Category Archives: Awards

Awards, News

Vivup victorious after ranking number one on the UK’s Top 100 SME list

Vivup is celebrating after being awarded as the number one SME in the UK.

Amidst hundreds of entries from a diverse range of sectors, Vivup has been ranked number one overall in the Elite Business 100 (EB100). To celebrate this sensational achievement, Vivup will attend the coveted awards evening on 13th March in St Paul’s, London and be included in the EB100 digital guide and online directory to a viewership of over half a million people.

 

The EB100 are ranked on a series of categories, from community engagement to innovation and growth. These businesses are highlighted as sheer excellence within the SME community and showcased for their dedication to a thriving entrepreneurial Britain.

“The EB100 is evidence of the overwhelming entrepreneurial spirit in Britain. Across every sector, we have seen truly impressive businesses that are devoted to achieving in all areas,” said Piers Linney, Former investor on BBC’s Dragon’s Den and Co-Founder of Implement AI.

“Vivup are innovators in the British SME community and deserve the spotlight shone on them from the Elite Business 100,” said Scott English, Brand Director of Elite Business. “This definitive league illustrates the crème de la crème of UK SMEs”.

 

This is the second year of the competition, with a dramatically increased number of applicants entering since 2023. Judges noted the impressive sales and growth figures, community spirit and engagement and overall high standard of entries this year.

 

Simon Moyle, CEO of Vivup, said, “I am so proud of every member of our team. I love leading this business and making a real and meaningful impact on peoples’ lives every single day.

“To be able to say we are the number one SME is incredible. We have grown by at least 39% in each of the last five years which must put us in a very small group of businesses across the UK and world.”

The team at Vivup is proud to not only provide exemplary services for its clients but now be named as a Top 100 UK business.

 

For more information about Vivup, visit www.vivupbenefits.co.uk.

For more information about EB100, visit www.elitebusinessmagazine.co.uk/eb100 (I’ve added this too).

 

Apprenticeships, Awards

Apprenticeship Awards Cymru finalist Heledd an “injection of positive energy”

Higher Apprentice Heledd Roberts has been described as an “injection of positive energy” since joining the busy team at FUW Insurance Services Ltd three years ago.

Those are the words of Caryl Roberts, the company’s business development manager, who said: “Heledd has been an exceptional addition to our organisation, making a significant impact on our team objectives and overall performance.

“She has brought a willingness to challenge and modernise some long-standing processes and has an eagerness to introduce novel approaches to problem solving.”

Now, Heledd, 24, from Carmarthen, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2024 as a finalist in the Tomorrow’s Talent category.

 

Highlight of the year for apprentices, employers and work-based learning providers and practitioners, the awards are organised by the Welsh Government and supported by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). Headline sponsor is EAL.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held at ICC Wales, Newport on March 22, 2024. The awards highlight the outstanding achievements of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners.

Heledd joined FUW Insurance Services Ltd, the UK’s leading agricultural specialist insurance broker, during the pandemic, when she helped to cover multiple offices across the business.

Due to her enthusiasm to learn and motivate others, she has been promoted from an account handler to lead account handler in North Wales and is currently covering an account executive at the Ruthin office who is on maternity leave.

She completed a Financial Services (Insurance Pathway) Apprenticeship within a year and is now working towards a Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4) General

Insurance, both delivered by ALS Training.

Heledd has increased business efficiency and profitability by leading a project to introduce an electronic e-trade process. She has also provided valuable expertise on internal auditing processes and assisted with marketing events and fundraising opportunities.

She also thrives as a mentor for new staff and her energy and enthusiasm makes their introduction into the insurance industry a positive experience.   .

“I am a big fan of efficiency and introducing new ways of doing things that not only help the business but also the staff,” said Heledd. “I am really enjoying my work, particularly the management side of the job and would like to secure a permanent role as an account executive in different area of Wales.”

Heledd’s training adviser, Gareth Lewis, of ALS Training, said her talent soon became obvious when she began her apprenticeship.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething congratulated Heledd and all the other finalists.

“Today’s apprentices will be tomorrow’s specialists, and Apprenticeship Awards Cymru allows us to recognise apprentices, work-based learning practitioners, and employers that have gone above and beyond,” he said.

“Their tenacity, passion, and commitment to growing their own careers, the careers of others, and the larger Welsh economy is inspiring. I wish each of the finalists the best of luck at the awards and with their future endeavours.”

Congratulating the finalists, Al Parkes, managing director at EAL, said: “As the specialist awarding organisation and skills partner for the engineering and manufacturing industry, apprenticeships in Wales are especially important to us.

