SME News - Business Elite 2024 Empowering Lives with Liquid Gold Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that involves suctioning areas of unwanted body fat from the body, particularly in places where fat is hard to lose. Although a popular choice, liposuction is an invasive procedure that can carry major risks. Introducing Liquid Lipo, creator of the fat dissolving gel that 35,000 people have reported to have achieved inch loss from subcutaneous fat loss since 2019. In 2022, this was verified to remove fat not water by a clinically proven body mass scanner, Styku. Offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional liposuction, Liquid Lipo is now a market leading brand. Here, we speak with Founder and CEO, Kirsty Smith.
SME Business Elite Awards 2024 No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Phone: +44 (0) 203 970 0010 Website: www.sme-news.co.uk Jo Holloway Senior Account Executive SME News is proud to host the SME Business Elite Awards. Since launching in 2018, the SME Business Elite Awards have become an established and significant part of the SME News platform. The awards aim to recognise and showcase the efforts of highly skilled SMEs across the UK. Our primary objective at SME News is to identify and support the best small and medium-sized businesses in the UK. These enterprises are a crucial part of the country’s business sector, and we pride ourselves in celebrating their hard work and success through our prestigious award program. Despite the significant contributions and achievements of SMEs, they are often overshadowed by larger multinational corporations. However, we at SME News aim to shine a light on these deserving companies and acknowledge their dedication and efforts through the SME Business Elite Awards. These companies are the backbone of the UK business sector and rightly deserve to be celebrated for their efforts. Our awards provide a chance for small and medium-sized enterprises across all industries to demonstrate their accomplishments and gain recognition and prestige. As a winner of the SME Business Elite Awards, companies gain access to excellent marketing opportunities to establish themselves as top UK SMEs. At SME News, we highlight companies that work hard, and receiving our award is a remarkable triumph. SME News’ in-house research team assesses each potential awardee, using a unique method that ensures impartial judgement, regardless of size or company history. Both start-ups and larger firms are evaluated using the same criteria and recognised based on their achievements. This approach enables SME News to showcase a diverse range of companies from various industries.
Contents 6 Liquid Lipo: Empowering Lives with Liquid Gold 8 Halo Solutions Ltd: Transforming Public Safety, Saving LivesFounded 9 McFarlane Sales & Lettings: Perfectly Pairing People with Properties 10 Anthony Brand: A Highly Rewarding SME Member ClubThe 12 London Business Partnerships: Educating and Empowering Entrepreneurs Across London 13 Swyft: A New Take on Furniture 14 eviivo: Helping Accommodation Businesses Go Further, Faster, Without Compromise 15 Legacie Holdings Limited: Building a Legacy of Real Estate Excellence 16 Sinalda UK Limited: Leading Experts in Voltage Stabilisers 2024Headquartered 17 DataGardener Solutions Limited: Accelerating Growth Through Specialist Data Centralisation 18 Home Pool Tables Direct Ltd: Scotland’s Favourite Home Pool Table SupplierThere 19 Reflex Consultancy: Unlock Your Brand’s Potential with Reflex Consultancy 20 ShuttersUp: “Inspiring Daily Moments of Happiness, Pride, and Comfort” 21 Promising Outcomes: Perfecting Expectation-Driven CXIf 22 Oxford Online School: Online Learning, Human Experiences 24 System Store Solutions Ltd: Setting New Standards for Warehouse Design 26 Airwaves Facilities Management UK: First-Class Facilities Management Across the UK 27 Michael Moon Estate Agents: Home is Where the Heart is 28 Astral Digital: Driving the Evolution of Email Marketing 29 Mr Vikki’s: Adding a Little Spice to Your Meals 30 Bluelite Graphics Ltd: UK’s #1 Supplier of Vinyl Vehicle Livery for 25 Years 31 Envo EHS Consulting Ltd: Leading Environmental Consulting in the Northwest 32 Effetto: A Profound Effect on the World’s Interiors 33 Verse Digital: Pioneering the New Wave of Gamified Virtual Experiences 34 Futureform: Impactful Salesforce Implementation for Financial Services 35 The Engineering Quest: Turning Brilliant Ideas into Reality 36 Ambitions Travel Recruitment & Training: The UK’s Top Global Travel Recruitment and Training Agency 37 Octopus Accounting: Driving Accountancy Done Right 38 Opulent Investments Limited: Investing in your Property, Invested in You 39 Wilten Construction Ltd: Refreshing and Consistent Construction Contractors 40 Paua: The Face of a Zero Emissions Future 41 LEAP Create: Building connections that last 42 Bobble Digital LTD: Award-Winning Digital Marketing Agency in Leeds 43 Clover HR: Using More Than Luck to Herald HR Results 44 Cladspray Solutions: Transforming Surfaces, Elevating Spaces 45 The Yorkshire Lime Company Ltd: Heritage Building Specialists in Yorkshire 46 Lenmark Construction: Building Success in the Groundworks Business 47 Clarke Williams Ltd: Bringing Back Traditional Insurance 48 Be Broadcast: Pioneers of Strategic and Innovative Broadcast PR 50 Get Out of Wrap: The Creation of the Contact Centre Community 51 Kurl Legal Services: UK Immigration Specialists of the Year 2024 - East Midlands & UK Legal Awards 2024 Commendation of Excellence: Visa Support Customer Services 52 Daniel Matthew Estate Agents: Best Local Estate Agency 2024 – South Wales 53 Cooke Curtis & Co: Cambridge’s Second-to-None Premium Estate Agency 54 Ametros Group: Easing the Stress of Data Protection 55 Not Just Travel: They Aren’t Just Travel Agents; They Are ‘Not Just Travel’ Agents 56 Beacon Organisational Development Ltd: Best Leadership & Executive Coaching Provider 2024
