{17:41} Justifying entry fees but why judges should not be paying for the privilege.

{20:54} Charging extortionate fees for winning is not right!

{22:51} Publicising being a finalist, not just a winner.

{25:05} The problem with awards based on public votes.

{26:36} Stef's key awards tips.

{29:29} Deadline extensions are wrong!

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

                                        https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Stephanie:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefbrown/

 

Kirsty Gale is the Founder & CEO of Red Carpet Ready, which is the UK's Largest Dress Specialist located near Lincoln.

Kirsty is a successful entrepreneur & a well-respected expert in her field of Evening, Pageant, Prom & Red Carpet Gowns. Her achievements with Red Carpet Ready include winning Best Business 2022, Businesswoman of the Year, New Business of the Year & Prom Queen on Channel 5.

As well as a highly successful, in-demand retailer, Kirsty is also a fashion designer with her own dress label, RCR EXCLUSIVES, which is now manufactured globally. This Collection was conceived & developed during the first Covid 19 lockdown in 2020 & has since grown to be highly successful in its own right.

 

{1.10} The journey Kirsty embarked on setting up Red Carpet Ready 

{2.00} Leaving the corporate world and finding a niche 

{5.37} The challenges Kirsty has faced over the last few years with her business 

{7.26} How Kirsty coped with the pandemic and the creation of RCR EXCLUSIVES 

{10.12} The thought process behind entering awards and how they have helped Kirsty

{16.48} Top business tips from Kirsty

{18.04} Future plans for the Red Carpet Ready 

 

You can find out more about Red Carpet Ready here

Website: https://www.redcarpetready.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redcarpetreadylincoln/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redcarpetreadyltd

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@redcarpetreadylincoln

 

 

 

"Bromley's most thoughtful nursery and preschool." Founded by Natasha Eftekhari, The Lodge Preschool and Nursery has rapidly grown into a great success story, winning The Best New Business at the 2022 Best Businesswomen Awards. She was also a Silver Winner in the Children and Families category.

In this interview, Natasha shares her story of why she set up a nursery and discusses her business journey so far.

 

{1.15} Why Natasha started a pre-school 

{2.20} What Natasha did before she began The Lodge Childcare 

{2.40} Natasha reflects on her time in business so far 

{5.08} How Natasha navigated her business during Covid

{8.05} Natasha's thoughts on entering the business awards

{12.05} General challenges Natasha faces in the childcare industry 

{13.50} Future award entries and the benefits of entering awards 

{15.37} How online reviews have had a positive impact on The Lodge

{17.47} Graduating from The Lodge Preschool and Nursery

{18.00} Long-term plans and future expansion for the business 

{18.55} Advice for anyone wanting to start or grow their business

{19.45} Employing a business coach and the extra support you can get

 

 

You can find out more about The Lodge Preschool and Nursery below:

Website: https://www.thelodgechildcare.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelodgechildcare/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelodgechildcare/

 

 

 

 

 

Maggie Sarfo is the CEO of Meres Consult, a business management consultant agency in London. She enables leaders, entrepreneurs and individuals to explore new ways of being, leading and growing exponentially through advisory & mentoring services.

In this interview, Debbie and Maggie discuss the world of judging, what judges look for, what excites them about entries and all the top tips. 

 

{1.30} Maggie introduces Meres Consult Ltd

{3.35} Maggie reflects on her 19 years in business 

{6.54} Maggie talks about owning The Athena Network in London and what they do

{10.31} Maggie shares her thoughts on the judging at the 2022 Best Businesswoman Awards 

{12.58} What stands out in award entries

{18.14} How to improve award entries

{20.10} Maggie talks about what she likes to see in award entries

{22.09} The added benefits of reaching the final of an award show

{25.19} Maggie's top business tips for struggling businesses 

 

Connect with Maggie:

Website: https://www.maggiesarfo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesarfo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-sarfo

 

This is about sharing your story with our judges, the triumphs, the challenges, and the achievements.