“Apprenticeships play an important role in supporting personal progress through career opportunities and a sense of achievement, while ensuring that employers have the right skills at the right time to keep up with evolving industry needs.

“EAL is committed to encouraging employers to take on apprentices. Marking the achievements of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru is vital to this.”

For more information about recruiting an apprentice, visit: https://gov.wales/apprenticeships-genius-decision or call 03000 603000.

Picture caption:

 

Heledd Roberts, a Tomorrow’s Talent finalist.

Awards, News, North of England

North West-Based Digital Agency Ranks in Top 0.3% of Global Companies

Soap Media Ranks in Top 0.3% of Global Companies

  • The North West-Based Digital Agency was Named in the Clutch 1000 List

North West-based digital marketing agency, Soap Media, has made it onto the prestigious Clutch 1000 list. This recognition comes just weeks after the agency was named a Clutch Champion and Clutch Global winner. 

The Clutch 1000 is an exclusive ranking highlighting the top 1000 highest-rated business service providers on the platform. With over 280,000 total providers worldwide, being ranked in the Clutch 1000 puts Soap Media in the top 0.3% of companies globally. 

Unlike many other awards and accolades, businesses cannot apply for, or pay to be considered for, the Clutch 1000 list. Instead, honorees are selected based on four key criteria:

  • The quantity, quality, and recency of verified reviews
  • The diversity and scope of clientele and portfolio of work 
  • A robust company profile with competitive specialisations and considerable experience
  • Strong brand awareness and industry recognition 

Clutch also invests heavily in maintaining the highest standards of review authenticity.

Currently, the agency has 4.9 stars out of 5 from current and previous clients across a multitude of industries. They also have an average referral rating of five out of five. 

On this recognition, Sonny Ganguly, CEO of Clutch, said:

“The Clutch 1000 is one of the most prestigious awards a service provider on Clutch can earn. By featuring these top 1000 companies, we aim to connect businesses with the right service providers for their goals and, in turn, accelerate their own growth. Congratulations to these service providers for not only this recognition but for their steadfast commitment to delivering value for their clients.”

Jack Oddy, Managing Director of Soap Media, said:

“Earning a place among the top 1000 global companies validates our commitment to delivering superior client satisfaction and services that fuel lasting growth. We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come over the past two decades, and we look forward to continuing to support new and existing clients this year and beyond.”

Awards

Congratulations to House Buy Fast for winning a Platinum Trusted Service Award by providing great customer service consistently over a number of years.

House Buy Fast is celebrating receiving a major award for the standard of its customer service.

The property firm won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence. It recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class experience for its customers.

Jonathan Rolande, the founder of House Buy Fast, said: “We’re so excited to receive a Platinum Trusted Service Award from Feefo. Keeping our customers happy is our priority. So, the fact that this award is based on feedback from real customers gives us confidence we are providing an exceptional level of service.

“The award reflects how hard our staff work to listen to our customers – I’m delighted! As we enter 2024, we’ll continue to listen to our customers and aim to deliver what our customers want.”

Congratulating Jonathan on winning this year’s award, Tony Wheble, CEO at Feefo, said: “With customers continuing to build resilience in a time of economic uncertainty, we’re delighted to showcase thousands of our clients who are continuing to go above and beyond for each and every customer.

“The Trusted Service Awards have always been about recognising companies that go way beyond the norm in customer service and in turn receive great feedback from delighted customers.

“A particular congratulations to House Buy Fast for winning a Platinum Trusted Service Award by providing great customer service consistently over a number of years. I look forward to seeing them continue to achieve next year and beyond.”

Awards, Bridgend, Commercial Vehicles, Driving, News, Wales News

Hawkstone Commercials named in the Top 100 UK Businesses

Hawkstone Commercials is celebrating after being recognised as one of the UK’s top 100 SME businesses in the UK.

From thousands of entries across every sector, Hawkstone Commercials has been ranked 55th overall in the Elite Business 100 (EB100). Hawkstone Commercials will celebrate at the awards evening on March 17th in London and be included in the EB100 digital guide and online directory with a viewership of over half a million people.

The EB100 are the businesses to watch for the future. It recognises excellence in the SME community and ranks them across a broad range of criteria, from their longevity in the marketplace, year-on-year growth to how they embrace innovation and contribute to the community.

The SME industry contributes over £2 trillion in turnover to the UK economy, employing 44% of the British workforce. The last 12 months have been challenging, with many SMEs navigating a landscape of hardship. SMEs like Hawkstone Commercials has demonstrated remarkable resilience to survive and thrive thanks to their robust infrastructure and proven business models.