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Contents 60 Milestone Projects: Warehouse Consultancy Service Empowering Businesses Through Bespoke End-to-End Service 61 The PC Agency: Award-winning PR With The PC Agency 62 LendingMetrics: Cutting-Edge Decision and Data Services 63 Azalea Beauty Salon: Transformative Beauty Services Inside and Out 64 VIRTUS Data Centres: Digital Infrastructure Solutions 65 Truva Lounge Cocktail Bar: Best Turkish Bar & Restaurant 2024 – Northamptonshire 66 Magic Number: Making Marketing Magic 67 Metaverse VR Ltd: Virtual Training Solutions that Change the Game 68 Chennai Express: Best Local South Indian Dining Establishment 2024 - Hampshire 69 Imtiaz Consultancy Limited: Remarkable Business and Development Coaching for Women 70 Fraser Allen Estate Management: Residential Property Management Services Done Right 71 North Product Design Ltd: Doing Good with North Product Design 72 WPR: Your Path to Insurance Recruitment 73 Fox&Cat: Unlocking the potential of the client-agency partnership in healthcare communications 74 Maze Outdoor: Designing Your Own Personal Sanctury 75 GW & Co Ltd: Friendly Accountancy Services From GW & Co 76 Cubitt & West Estate Agents: The Southeast’s Trusted Property Experts 77 ADHD Direct Ltd: Revolutionising Access to ADHD and Autism Services 78 Centelli: Bringing Your Business into the Future 80 Little Rocket Creative: Taking Your Marketing to the Moon and Beyond 81 Digital Media Team: Manchester’s Ecommerce Marketing Experts 82 Fallow Management Ltd: An Ethos of Honesty and Transparency 83 Floors at Fourteen Ltd: Boutique Flooring in Buckinghamshire and London 84 CIE Services Ltd: Reliable International Trade Specialists 85 BC SoftWear: Pioneering Sustainable Luxury, One Towel at a Time 86 Build Warranty Group: Securing the Future of Property Construction 88 Brightsun Travel: Travel Experiences that Shine 89 CubeLogic: Mitigating Energy Credit Risk 90 J Stifford Solicitors: Specialist Solicitors Working for Justice 91 Link To Change: Most Empowering Exploited Children & Young People’s Support Charity 2024 92 Hotel Designs: The Platform Powering Hotel Design 93 Helyx: The Professional Services Provider Prioritising People 94 Stornaway.io: Choose Your Own Adventure with Stornaway.io 95 Jam Coding: Teaching the Future 96 Prosper²: Business Club - The Place for Like-Minded Businesspeople 97 Galleria Ponte Veneto Ltd: Procuring the Finest Italian Design Materials and Products 98 Connecting Britain: Connecting Britain, One SME at a Time 99 Fashion UK: Europe’s Licensed Products Specialist 100 Grypp Corp Ltd: Show, Don’t Tell with Grypp 101 MAG Laundry Equipment: The UK’s Commercial Laundry Equipment Leader 102 Keela Outdoors: Quality Outdoor Kit Without the Designer Price Tag 103 Taka Taka Mam: Best Traditional Greek Street Food Kitchen 2024 104 Minerva Innovation Group: R&D Funding Made Easy 105 Stephanie Ward Online Business Services: Empowering Neurodiversity in the Workforce 106 Stefs Pet Pantry: The Raw Legend of Stef and Skye 108 Workplace Bereavement Advocacy Ltd: Breaking Down the Barriers of Workplace Bereavement
SME News Business Elite 2024 / 6 Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that involves suctioning areas of unwanted body fat from the body, particularly in places where fat is hard to lose. Although a popular choice, liposuction is an invasive procedure that can carry major risks. Introducing Liquid Lipo, creator of the fat dissolving gel that 35,000 people have reported to have achieved inch loss from subcutaneous fat loss since 2019. In 2022, this was verified to remove fat not water by a clinically proven body mass scanner, Styku. Offering a noninvasive alternative to traditional liposuction, Liquid Lipo is now a market leading brand. Here, we speak with Founder and CEO, Kirsty Smith. Liquid Lipo was launched in 2020, driven by three years of research and existing clinical trials. Founder Kirsty Smith suffered from severe health issues that were making it impossible to lose weight, including endometriosis, fibroids, and a tumour. Kirsty had undergone countless operations for her condition, and unfortunately lost her job due to her declining health. Following a particularly difficult period in 2016, Kirsty decided to turn her obstacles into opportunity and change the world. She enrolled in university, where she began to develop a better understanding of how the body works. It was at this point that Kirsty decided to utilise her knowledge and skillset. With the help of a biochemist in Bolton, Kirsty developed and launched her first product: Liquid Lipo Fat Dissolve Gel. Since its inception, Liquid Lipo has continued to bring a range of revolutionary products to the cosmetic market, including ZX10 and Blepharonat. All products have undergone extensive research and development before release, with the customer trials for Liquid Lipo taking place from 2018 to 2020. The trials saw 3000 participants monitored and weighed for five days of product usage, with a remarkable result of 95% losing subcutaneous fat or water using Liquid Lipo. “We look at existing ingredients and their scientific research, following up with customer case studies or testing to find a non-invasive alternative,” Kirsty tells us. “The importance of finding the safest, effective result makes us stand out.” In alignment with the company’s commitment to safety and accuracy, Liquid Lipo requires a consultation, either with online or with a practitioner to ensure that the right product is chosen. Liquid Lipo has successfully empowered thousands of practitioners to help their clients handle complex problems that they often do not understand themselves. Of course, the company’s flagship product is among the best-selling. The gel is a nonsurgical aesthetics treatment that is applied directly to the skin. Then, it is absorbed through the pores, immediately shrinking and breaking down the fat cells that lie deep within the subcutaneous tissue. Lipids from the cells are released into the bloodstream to exit the body naturally via urine. It is crucial that clients drink two litres of water before and after the treatment to aid this process. The gel is to be applied daily and wrapped for optimal results, although wrapping time will vary between 45 minutes to two hours. Over five days, clients are expected to lose up to 15 inches of fat from the body, as the treatment works so fast that it can remove one-to-two inches in just two hours. Another bestseller is ZX10 Inflamalief, a powerful thermogenic balm that can ease a range of conditions. Created in 2022, ZX10 Inflamalief was released in 2023 and provides targeted relief for joint pain, muscle pain, inflammation, and nerve damage. The product is a safe method of effectively managing discomfort and has resulted in Liquid Lipo witnessing many suffering with long-term chronic pain now able to reduce their pharmaceutical usage in favour of ZX10 Inflamalief’s natural ingredients. ZX10 Inflamalief was developed in response to Kirsty’s own battle with addiction. Following 14 surgeries for her condition, Kirsty became reliant on opioid medication and the side effects majorly outweighed any benefits. As a result, ZX10 Inflamalief is