Matthew Hayes wins Midlands Global Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 award – Great British Entrepreneur Awards

“Being a good entrepreneur always starts with a good idea and endless determination.

But ultimately, I put my success down to having a top-quality team behind me. Every successful business thrives due to having a hard-working and gifted team.”

MATTHEW Hayes, managing director of business growth consultant Champions (UK) plc, is celebrating being named as the Midlands Global Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Mr Hayes’ win is a recognition for his work leading Champions (UK) plc into becoming a major business growth partner based in the Midlands.

The business was started by Matthew and his father John Hayes 20 years ago, and specialises in being a strategy-led growth and implementation partner for businesses.

Matthew received his gong on November 20 at a ceremony in London which was attended by 1,500 exceptional entrepreneurs. Out of over 5000 hopeful applicants, a handful of the leading minds in UK business were selected as winners.

Judges recognised Matt for his work in boosting the growth of businesses in a wide range of industries from around the world.

Commenting on the win, Matthew said: “Winning any award is a satisfying moment of recognition and flattery. However, winning Entrepreneur of the Year is particularly special for me. Previous winner Steven Bartlett dubbed it as ‘the Grammys of entrepreneurship, and I completely agree.”

Discussing what he thinks it takes to be a high-level entrepreneur, Hayes explained: “Being a good entrepreneur always starts with a good idea and endless determination.

“But ultimately, I put my success down to having a top-quality team behind me. Every successful business thrives due to having a hard-working and gifted team.

“This award is for my team who have made me so proud over the last 20 years. I can’t thank them enough.”

Explaining how he measures his success via his clients’ success, Hayes added: “The real award for me will always be seeing the success of our clients. We’ve been business and growth partners to some incredible businesses over the last 20 years.

“Whether it be through increasing sales and revenue growth, helping them execute a successful investment round or exit, assisting them in growing and running their team, enabling technology innovation within their business or the range of other ways we boost our business partners’ success; the ultimate reward is seeing our clients thrive and grow.”