Find out more about the awards at

— https://www.bestbusinesswomenawards.com

--How to enter

https://www.bestbusinesswomenawards.com/about-the-awards/

 

 

 

Interview with Pippa Birch, founder of Pipster Solutions. Pipster Solutions provides practical help for winning work dealing with professional public procurement bid and tender services. They can provide anything from writing one or two responses to full comprehensive bid management.

In this interview, Pippa shares her 10-year business journey culminating in her winning Best Businesswomen in Business Services 2022 in The Best Businesswomen Awards 2022.

{2.02} Pippa explains what Pipster Solutions is and what the business does

{3.49} Pipster Solutions and Covid-19

{5.30} The first steps to taking on staff 

{6.42} Pippa explains where she finds her work 

{7.35} Pippa explains what the phrase 'writing bids' means 

{10.44} What was Pippa's thought process behind entering awards

{11.49} Pippa's award journey

{13.04} Being a Silver winner last year in the Best Business Women Awards and coming back for Gold

{15.30} Future plans for awards 

{18.00} Top business tips 

 

You can find out more about Pipster Solutions

Website: https://pipster-solutions.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pipster-solutions-ltd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PipsterSolutions

David Bell is a highly accomplished, multi-award-winning company director, entrepreneur, executive business advisor, technology expert, keynote speaker and chat show host. He is passionate about helping others succeed and driving businesses to their full potential. Starting his entrepreneurial journey in 1995 at the tender age of seventeen, David Co-founded APC Solutions – now recognised as a leading provider of wireless communications solutions. Twenty years on, it's now a multimillion-pound company delivering projects in the UK, Europe, South Africa, North America and the Middle East.

In 2013 David founded Simboc Limited, a business consultancy and management company providing bespoke services to other organisations. Motivated by his passion for seeing others reach their potential, David greatly enjoys mentoring and coaching others to help them realise their dreams and business goals.

 

{1.42} David introduces his business journey and how he created the pathway for SIMBOC

{3.20} What is SIMBOC

{3.50} What sectors SIMBOC works with 

{5.15} David talks about being a member of the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses)

{8.15} Some of the best things David has seen in an award entry 

{9.42} Tips for showcasing evidence when it comes to award entries 

{11.59} What to avoid in award entries 

{12.50} Entering more than one award and how it can be a good marketing tool 

{15.20} David gives advice for businesses to help manoeuvre them through the current economic climate 

{18.47} What is Chatbox TV?

 

David is a judge for The Best Businesswomen Awards and The FSB Awards and in this interview shares his thoughts on judging awards.

For more information about David and Simboc

Website: https://simboc.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Simboc/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simboc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/simbocLtd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simbocgroup/

Emma is the founder of Choose to Grow L&D Ltd, bringing a fresh, systematic and energising approach to learning and development. Choose to Grow has a proven track record for building capacity and confidence in teams, increasing staff skills and knowledge base, and has delivered outstanding results for their clients, leading to Emma winning the Best Coach award in the Best Businesswomen Awards 2023.

 

{2.09} Emma recaps her 2022 year in business and business award shows

{3.38} Emma talks about her business journey and becoming the founder of Choose to Grow L&D Ltd 

{4.32} Emma mentions the industries and clients her business works with

{5.10} Emma gives examples of what she would do with a business

{6.14} Emma highlights some weaknesses in businesses that she comes across more regularly 

{7.42} How Emma dealt with the pandemic and its effects on business 

{9.30} Where Emma finds her business leads and how that has changed 

{10.20} Why Emma thought awards would be a good pathway for her business 

{13.15} Post-award benefits 

{18.15} Emma gives a couple of great tips for entrepreneurs to take away 

{20.10} Advice for struggling businesses 

{21.20} Choose to Grow future 12-month plan

 

You can find out more about Emma below:

Website : https://www.choosetogrow.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/choose-to-grow/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PIVOTwithCTG

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoFxc7vmyOx7bPgtyyZKZ5Q

 

Connect with Debbie:

We love to connect and share success on social media — Check out our channels below:

Twitter : https://twitter.com/bbwomenawards

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/bestbusinesswomenawards

Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/bestbusinesswomenawards

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-business-women-awards 

 

Kath Reynolds is the founder of Balance Recruitment an independent, multi-award winning Legal Finance recruitment consultancy, exclusively within the legal sector, with a UK & international client base. Based in London, Balance is the 'go-to' firm for the Legal accounts space in the city. Kath and her business have won 17 awards, and in this interview we discuss her business journey, and why awards have been so important in her business.