developed with a non-addictive formula that does not harm the liver. With ZX10 Inflamalief, Kirsty cured her addiction and was able to come off both her anti-depressants and medication after almost two decades of usage. Also available is the LipoLiquid©️ oral 100ml bottle, which lasts 2 months based on consuming 20 drops twice a day. This tincture is a and safe, effective alternative to skinny pens and demonstrates the company’s commitment to excellence. As a joint project with a master herbalist in Yorkshire, the tincture was launched just this year, and is expected to help countless individuals on their journeys in the future. Moving forward, the company will focus on its latest detox and inflammation customer trial for the remainder of 2024, hiring ten new trainers to help recruit practitioners around the world. Liquid Lipo is resolute in its mission to educating the world on non-invasive, safe cosmetic alternatives, a mission for which SME News are delighted to recognise Liquid Lipo as the Best Non-Invasive Body Contouring Products Retailer 2024 – UK. Empowering Lives with Liquid Gold
King Kev’s lasting legacy. Following Liquid Lipo’s success in 2024 as The UKs winner for non-invasive body contouring, unfortunately Director Kevin passed away on the 1st December 24 after a second heart attack aged 42. Kev was an integral part of the company creating growth through consistently improving the day to day running of the distribution side of Liquid Lipo. He left his comfortable management role within mental health to embrace the uncertainty of self-employment and chaos of a Director. His Army background gave him the discipline to provide a reliable service to practitioners and customers, the meant a faster turnover for delivery and after his first heart attack the use of transglobal express for easier picking, packaging, and posting. He organised the sell-out conference on April 24 and project managed much better than Kiki. He had a unique ability to find easier ways to do things. Kev will always be a huge part of Liquid Lipo’s success and it'll be his legacy. He was the life and soul of the office, every event and everyday life. Although he only lived until 42, his love for life meant he lived it to the fullest, a lesson to us all. His biggest success was growing zx10 Inflamalief a topical pain relief gel that aids pain and launching Liquid Lipo’s best-selling tinctures for weight loss, pain, detoxing, and mental health difficulties. It seems a sad time to celebrate Liquid Lipo’s success as its founder states, “When we think about age we think of time spent on earth but what if you spent 90 years not living. I’d like to think the experiences Kev had in a short time far outweighs age, for we all fear dying yet none of us have even started living.” “All the success we've shared I'd give back in a heartbeat for one more day with him. I hope you'll all live your life like it's your last day on earth because it's not promised you'll wake up tomorrow. It’s like winning the lottery but losing the ticket. He physically leaves behind his children Megan, Demi, and Ayden and two rescue dogs Rio and Star, but he lives on always in our hearts and through the business.” It is with heavy hearts that we share Liquid Lipo’s loss. However, we wish Kirsty and Liquid Lipo the very best as Kirsty continues to share her late husband’s legacy with the world. The future looks brilliant for Liquid Lipo as Kirsty partners with Claire Dexter. This partnership was born out of Kev’s legacy to aid further growth for the company, and both Kirsty and Claire are further strengthened by the support of Liquid Lipo’s recruitment and training manager Mandy Graham. Contact: Kirsty Smith Web Address: www.liquidlipointernational.com
SME News Business Elite 2024 / 8 A world leader in the realm of innovative incident management, safety, and security operations software, Halo Solutions Ltd recognises that connectivity is crucial when it comes to protecting as many people as possible. From universities and emergency services to festivals, arenas, public spaces, and transportation, Halo’s proven, innovative, life-saving solution makes it a fitting recipient of the title of Best Public Safety Solutions Company 2024 - Nottinghamshire. Transforming Public Safety, Saving Lives Founded in 2014 by a serving police officer, Halo has spent the past decade standing out in the security industry as a result of the innovation it brings to the field of public safety. A people-first organisation, Halo’s leadership team is comprised of experts with proven track records in both counterterrorism and general public safety, and it is this knowledge that has paved the way for the company’s software solutions, which have been developed with a full understanding of the operational challenges inherent in keeping people safe. At the heart of Halo’s offerings is the Halo System, a unique incident management platform that brings together ten different systems in one, covering such vital areas as task, people, and risk management. Innovation is a given and a constant across the solution, seen through the likes of the recent upgrading of its HaloEngage feature, which provides its clients’ customers (the public) with the opportunity to report any suspicious or threatening incidents directly to the event or location’s control centre. As the company’s own Vanessa Armstrong explains: “This helps our customers to manage incidents more effectively and means the public feel safer. It’s at the heart of our design and was created with direct feedback from those on the frontline of the Manchester Arena bombing and directly inspired by that incident. Because this is such an important part of the safety and security operations landscape, we are offering this feature free of charge.” This is not the only standout feature of the Halo System, and another noteworthy addition is HaloFusion, its remarkable multi-team mode. Allowing event or venue control centres to easily integrate external teams into their overall incident management strategies – be it the police, fire brigade, or another service provider – these teams will benefit immeasurably from being provided with clear and concise information in real time. With such industry-leading features as this comprising the solution, it is no surprise that it has been implemented across a range of diverse events and venues throughout the UK. From offering support at the Notting Hall Carnival to bolstering security at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, the platform has covered some of the largest events this past