 

“The EB100 has shown that despite the everchanging economic climate, they haven’t allowed it to hinder the overall performance of their businesses, and many have, in fact, thrived,” said Piers Linney, Former investor on BBC’s Dragon’s Den and Founder of small business service provider, Moblox.

 

“Hawkstone Commercials are change-makers in the British business industry and deserve their place in the Elite Business 100,” said Scott English, Brand Director of Elite Business. “This definitive league table exemplifies the very best of SMEs in the UK.”

“This year was highly competitive, with judges commenting on the high standard of entries, impressive sales and growth figures and high-performing cultures.”

 

“Just under two years ago Paul and I were sat at a kitchen table putting together our strategy for Hawkstone Commercials. Within this period, we have generated over £15,000,000 in sales revenue with 10 members of staff spread across two offices. We could not be more delighted with being recognised as one of the Top 100 UK Businesses after such a short space of time. We still feel that we haven’t achieved even half of what we set out to do and have very ambitious plans for the next five years” said Oliver Lewis, Director and co-founder of Hawkstone Commercials.

The team at Hawkstone Commercials is proud to not only provide an exemplary service for its clients but now be named as a Top 100 UK business.

For more information about Hawkstone Commercials, visit www.hawkstonecommercials.co.uk

 

Awards, HR, HR News, News, Swansea

Swansea team celebrates as Amazon recognised as a Top Employer in the UK for 2024

Amazon, which has a fulfilment centre in Swansea, has been named as a Top Employer 2024 in the UK by the Top Employer Institute, one of the world’s most prestigious certifications in the field of human resources management. It recognises Amazon’s commitment to the development and wellbeing of its employees.

In addition to the UK accolade, awarded for the first time, Amazon has been certified as one of the Top Employers in Europe for a second consecutive year.

The Top Employer acknowledges companies’ commitment to a range of different areas of HR, including people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing and more.

Amazon’s certification in both the UK and Europe is confirmation that the company’s dedication to a better world of work extends internationally, acknowledging the hard work that colleagues are doing at all of its operations sites, including the site in Swansea, corporate offices, and research and development centres in across the region.

Amazon Swansea Site Leader, Dan Boulger, said: “It’s an honour that Amazon has been certified as a Top Employer 2024 in the UK for our ongoing commitment to the development and wellbeing of our employees. Across our business, we strive to be Earth’s best employer and are committed to creating an innovative and engaging workplace where our teams across the UK, who come from all backgrounds, are proud to work.”

 

Top Employers Institute CEO David Plink says: “Exceptional times bring out the best in people and organisations. And we have witnessed this in our Top Employers Certification Programme this year: exceptional performance from the certified Top Employers 2024. These employers have always shown that they care for the development and wellbeing of their people. By doing so, they collectively enrich the world of work. We are proud to announce and celebrate this year’s group of leading people-oriented employers: the Top Employers 2024.”

 

Amazon is dedicated to continual improvement in the workplace, offering some of the most advanced workplaces of its kind in the world, with competitive pay, and processes and systems to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all employees.

Whether in its corporate offices, research and development centres or its operations network, Amazon has created all kinds of jobs for all kinds of people. From those starting work with no formal qualifications to people with doctorate-level qualifications, from graduates and apprentices to people with decades of experience in the workplace, Amazon has created roles across its business where people can develop their careers and positively impact the lives of Amazon customers.

Amazon is proud to have a diverse workforce in the UK, where employees are encouraged to chart their own path, with programmes such as Career Choice and apprenticeships opening opportunities for education and growth.

Amazon also offers a range of great benefits that support employees and eligible family members, including domestic partners and their children. These comprehensive benefits begin on day one and include private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, employee discount and commuter benefits.

This new recognition comes as Amazon was listed second on LinkedIn’s Top Companies 2023 list in the UK, as well as being certified a Level 3 Disability Confident ‘Leader’ in the UK, the highest level.

 

About the Top Employers Institute

Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognising excellence in People Practices and has certified more than 2,300 organisations in 122 countries. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 9 million employees globally.

 

Read more about working at Amazon.

 

Awards, News, Storage

Ready Steady Store recognised for a decade of excellence

Leading self storage provider, Ready Steady Store, has been recognised for its high standards of excellence, having been awarded the 10 Years of Proven Trusted Service Award by Feefo.

Established in 2005, Ready Steady Store has since opened 23 different self storage sites throughout North, Central, and South England.

Feefo established the Trusted Service Awards in 2014 to recognise brands that use the platform to collect verified reviews and receive exceptional feedback from their customers. The Feefo Proven Trusted Service Award is an exclusive part of Feefo’s Trusted Service Awards. This independent seal of excellence is awarded to businesses which have shown dedication and consistency in customer service – for ten years in a row.