{1.36} Kath introduces her business called Balance, and the origins of its inception 

{4.20} Kath talks about how the pandemic affected her business and rebuilding 

{5.13} Kath mentions her thought process behind business awards for the recruitment industry

{6.57} How business awards can strengthen new business pitching

{9.29} Where the name Balance recruitment came from 

{11.38} Kath shares her passion for CSR (Corporate social responsibility) 

{13.00} Are employers cutting back on recruitment at the moment? 

{15.50} Advice for any type of business to see them through the tricky times 

{18.06} Plans for Balance in 2023 

{20.07} Entering more awards next year 

-------------------------------------------

You can contact Balance recruitment via-

Website Balance Recruitment - https://www.balancerecruitment.com/

LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/bala...

Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/BalanceRecru...

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/balancerecr...

Enfys Maloney is the founder of Sales Training with Enfys Her professional purpose is to help and inspire women to achieve more. To run rewarding, high-yielding businesses that allow them the lead the life they crave.

In this interview, we talk about her journey from travel expert to sales training during the pandemic. We discussed why she decided to enter The Best Businesswomen Awards and went on to win a Silver Award.

{1.37} Enfys talks about her journey of navigating the devastating impacts of the pandemic on her travel business 

{2.51} Creating Sales Training with Enfys

{3.45} How Enfys delivers her sales training

{5.37}  What kind of businesses join Enfys programme

{6.43}  What industries Enfys operates her business in 

{8.35} Enfys shares some results of her training from one of her clients  

{11.20} Enfys talks about how she discovered The Best Businesswoman Awards  

{12.40} What you need to enter into awards 

{14.34} How entering awards helped align Enfys business strategy 

{17.36} Two tips from Enfys 

{18.53} Getting in touch with Enfys 

Today I am interviewing Olivia Marocco from Brand You Magazine, a bi-monthly magazine dedicated towards female entrepreneurs. 

The magazine is the brainchild of multi-business owner, Olivia. While dividing her home between the U.K. and France, wanderlust has taken her around the globe, making a name for herself as a sought-after talent and creative lifestyle photographer in the luxury destination wedding market and the world of international corporate events of all genres.

{1.22} Olivia shares her business journey and where she is at now

{2.18} Olivia breaks down the content featured in Brand You Magazine

{4.15} Olivia talks about being a judge on the judging panel

{4.45} Experience as a new judge 

{6.15} Tips regarding what to include in award entries 

{8.22} Awards Olivia has entered this year 

{9.47} The advantages of having a business award 

{11.11} PR tips once you've won an award and getting published 

{11.50} Olivia talks about the next edition of Brand You Magazine 

{13.03} Getting noticed - compelling messages to publications 

{13.47} Applying for a feature in Brand You Magazine 

{14.40} Business tips from Olivia 

{15.39} Future plans for Brand You Magazine 

{16.40} Buying or subscribing to the magazine 

 

Connect with Debbie at:

https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk/

Subscribe to Brand You Magazine: 

https://brandyoumagazine.co.uk/subscribe/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandyoumagazinedigital

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandyou_magazine/

In this interview with Liz Drury, we discuss the Voice Over Industry and why Awards have been important to Liz both as an entrant and as a judge.

Liz has been working as a voiceover artist since 2013 initially starting her career in America and then coming back to the UK in 2014. Liz has since worked on projects for films, radio and TV commercials, documentaries, telephony, corporate narration, e-learning and audio tours.

To get an in-depth insight into the Voice Over industry, this is an episode you don't want to miss. 