summer. Beyond this, the solution is in constant use at the likes of the NEC in Birmingham, the ExCeL in London, London Euston train station, and Birmingham City University. Serving these incredibly busy locations means that evolution is imperative for Halo, both in terms of digital transformation and remaining abreast of regulations and compliance. For example, Martyn’s Law, named after one of the 22 victims of the aforementioned 2017 Manchester Arena attack, means that venues, events, and large gatherings must have the ability to record and gather incident data. The Halo System enables people to do this as a result of its digitised processes and detailed records, complete with date and time stamping. Looking ahead to what’s next for this system, Halo has recently launched the first iteration of an offline mode for the Halo System, meaning that mobile users will be able to submit incidents and execute tasks without phone signal. Believed to be the first of its kind in the world, the feature saves the request and uploads it to the system as soon as signal returns, complete with relevant information about the time it was submitted and other crucial details. “No doubt future versions of this software will include more features available offline, but we need to first get customer feedback and confirmation of safety. There are valid safety reasons why you wouldn’t want to do certain things ‘offline’, and there are key warnings and graphics throughout the software which support users in making sure the right people, get the right information, at the right time.” Seeking to put its proven solution at the centre of all businesses, organisations, and spaces that are connected to public safety, Halo Solutions Ltd is doing everything it can to keep people safe and protect everyone. For this, it is more than deserving of the title it has had bestowed upon it. Contact: Lois Warner Company: Halo Solutions Ltd Web Address: https://www.halosolutions.com/ SME News Q4 2024 / 34
When McFarlane was opened in 2004, the company initially specialised in residential lettings and property management. During that time, property investment was the next big thing and Buy-to-Let landlords were entering the scene at a staggering rate. In 2010, McFarlane began to offer a residential sales service alongside its established lettings and property management service. This expansion was quickly followed by a relocation to its head office in Old Town, and the launch of its Cricklade office in 2012. 2017 saw McFarlane’s first acquisition with the completion of its takeover of a local residential sales and letting agent, integrating them into the McFarlane name. The following year, McFarlane completed its second acquisition, this time of an established sales and lettings agent in Marlborough and opened its third office. The next few years flew by with several more acquisitions for the company, and in 2020 McFarlane opened its new office on the Marlborough high street before opening a fourth in Swindon in 2021. After agreeing to the lease on a new office in the heart of Cirencester in 2023, McFarlane had successfully established five high street offices to cover the local areas of Cirencester, Cricklade, Marlborough, North Swindon, and Old Town. With numerous locations across the region, McFarlane is the perfect partner for property searching. The company has built a strong network of its local offices across Wiltshire and even Gloucester, all linked to offer clients the widest range of properties available. Not only that, but the expert team at McFarlane possess vast knowledge of both the local area, its amenities, and the industry, and are dedicated to steering clients in the right direction. Each of the company’s sales teams has a dedicated progressor who is there to communicate with the client and guide them through the whole process. As for those looking to sell, McFarlane is dedicated to helping its clients sell their home for the best possible price. The company leverages its vast connections, respected reputation, stringent commitment to professionalism, and local access to aid its clientele in navigating a market oversaturated with properties. The company lends its sharp marketing skills to ensure that properties reach larger audiences, attracting more buyers and subsequently speeding up the sales process. McFarlane is does not only serve property buyers and sellers, however; the company utilises its vast skillset to support both landlords and tenants in the letting process, and in fact lets more properties than any other letting agent in the surrounding area. The company has developed exceptional processes and infrastructure, put in place to support its landlords with quick lets, low void periods, maximum rental income, and 100% compliance. This also makes McFarlane a beneficial letting agency for tenants, too, as the company’s vast portfolio means that it has a property for each and every need. McFarlane values its tenants and works to ensure that they are protected and treated fairly during their tenancy, providing them with an online maintenance reporting system and speedy services. Such stellar services have enabled McFarlane to build an excellent reputation in the region for delivering top-tier real estate services. The company has amassed countless five-star testimonials for its brilliance, with clients praising McFarlane for its professionalism, communication, and prowess. These qualities are vital in the world of real estate and have enabled McFarlane to earn the title of the Best Residential Sales and Lettings Agency 2024 – Wiltshire. “McFarlane manages my portfolio of properties and has done for a number of years,” writes S. “I have always found their services to be of the highest standard; they always deal with any query efficiently and professionally. I would thoroughly recommend McFarlane to anyone looking to employ the services of a letting agent.” “I have used the services of McFarlane three times now, having sold two properties through them and also had them manage a property rental of mine,” says D. “I have previously engaged other companies in the past, whose services ranged from adequate to a screaming nightmare. Please believe me when I say that you are in safe, professional, and caring hands with McFarlane, who always go the extra mile to look after your interests.” Contact: Shaun Picken Company: McFarlane Sales & Lettings Web Address: https://www.mcfarlaneproperty.com/ Located in Swindon, Wiltshire, McFarlane is a leading estate agent that specialises in residential sales, lettings, and property management across the North Wiltshire area. With five branches across the region and more than 250 years of combined industry experience, McFarlane is committed to pairing each property with the perfect person and easing the stressful process on both sides whilst doing so. Below, we take a closer look at the company as it receives its title in the 2024 Business Elite Awards. McFarlane: Perfectly Pairing People with Properties