Receiving this award is a testament to Ready Steady Store’s commitment to excellence in customer service, offering convenient, flexible storage solutions while upholding the highest security standards.

“We are delighted to have received this award,” said Mehran Charania, Director of Ready Steady Store, “At Ready Steady Store, we pride ourselves on our commitment to our customers and strive to provide a consistently high level of service. Over the last decade, we have worked hard to ensure that our service quality maintained its excellence while our growth accelerated. We are extremely proud to see that this dedication has been recognised and I believe this latest achievement is a testament to the ongoing support and drive of our team.”

 

Congratulating Ready Steady Store, Tony Wheble, CEO at Feefo, said: “With customers continuing to build resilience in a time of economic uncertainty, we’re delighted to showcase thousands of our clients who are continuing to go above and beyond for each and every customer.”

“A particular congratulations to Ready Steady Store for winning the first ever 10 Years of Excellence Award, by going above and beyond for their customers consistently over ten years. They should be proud of this achievement, and I look forward to seeing them continue to achieve next year and beyond.”

 

Established in 2005, Ready Steady Store is a fast-growing self-storage provider with cost-effective storage units located in the Midlands, and South, North and East of England.

For more information, visit: https://www.readysteadystore.com

 

Awards

High standards praised in Welsh Craft Butcher of the Year final

Judges praised the high standards of butchery skills and creativity displayed by five finalists in the Welsh Craft Butcher of the Year final yesterday (Monday).

The contest was held on the first day of the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales), Newport. The event is open free of charge to the public and hospitality trade. 

Sponsored by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) and Cambrian Training Company, the final brought together Ben Roberts, owner of Astley & Stratton Ltd, Farndon, near Chester; Philip Tucker from Tuckers Butchers, Mumbles; Ieuan Hughes from Golden Valley Meat & Game, Grosmont, Abergavenny; Ieuan Pincott from Oriel Jones, Canton, Cardiff and Elis Morris from Daniel Morris Butchers, Mold.

The butchers tackled two tasks to showcase their skills to judges, including Peter Rushforth and Craig Holly from the Craft Butchery Team Wales. They were given 30 minutes to cut a whole lamb into primal joints, as well as clean their work area.

For the second task, they had one hour and 20 minutes to produce a visually exciting display to merchandise the meat showcasing both their skills and creativity.

The competition could be a stepping stone to the Craft Butchery Team Wales, which includes five former Welsh Butcher of the Year or Welsh Young Butcher of the Year winners – Rushforth, Holly, Matthew Edwards, Tomi Jones and Dan Allen-Rafter.

The judges said they were delighted to see four first time finalists and were impressed by the high standard of butchery displayed in one of the closest competitions in years.

Welsh Culinary Association National Chef of Wales Competition at the ICC Wales.
Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.
PB004-2024

Roberts, a bronze medallist in the Champion Butcher Apprentice contest at the World Butcher Challenge 2022 in the USA, managed to find time to compete despite opening his first shop last week.

“It all went very well and I was pleased to finish on time,” he said. “I can’t wait to see what the judges’ opinion is.”

Tucker, having completed his second butchery competition, said: “It’s the first time I had put everything together, so I did run out of time.” 

Another finalist to run out of time was Pincott, who lives in the Rhondda. “It’s the first time I have competed in front of people, so it was a bit stressful, but I would definitely like to do it again. I was happy with all the work I did.”

Another debutant, Morris said he had crammed his practice sessions into a few days, as he thought the competition was next month. “Everything went nearly to plan which was good considering I had only four days to practice,” he added.

Surveying his attractive display of meat products, Hughes had to overcome a problem with his mincer. “It was stressful, but I think I did alright,” he said.

Arwyn Watkins, OBE, CAW president and Cambrian Training Company’s executive chairman, said: “It was great to see these five talented Welsh butchers displaying their skills on the Welsh Craft Butcher of the Year platform.”

The winner will be announced at the WICC Awards Dinner on Wednesday evening. Tickets for the dinner arenow on sale at office@culinaryassociation.wales costing £1,000 for tables of 12 or £100 for individuals.

The WICC’s headline sponsors are the Welsh Government, Castell Howell, Hybu Cig Cymru / Meat Promotion Wales, ICC Wales, Cambrian Training Company, Kentaur, Churchill, MCS Technical Products, Roller Grill, Radnor Hills, Dick Knifes, Cygnet Gin, Capital Cuisine, Ecolab, City & Guilds and Compass Cymru.

