Winners
Our 2025 Winners will be announced on Friday 26th September 2025 (4pm / 9pm) at The Crown Plaza, Marlow and will be posted here on 27th September 2025 along with the judges comments.
Business of the Year
Shield Services
Testimonial
Shield Services Group has shown outstanding leadership and innovation across multiple specialist sectors, from asbestos removal and scaffolding to marine and fire protection. With over 45 years of expertise, a 350-strong team, and nationwide coverage, they have built a business that combines scale with quality and trust. Their commitment to safety, customer satisfaction, and social value makes them a truly deserving winner of
Business of the Year.
Female Entrepreneur of The Year
Suzette Thomas
Testimonial
Suzette’s journey demonstrates the strength of combining entrepreneurial vision with genuine care for others. She has grown her business while maintaining an unwavering focus on quality, dignity, and service, earning admiration from peers and communities alike. Her tireless dedication during the pandemic, commitment to her staff, and ability to create meaningful community impact make her a truly inspiring female entrepreneur. A deserving recipient of Female Entrepreneur of the Year.
New Start-Up of The Year
Done For You Sales Agency
Testimonial
Done For You Sales Agency has made an immediate and impressive impact in the start-up landscape. With a clear focus on delivering results, they provide businesses with tailored sales strategies that accelerate growth and free entrepreneurs to concentrate on their core strengths. Their rapid success, client-focused model, and innovative approach to outsourced sales make them a standout winner of
New Start-Up of the Year.
Young Entrepreneur of The Year
Cameron Thomas Mills
Testimonial
Cameron Mills embodies the spirit of youthful innovation and bold leadership. Through the Cameron Mills Group, he has turned creative passion into a thriving enterprise, giving aspiring musicians and artists tangible opportunities to grow. His vision, drive, and early success make him an exemplary recipient of Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
The SME of The Year
EMS Lifts Ltd
Testimonial
EMS Lifts Ltd has demonstrated excellence as an independent, family-run business with over 35 years of expertise. Their customer-first ethos, commitment to independence, and investment in the UK’s largest stairlift showroom showcase both innovation and care. EMS’s reputation for quality, trust, and community focus makes them an outstanding SME of the Year.
The Employer of The Year
ServiceMaster Clean by Deeland
Testimonial
ServiceMaster Clean by Deeland truly puts people at the heart of its business. By transitioning into an Employee Ownership Trust, the company has empowered staff, giving them a genuine stake in its future. With over 30 years of expertise, their culture of respect, collaboration, and opportunity makes them an exemplary employer where individuals feel valued and invested. A shining example of what makes an outstanding employer
The Apprentice of The Year
Aimee Empson
Testimonial
Starting her career in care straight from school, Aimee has shown remarkable drive and passion for supporting others. She has quickly developed into a skilled and dependable member of her team, consistently demonstrating maturity beyond her years. Her growth, dedication, and positive impact highlight a bright future in the care profession and set her apart as a truly valued colleague. y putting the needs of others at the heart of everything she does, Aimee is already making a meaningful difference to the lives of those she serves.
The Charity of The Year
The Link Visiting Scheme
Testimonial
The Link Visiting Scheme has made an extraordinary impact in tackling loneliness and social isolation, connecting over 1,000 older adults with volunteers. Their commitment to building lasting friendships and improving wellbeing has transformed countless lives across Wokingham Borough. A shining example of compassion in action, they represent the very best of the charity sector!
Outstanding Contribution to The Community
Palace for Life Foundation
Testimonial
Palace for Life Foundation has transformed lives across South London, reaching over 15,000 young people each year through sport, mentoring, and education. Their tireless work tackling inequality, supporting vulnerable youth, and creating pathways to opportunity exemplifies the power of football to drive real social change. A truly deserving winner of Outstanding Contribution to the Community.
Lifetime of Achievement
Richard Dick
Testimonial
Richard Dick has dedicated more than four decades to leading Lucy Group with vision, integrity, and innovation. Since becoming Executive Chairman in 1990, he has overseen the Group’s transformation into a global enterprise while maintaining deep roots in community and sustainability. His leadership extends beyond business — from championing engineering education through the High Sheriff Young Engineer Awards to supporting charities focused on young people and homelessness. Richard’s legacy is one of growth, impact, and service, making him a most worthy recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award
The Leisure & Tourism Award
Kew Little Pigs
Testimonial
With its distinctive offering, Kew Little Pigs has established itself as a must-visit attraction. From interactive farm visits to educational programmes, they have successfully blended tourism with enrichment, creating lasting memories for visitors of all ages. Their commitment to animal care and customer experience sets them apart as a leader in the leisure and tourism sector.
Male Entrepreneur
Robert Firmin
Testimonial
Robert Firmin has demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial vision through the growth of Bespoke Guardians and his wider business leadership. His ability to balance commercial success with community engagement—most notably through his support of the Swindon Wildcats—highlights his dynamic and forward-thinking approach. Robert’s achievements show the impact of resilience, innovation, and a true commitment to people, making him a thoroughly deserving
Male Entrepreneur of the Year.
Business Leader of The Year
Roger Line
Testimonial
Roger Line has shown exceptional leadership at Structural Repairs, steering the company to become a recognised national specialist. His ability to combine innovation, strategic growth, and a clear vision has set new standards in the sector. Roger’s commitment to excellence, his team, and his clients marks him as an outstanding business leader whose influence extends well beyond his industry
Networker of The Year
Vicki Messenger
Testimonial
Vicki Messenger has distinguished herself as an outstanding networker, consistently creating opportunities that bring businesswomen together. Her natural ability to connect people, spark collaborations, and open doors has strengthened countless professional journeys. By turning introductions into meaningful partnerships, Vicki demonstrates the true power of networking as a catalyst for both business growth and personal support
Innovator of The Year Award
Inventus Group
Testimonial
Inventus Group has redefined innovation in life sciences by creating tailored devices and full-cycle solutions for clinical trials. Their pioneering approach — from bespoke design and deployment to secure data management and sustainable end-of-life recycling — sets a new benchmark in the industry. Inventus exemplifies innovation with purpose, delivering real-world impact for patients, researchers, and global partners and their inspiring journey.
Solopreneur of The Year Award
Fiona Scott
Testimonial
Fiona’s journey from award-winning journalist to running her own consultancy reflects true entrepreneurial spirit. She has built a business on integrity and expertise, supporting countless organisations to raise their profile while staying true to her values. Fiona stands out as a solopreneur who combines passion with purpose, making her a deserving winner of this award.