SME News Business Elite 2024 / 10 A membership-based business club created exclusively for UK businesses and their leaders, especially those operating in the SME market, Prosper2 was founded to help like-minded individuals share ideas, opportunities, and investments. Determined to provide members with a points-based rewards programme as a thank you, Founder Michael Wilson struck a deal with MasterCard to pioneer an innovative rewards scheme linked to a pre-paid card. On the back of this, it is our pleasure to recognise Prosper2 as the Best SME Membership Rewards & Incentive Schemes Company 2024. A Highly Rewarding SME Member Club The story of Prosper2 began with Michael Wilson, the visionary behind the company, and his growing tired of only being able to share the projects and opportunities he was presented with to interested parties in his network after it was already too late. Realising that their must be a better way to nurture collaboration and drive innovation, Prosper2 was born. Working on a membership basis, this is a club that affords all of its members access to the latest goings-on in their markets, making it an invaluable investment for them all. Aside from providing its valued members with access to these unique SMEbased business opportunities, Prosper2’s distinction reverberates further through its aforementioned rewards and incentives scheme, for which it has been celebrated with this prestigious title. What makes this programme so unique is that, because it has been executed in partnership with MasterCard, which itself has made waves in the loyalty space, members are able to redeem and spend their points anywhere in the world where they see the famous MasterCard logo. This immediately makes Prosper2 Rewards different from traditional rewards programmes, which are often limited in terms of where and on what points can be redeemed. For example, when it comes to airmiles, the points may only be used by one certain airline on future flights, which can be incredibly restrictive in the long run and even result in the rewards not being used. By making it so that members can spend their rewards whenever and wherever they choose, the freedom inherent across Prosper2’s programme is raising the bar. When it comes to earning these points, the first stage of the process entails joining Prosper2 as a member, as the number of points received depends on which membership level a person has (Trail, Gold, Platinum, or Black). From here, purchasing services from the Prosper2 Service Hub – which offers bespoke business solutions to drive growth – can secure points, and so too can buying the goods or services provided by other club members, as well as referring a friend’s business to the programme. All of these points are then loaded straight to the multicurrency Prosper² Rewards Prepaid Mastercard®. One of the best things about the Prosper2 Rewards suite is that it can also be used by members to create a tailored rewards programme for their own businesses, which can be rolled out to their customers and suppliers alike. By rewarding a client’s own supply chain with points that can be spent as they wish, the result is that stronger relationships are nurtured, all in a costeffective manner. This is because Prosper2 Rewards offers an out-of-the-box solution that is flexible, adaptable, and even boasts a variety of white-label capabilities. It is not only the discounts and loyalty card that make a membership with Prosper2 worth it however, and across the three non-trial tiers – Gold, Platinum, and Black – a number of additional benefits can be found, be it a client having their business listed on the marketplace or being afforded a business or corporate travel concierge. The exclusive Black tier of membership is by invitation only and unlocks countless benefits which can truly transform an SME, from social media strategy reviews through to digital presence reports. Prosper2’s ethos of listening, engaging, and enabling its members at every turn is something that is perfectly reflected across this rewards programme, which itself is just one of many reasons why a membership with the company is the right call for SMEs of any variety across the UK. At times, it can feel incredibly isolating running a business, and all that is needed is a lending hand, a new opportunity, or the option to collaborate with a fellow professional. All of this, and much more, makes Prosper2 the best membership a business can have. Named as the Best SME Membership Rewards & Incentive Schemes Company 2024, Prosper2 is this and so much more. Those interested in joining or learning more about the business are cordially invited to follow the link below to the company website. Contact: Anthony Brand Company: Prosper2 Web Address: https://prosper2.co.uk/
I’m delighted you’re here! If you’re a UK-based CEO, Leader, or People Manager aiming to reach your next level of success, you’ve come to the right place. I offer high-impact 1-1 Coaching, Training, and HR Services that enables individuals and teams to thrive in today’s fast-paced world I’m a multi-award-winning Leadership Mentor, Certified Gallup Strengths Coach, and Experienced & Qualified HR Director. I’m passionate about driving high performance and unlocking people’s potential, by leveraging their natural talents and strengths. HR Hi, I’m Mandy. The Founder of Modern HR Ltd. Modern www.modernhr.co.uk [email protected]