Picture caption:

Ieuan Hughes from Golden Valley Meat & Game in action in the Welsh Craft Butcher of the Year final.

Judges running the rule over the butchers’ displays.

Awards, News, North of England

Rutland-Based Business Club Announce Entrepreneur of the Year

The Geoffrey Pointon Entrepreneur of the Year Award was Presented Late Last Year

Rutland-based business club “The Biz Club” are delighted to announce the winner of The Geoffrey Pointon Entrepreneur of the Year Award for 2023.

Following the very successful Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, The Biz Club recently announced Mark Batty of Lawnscience in Stamford as the winner of this prestigious award.

All of the applicants were judged by some of the brightest business minds in the Rutland area, paying particular attention to businesses created by innovative and inspiring entrepreneurs making a difference in their community.

Mark was delighted when Dr Sarah Furness, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, and the guest speaker on the night Geoffrey Thompson, ex-High Sheriff of Rutland presented the award.

“I entered the award as I hoped it would help me to differentiate myself and my business in a crowded and competitive marketplace,” says Mark when asked why he entered.

“The application process was particularly robust involving an initial interview and then a presentation to The Biz Club members at a monthly luncheon in October last year. I was one of two finalists and the members present voted on the day, by way of a secret ballot.”

“I am delighted to have been awarded the prize and already some members have approached me to carry out lawn care services for them.”

In addition, The Biz Club and Uppingham marketing business and sponsor Quibble Digital are helping Mark to increase his online presence with a comprehensive online marketing strategy to attract new customers to his business. 

“This is a huge bonus and one that I hadn’t expected. I’m very much looking to reap the benefits that The Biz Club and Quibble are offering over the next couple of months.” Concludes Mark.

When asked about the award the new chair of the Biz Club Mark Shaw had this to say, “this was a fabulous award and The Biz Club sincerely hopes this award will have a positive impact on the future of Lawnscience.”

The club, alongside Quibble, also hopes to work with Mark and provide some ongoing business mentoring. 

Awards, Bereavement, Business, Business News, News

Bereavement Service Settld ranked in the top 25 of 100 best startups in Britain

Co-founder of nationwide bereavement service also named as one of the “most exceptional” new business founders in the UK, by Startups 100 Index judges 

Nationwide bereavement service, Settld, has been ranked in the top 25 of Britain’s 100 best startups for 2024.

The company’s CEO, Vicky Wilson, who founded Settld following the death of her grandmother, has also been named as one of the UK’s most exceptional new business founders by Startups 100, the longest running new business index.

Settld’s award-winning service, which is free for members of the public, simplifies end-of-life admin for bereaved families and service providers.

 

Startups 100 Guest Judge, Iain Wallis, Head of Startups at FieldHouse Associates, said: “At perhaps the most emotional time for many, dealing with a loved one’s accounts only adds to the pain, so Settld appears an elegant solution and Vicky had a compelling reason to start.

“The fact that it is free for bereaved people puts the user first. I hope the model is able to scale through additional services that reflect the same levels of compassion.”

 

Launched in February 2021, Settld enables users to notify multiple companies of a death in one go – including more than 1,200 service providers, from banks and insurers to energy firms, mobile providers, subscription services, social media platforms and others.

The service turns a stressful and time-consuming process which can often take up to 10 hours, into a 15-minute online task.

 

Vicky Wilson

Vicky Wilson, co-founder and CEO of Settld, said: “We are thrilled to have been named as one of the top 100 new businesses in Britain, and to have reached the top 25 is a testament to the hard work, dedication and compassion of our brilliant team.

“Settld’s mission is to simplify end-of-life admin and to be a strong voice for bereaved consumers everywhere. Recognition by the judges gives us renewed ambition to make things even easier for families dealing with the death of a loved one.

“We are amongst outstanding companies in the Startups 100 Index. Our congratulations to every entrepreneur and business making a difference.”

 

In addition to registering a death with service providers, Settld’s free online service helps users close, transfer or amend accounts and obtain date of death balances for probate. A range of other services, from probate and estate admin, to asset search and property sale, is available through partners.

Settld’s B2B service also improves operational efficiency for a growing number of large enterprise customers, who benefit from access to Settld’s bespoke online portal and vulnerability consulting workshops.

Settld streamlines and digitises bereavement processes for service providers, by offering software as a service (SaaS) specifically designed for bereaved and vulnerable customers, which can achieve up to 50% reduction in cost to serve, along with significantly reduced call volumes.

 

The Sunderland-headquartered business consistently gets 5-star reviews from customers, who appreciate the one-stop shop nature of Settld’s automated service and the expert advice of a highly trained team.