{1.30} - Liz explains how her business journey started in America 

{2.46} - Liz talks about going to college and studying 

{3.06} - Starting a career in Voice Over work 

{4.52} - Different types of Voice Over roles 

{6.13} - Entering awards and the thought process behind it 

{7.30} - Voice Over awards and being a finalist 

{8.18} - Different categories within Voice Over awards 

{8.44} - Liz talks about her experience as a judge at Voice Over awards

{9.07} - The Radio awards and what they are 

{9.23} - Liz talks about her podcast and how it started 

{12.30} - Liz mentions the small business 100 community and its positive impacts on her business 

{15.39} - The origins of f:Entrepreneur 

{16.00} - 'I Also 100' community and the benefits 

{17.12} - Awards can be a vehicle towards a community 

{18.10} - Liz talks about how she met one of her podcast guests at an awards show 

{19.19} - Liz shares her biggest tip to market her business 

 

Connect with Debbie at:

https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk/

Connect with Liz at:

https://lizdrury.com/about-me/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Liz.Drury.Voiceovers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizdruryvo/

The Joy of Real Indian Food is this week's brilliant discussion on the Business Awards Show. Founder of Tikka and Tadka,  Roshni talks about her journey from NHS worker to award-winning Indian catering entrepreneur.

Roshni's Journey:

After years in the NHS, Roshni launched her authentic Indian home-style cooking business in April 2020 - right as lockdown hit. Instead of postponing, she pivoted to local curry nights in her village, which became so popular they evolved into her signature curry box service.

The Mission:

Roshni's passion is educating people about authentic Indian cuisine versus the Bangladeshi-influenced "Indian" food commonly served in UK restaurants. She uses family recipes passed down through four generations, techniques learned from her mother in Kolkata, and dishes collected from friends across different regions of India.

Business Model:

• Curry Boxes: Pre-ordered weekly meal boxes with five different curries, delivered fresh and chilled on Thursdays across Oxfordshire
• Weddings: 3-4 weddings annually (already booked three for next year)
• Corporate Catering: Specializing in Indian street food, not traditional curry
• Supper Clubs: Quarterly events showcasing Bengali cuisine, including fusion menus like English pub classics with Bengali spices

Award Success:

Roshni won silver at The Best Businesswomen Awards after being encouraged to apply by others - the recognition provided crucial local exposure and customer trust.

Future Plans:

Roshni aims to expand the catering business while opening her own café serving diverse authentic Indian dishes beyond curry.

About Roshni:

Roshni is the founder and chef behind Tikka & Tadka, an Oxfordshire-based Indian catering business. She brings homestyle, regional Indian cooking to local homes and events, specialising in weekly curry boxes, private catering, pop-ups, and supper clubs. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and authentic flavours, Roshni combines traditional techniques with a modern approach to delivering memorable dining experiences.

 

 

{2:14} The journey from the NHS to Indian cooking.

{4:36} The drive to start a food business.

{6:48} The difference between Indian and Bangladeshi food.

{9:24} The challenge of catering for weddings.

{9:50} Indian food is  not just curry.

{10:46} Roshni's curry boxes.

{13:10} Running supper clubs.

{14:03} Turning supper club clients into curry box customers.

{14:53} How awards came on the radar.

{16:43} The challenges of building Tikka and Tadka.

{19:10} Roshni's marketing strategy.

{20:06} Longer term plans.

{21:54} Meeting Prue Leith.

{22:27} Roshni's approach to networking.

{23:46} Advice for setting up a food business.

{25:08} The challenge of running a business while having young children.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

                                        https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                       

Connect with Roshni:  https://www.tikkaandtadka.com/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshni-ray-8172342b/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Tikkaandtadka

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tikka_and_tadka/

 

Today I am interviewing Monika Johnson, a multiple award-winning owner of Super Sparkle UK, a leading children's party business. Monika was a drama teacher but in 2013 left to set up Super Sparkle. She wanted to offer kids the opportunity to get the most from their imaginations at fun-filled parties.

Her business grown over the last nine years and now she has a team of entertainers, teachers and musicians delivering amazing experiences at not just children's parties but corporate events too.

Monika talks to us about how she came to start Super Sparkle UK, the change of direction she went through, and her passion for community in her business.