SME News Business Elite 2024 / 12 SME News Q4 2024 / 28 Educating and Empowering Entrepreneurs Across London London Business Partnership is a non-profit making organisation dedicated to supporting the growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises across London, with a particular focus on West London. Whether a client operates within the public, private, or voluntary sectors, London Business Partnership lends its expertise to create prosperous and sustainable businesses destined to succeed in today’s climate. Here, we speak with Deryck Sealy, Co-Founder and Director of London Business Partnership, as the organisation is named in the Business Elite Awards 2024. London Business Partnership was founded in 2012 by Deryck Sealy and Namia Omasta-Milson. Having spent years working for other enterprise support organisations, witnessing countless business owners struggling to make sense of complex issues such as business rates, and even more so the negative impact this lack of knowledge had on their ventures, the pair decided it was time to help. And so, London Business Partnership was born. Through this organisation, Deryck and Namia can offer more to SMEs around London than ever before, providing them with much-needed, free business support that stems from their years of combined industry experience. “Understanding the challenges ourselves, we wanted to do something to help these hard-working entrepreneurs,” Deryck tells us. “We decided to operate as an agile business model with a small team, and work in partnership with other organisations, providers, business advisors, consultants, mentors, coaches, and other experts to deliver specialist SME support.” Driven by this knowledge, London Business Partnership is committed to providing free support for SME owners in London, delivering successful business support programmes that improve local economies and support the development of business owners. Often, free business advice is synonymous with lower standards, but London Business Partnership will never compromise on the quality of its offerings. The organisation offers excellent business support programmes, covering everything from financial and funding advice to management and employment strategies. Deryck highlights London Business Partnership’s Property Advice Service as one of its standout services, a free commercial programme designed to help SMEs understand the current property market. The programme equips business owners with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed business decisions, navigate varied financial options, negotiate with landlords, and access business rate relief schemes. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Property Advice Service programme has supported 500 London SMEs to date with its holistic approach to providing businesses with the tools to grow. The programme consists of a variety of webinars, workshops, and one-to-one sessions designed to educate, enlighten, and empower the budding entrepreneurs of London. “If you need to navigate the commercial property space, we are ready to help. Making the right choices now is the best way to avoid problems in the future; with the right resources, you can build your knowledge and avoid costly mistakes,” says Deryck. “We are often able to help our clients solve their problems very quickly. If they need additional support, we can refer them to another of our free business support programmes or to other organisations. Their feedback is typically positive, with relief that we have given them the exact information they need.” Property Advice Service has seen monumental success in aiding SME owners to successfully secure and manage their business locations. One story of such success was the vital support extended to husband and wife team, Ela and Jeremy Mundy. Owners of train station coffee vendor On The Hoof, the duo experienced rent charges for their new property despite construction work preventing them from trading. Thanks to the Property Advice Service, Ela and Jeremy worked with London Business Partnership to not only negotiate a reimbursement for one year’s rent, but also managed to retain a positive relationship with their landlord. Of the scheme’s success, Jeremy says, “London Business Partnership’s advice and guidance was second to none. Isaac Adams has been great at signposting me, and the whole team has been efficient, resourceful, and always ready to help. It’s very important for an SME to have professional experts to discuss all matters relating to property. Without the Property Advice Service, access to qualified property experts and surveyors would normally be out of our reach.” Looking ahead, Deryck tells us that London Business Partnership is focused on delivering multiple projects to aid the sustainable development of SMEs across London. Since its inception, the organisation has displayed a stringent commitment to delivering top-tier services and programmes geared towards driving success for both its clients, and the local community. For this dedication, and its significant contributions to the economy, London Business Partnership has been recognised as the Best Entrepreneur Support Company 2024 – South East England. Contact: Deryck Sealy Company: London Business Partnerships Web Address: https://londonbp.co.uk/
Founded in 2019, Swyft was established to realise the future of furniture. More than a simple marketing ploy, the teams of designers and craftsman behind the company truly believed that there was a better way to make and distribute furniture, without sacrificing on either comfort or quality. As for how this was achieved, the company we are proud to name as the Best Quick Delivery Sofa & Sofa Beds Company 2024 started putting sofas into boxes. A New Take on Furniture In our modern world, there is no reason why a customer should have to face the choice between waiting weeks for the delivery of their furniture or acting out that scene in Friends where the gang try and pivot Ross’ new sofa around a tight staircase in his building. Offering a variety of sofas, beds, and sofa beds, as well as other such furniture and accessories, every product in Swyft’s portfolio can be delivered for free, many within 24 hours, and 100-day returns come as standard across the board, underpinning this desire to do things differently. Be it their renowned sofa-in-a-box concept or any other piece comprising this portfolio, the team at Swyft pride themselves on their consistency and unwavering attention to detail, both of which can be seen across every product they create. A personal favourite of the team here is the Model 04 Sofa Bed, which sees the company’s practical and comfortable three-seater sofa transform into the equivalent of a double bed in a matter of moments. Both affordable and an excellent space saver, it is no surprise this is the brand’s top seller. Available in a variety of different colours and fabrics – more than 31 to be specific – the Model 04 benefits from a beautiful design, a 300-pocket sprung mattress, and removable arms for more space, not to mention that it always comes in one of the company’s signature boxes, with many styles able to be delivered the next day. This combination makes all the difference for customers, particularly for those who are renting or living in apartments, as they can maximise their spaces whilst still having modern and stylish furniture. Diving deeper into the brand’s signature design process, the methods employed by Swyft see it create pieces meticulously, carefully considering every element from the initial concept stage through to the finishing touches. Initially starting off with just sofas, this encompassing process today lends itself to everything from beds to coffee tables, armchairs, dog beds, ottomans, and much more – all designed according to the same core principles. “We agonise over every material, every seam, and every curve to ensure that our products not only meet but exceed the highest standards of quality and design. This dedication to precision and craftsmanship is what sets Swyft apart, resulting in products that are not only beautiful but also built to last.” Swyft’s innate quality is something that has been noted by its dedicated customers from all over the world, including in one particularly praiseworthy testimonial from an individual in Morzine, located on the France-Switzerland border, who made use of Swyft’s furniture across the fitting out of their ski chalet. Seeking a light, airy, and modern feel complete with stylish furniture and fresh décor, choosing Swyft was an easy decision, as this person loved the blend of simple designs and luxurious, high-quality fabrics. Another piece of glowing feedback comes from Roxy Hitchen, who is a project manager at White Circle, a full-service interior design company. As her testimonial states: “We were shipping the products over from the UK, so the fact the Swyft sofas and chairs come boxed in parts made transport easy. Also, they are so easy to slot together, it was a no-brainer.” These testimonials reflect the ethos that Swyft has running through its veins: “If you get it right, you leave the world a little bit more beautiful each day by creating great looking products.” It is with this in mind that Swyft has recently launched its very first set of dining furniture, with a range comprising tables, chairs, sideboards, and more. This is the beginning of a substantial push to design more Swyft products for every room in the house, something that the expert team are committed to as we move into 2025 and beyond. “We want to be so good that if we were to launch a toaster our customers would buy it, because they know what it means to buy a Swyft item.” Named as the Best Quick Delivery Sofa & Sofa Beds Company 2024, Swyft is well on the way to achieving its ultimate aim of ushering in the future of furniture. Contact: Kelly Collins Company: Swyft Web Address: https://swyfthome.com/
SME News Business Elite 2024 / 14 Founded in 2011, eviivo is a software company leading the hospitality sector with its hassle-free booking and property management platform, eviivo Suite™. Striving to be the unrivalled one-stop shop for property management solutions, eviivo enables property managers, hoteliers, and hosts to manage their guests, bookings, and online travel agencies (OTAs) in one simple, easy-to-use platform. Launched in 2013 by Michele Fitzpatrick and Eric White, respectively CEO and CTO of the company, eviivo Suite revolutionised the booking system for independent accommodations by becoming the first ever all-in-one booking management platform aimed at independent providers. Having gained over 4,600 customers in its first year of operations, eviivo Suite’s remarkable success helped eviivo to expand internationally, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the US. Now, eviivo Suite offers its users innovative functionality and an improved booking management experience as a modern SaaS platform trusted by more than 28,000 accommodations across 80 countries. eviivo Suite centralises online bookings from multiple channels, such as OTAs and direct bookings, in one convenient calendar. To further simplify booking management, the platform offers industry-leading OTA integrations that sync availability, rates, content, and more across channels, which prevents overbookings while maximising occupancy. What’s more, eviivo Suite’s unified inbox and AI & automation tools streamline communication with guests before, during, and after their stay, improving the overall customer experience. eviivo Suite integrates with property websites to help users facilitate direct bookings and best showcase their accommodation, and offers comprehensive in-built and custom reporting on bookings, revenue, occupancy, and more to help property managers make informed decisions. Its dynamic pricing tools enable users to adjust rates automatically based on real-time changes in demand, optimising revenue with minimal effort. The platform additionally benefits its users with peerless payment automation, including airtight security, invoicing, and support for the widest choice of card processors. Over the years, eviivo has been bestowed with countless awards and accolades that symbolise the company’s commitment to the ongoing pursuit of excellence and innovation. eviivo has been recognised in the 2024 Business Elite Awards with the title of Best Full-Service Property Management Platform 2024. In addition to this, eviivo was named the Hotel Channel Management Platform of the Year 2024 in the TravelTech BreakThrough Awards, and the Best Vacation Rental Software 2024 in the HotelTechAwards, to name its most recent accomplishments. The platform’s excellence is also recognised in the many glowing reviews for eviivo Suite. The company has garnered more than 2,400 four-to-five-star reviews, detailing its efficacy, innovation, and suitability for all types and sizes of accommodation, from boutique hotels to vacation rental portfolios and hybrid accommodation like aparthotels. “What we love about eviivo is the simplicity; having access to the figures at the touch of a button,” says Tony, Regional Manager of an Inn in Conwy. “Summer is pretty much boxed off, and we’ve got excellent occupancy with eviivo.” “The eviivo app is a godsend,” writes Vanessa, a B&B Owner. “Now I can be in control of my bookings wherever I am, whatever I’m doing. I’ve had lots of wins, and I feel in control of my business without having to stay close to the house.” “eviivo has made our lives much easier,” reports Jake, a Property Manager. “We manage over 90 properties. We have more than 40 employees and several of them are managers working with eviivo every day. The platform works perfectly for monthly reporting and integrating with all the channels that we need. We couldn’t be happier.” “We are so glad to have found a PMS system that is not only userfriendly so that we can dedicate