For all those interested in business awards, Monika shares her experience of applying and winning many prestigious awards and what they have done for her business. She also explains her vision for the future.

As a mother of three, with her family dog, Monika has plenty to juggle in her busy life. But this podcast will show how vision, strategy and execution can really take a business forward no matter what obstacles come along. If you want to know more about why business awards can be so transformative, and how to target those that are right for you, this is a discussion you should listen to closely.

{1:30} - Monika explains why she left teaching and started her business

{2:30} - How Monika found her vision

{2:57} - Problems with branding and a change of direction

{4:04} - Applying for awards

{5:38} - Monika's process for selecting the right awards for her business

{7:18} - Winning a 'Woman Who Creates' Award

{8:35} - Sparklemouse and his adventures

{9:12} - Monika's Club Hub Community Awards

{10:45} - The Small Awards and the changing application process

{12:04} - The plan for 2023

{14:59} - What awards have brought to Super Sparkle UK

Connect with Debbie at:

https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk/

Connect with Monika at:

https://www.supersparkle.co.uk/about/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperSparkleparties/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supersparkleparties/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTdSMicCOJkMCJMOIwwHSgQ

Today my guest Is Ronia Fraser, an internationally renowned Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Coach. Ronia is a Best Businesswomen Awards Silver Award Winner and has won other prestigious awards as her coaching business has grown.

Find out how Ronia's own significant personal challenges led her to train as a coach in this very specific and sadly growing field. As a result she became an internationally certified trauma recovery coach and a clinical hypnotherapist. Consequently, she is able to help a wide variety of people who have suffered this very specific form of abuse.

In our interview, Ronia tells us about her journey from working in the music business in California, to becoming an abuse recovery coach. This led her to set up her own business and winning multiple awards. Ronia's experience has helped her follow a successful awards strategy, enjoying the beneficial impact winning can have. By listening to this interview, you too could create an effective plan for awards success.

This is an insightful discussion, a great example of somebody who has overcome adversity to turn a great challenge into a huge positive. Listen today and get inspired!

{1:12} What is Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Coaching?

 

{1:52} Ronia's journey to becoming a coach

 

{7:05} Why do clients come to Ronia?

 

{9:31} How clients find Ronia

 

{10:29} Why Ronia started entering awards

 

{13:52} Ronia's awards success story

 

{17:54} What media exposure did awards bring?

 

{20:25} Ronia's plans for 2022 and the future

 

Connect with Debbie at:

www.thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Ronia at:

Website: www.roniafraser.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rocknrollcoachroni

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rocknrollcoachroni

 

Today I chat to Hanne Grice of Hannah Grice Pet Training and Behaviour. Hannah was a double silver winner at the 2021 Best Businesswomen Awards, being selected in both the Animal Services and highly competitive Customer Service categories.

 

Hanne has loved animals all her life. While working on The Big Breakfast she met someone who introduced her to animal behaviour studies. She never looked back. Today's podcast discusses what an animal behaviourist does and why their help can be so important to pet owners. We find out how much research and effort goes into being an animal behaviourist and how highly qualified Hanne has become. We also talk about the importance of customer service and how it drives Hanne's business.

 

Hanne tells us why she has chosen to enter numerous awards in recent years and what they have done for her business. She also explains why she loves the Best Businesswomen Awards and how entering helped her review her business with critical eyes.

 

If you are an animal lover who is interested to find out how someone gets into this line of work, or you want evidence that awards can really drive your business forward, don't miss this episode.

 

{1:55} The Big Breakfast to Animal Behaviourist – Hanne's story

 

{4:00} What motivated Hanne to train further to reach where she is today and what did that look like?

 

{7:22} The common problems Hanne sees with pets

 

{11:22} The challenges Hanne has faced in 16 years of running her business

 

{14:20} Hanne's motivation for entering awards and what they've done for her business

 

{16:40} How awards have increased awareness of Hanne's business and industry

 

{19:45} Hanne's plans for 2022 and the future

 

Connect with Debbie @The Business Awards Show

 

Connect with Hanne @HanneGrice.com

 

Facebook @Hannegricebehaviour

 

Twitter @Hannegrice