more time to our clients, but also a system that offers so many essential and time saving features,” writes Paul, a Property Owner . “We are also benefiting from eviivo’s ongoing support, which is critical. They are always looking at growth, with constant new features, and assisting us to adapt to new technology. We have used many other PMS systems over the last 20 years, and I believe we have found the best one so far; we see eviivo as our essential working partner for the foreseeable future.” Contact: Paul Saxby Company: eviivo Web Address: https://eviivo.com/ Managing an independent accommodation business can be a richly rewarding venture with plenty of potential for growth. It also involves juggling multiple bookings, guests and distribution channels daily, all with fewer resources than the big chains. eviivo is the provider of a cloud-based, all-in-one platform designed to help property managers, hoteliers and hosts in the independent accommodation sector manage their properties more efficiently. Empowering its clientele to increase revenue, improve guest experience, and future-proof their businesses, eviivo has been named in the 2024 Business Elite Awards. Below, we take a closer look at their proprietary property and booking management platform. Helping Accommodation Businesses Go Further, Faster, Without Compromise
The UK’s real estate investment and development market has displayed signs of recovery and growth in 2024, after experiencing steep falls in 2022 due to economic uncertainty, rising interest rates, and inflation. The economy is rebounding, and values in the UK commercial real estate market are beginning to recover, and although there are still challenges and uncertainties, the market as a whole is showing positive signs of improvement and growth. Below, we take a look at Legacie, a real estate investment and development company driving the growth of the real estate market. Building a Legacy of Real Estate Excellence Founded in 2016, Legacie is one of the UK’s largest privately-owned real estate investment and development companies. Based in Liverpool, the company has been instrumental in the economic development of the city, having played a key role in the establishment of numerous outstanding structures across the area, in addition to undertaking projects in Manchester City Centre, Luton, and Salford. With extensive experience in all aspects of complex and large-scale property development and construction, Legacie provides its clients with impressive ROI’s and up to 10% yield, making the company the perfect partner when building your property portfolio. Legacie has built long-established partnerships with experts leading the industry, providing the company with a uniquely advantageous position within the market. Legacie leverages these relationships to successfully navigate the ever-changing landscape of the real estate market, relying on its solid network of industry connections to further progress. Understanding the importance of relationships, whether between industry professionals or client, Legacie replicates this approach with its clientele. The company directly deals with its investors to offer them full transparency and provide the best possible deal. Ultimately, Legacie envisions a prosperous future built upon long-term relationships with investors and outstanding property solutions. A leading property developer, Legacie offers a comprehensive service tailored to meet the diverse needs of property investors. In addition to working closely with its client as a trusted partner providing investment opportunities, the company offers property management services, dedicated customer care, and handover and aftercare services. The service process is broken down into digestible steps to ensure that the client is in complete understanding of their journey. Stage one begins with the client meeting one of Legacie’s investment property partners, who will work with the client to understand their requirements and preferences, ensuring that Legacie identifies the right investment opportunity for them. In the Processing stage, the company’s Progress Chasing team will liaise with solicitors to ensure that the 28-day exchange timeframe is met and confirm the legal exchange of contracts. At every stage, the team maintains clear contact with the client to assist with any queries. The client will then be welcomed by Legacie’s dedicated Customer Care team, here to support them with financial, furniture, and lettings arrangements, in addition to providing them with regular updates on the development of their new property. In preparation for the project’s completion, the client’s solicitor will serve their ten-working-days’ notice of legal completion and invite the client to book their property handover appointment. Whilst this is being arranged, the property will undergo a thorough inspection to ensure that it is in perfect condition, and all fittings and appliances are in working order. The handover appointment, approximately 90 minutes long, involves Legacie handing over the keys and giving its client a detailed demonstration of their property. The company will talk the client through the handover process and introduce them to its online Investors Portal, where the client can access full information about the property, local area, and easily report any issues. For investors, the lettings team will provide a full procedure showing the investor exactly how the property is being managed and cared for. Following the handover, Legacie’s Aftersales team will be on hand to help with any issues or queries that may arise, providing the client with complete peace of mind. This, in conjunction with the online portal, guarantees that the client is taken care of, even after their purchase. By managing all of its properties in-house, Legacie has put itself in the advantageous position of providing a level of care that its peers are unable to match. Since its inception, Legacie has been dedicated to providing top-tier customer service and shaping the real estate market with its dynamic investment and development solutions. The company has displayed an expert understanding on how to succeed in the market and works tirelessly to provide its clientele with the same success. It is for its unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise that Legacie has been named the Real Estate Construction, Development, and Investment Company of the Year 2024. Contact: John Morley Company: Legacie Holdings Limited Web Address: https://www.legacie.co.uk/
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