Business Elite Awards 2025

Business Elite Awards 2025 Business Elite Awards 2025

SME Business Elite Awards 2025 Phone: +44 (0) 203 970 0010 Website: smenews.digital Jo Holloway Senior Account Executive 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. 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 mediumsized 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.

Contents 6. Your Perfect Match for a Spotless Home 7. The Home of Mercedes Repairs and Services in LiverpoolFor 8. Best School and Local Authority Tutoring Organisation 2025 9. Accounting Matters: Delivering Peace of Mind with Numbers 10. Premium Pet Care in Cambridgeshire 11. The Power of Partnerships 12. Easy Avenues: Your Business’s Trusted Travel Companion 13. Clarity, Culture & Cadence: The Modern CEOs Blueprint 14. Shaping Futures Through Meaningful Self-Care 15. Strategic Excellence in Family Leisure 16. Just Shutters: Style and Function in Every Frame 17. Neurodivergence Business Coaching from a Neurodiverse Coach 18. Cutting Through Fluff and Bull to Deliver What Matters 19. Marketing for Good 20. The ESP Method:No Learner Left Behind 21. Blucando: Technology That Works for PeopleA 22. Creating Content with Heart 23. Delivering Italy’s Soul to Newbury’s Table 24. Innovative Solutions for Active Investors 25. Leading With Purpose, Building With Impact 26. The Travel Franchise: Turning Passion into Profession 27. Snap Fitness Addlestone: Raising the Bar in 24/7 Fitness 28. Simplifying Waste Management For All 29. The Ultimate Home Care Solution 30. Quirky, Original Fashion Accessories with a Cruelty-Free Undercurrent 31. The Gold Standard for Hearing Restoration and Protection 32. VR Films Highlighting the Impact of Trauma on Children 33. Superior Classic Car Service 34. Revive Roofing: Impeccable Quality Through and Through 35. Wellbeing Support in the West Midlands 36. Turning Vision into Reality 38. Renovations, Extensions, and Residential Construction in Gloucestershire 39. Empowering the VFX, Film, and TV Industry 40. Year-Round Reputation Management for Leading Brands 41. 50 Years of Market- Leading Currency Exchange 42. Cost-Effective, Holistic Care, Built Around You 43. Elevate Your Brand with Strategy and Clarity 44. Your Trusted Electronic Manufacturing Partner 45. Ronins: At the Heart of Digital Empowerment 46. Unlock Your Brand’s Amazon Potential 47. Nant Y Mynydd Water Coolers: Award Winning Family Business 48. Jamie Lloyd Pain Relief Clinic: Transforming Chronic Pain Through Holistic, Fascia-Focused Therapy 49. Clever Clicks Digital: Your Dedicated Digital Partner 50. A Beautiful Care Home in the Countryside 51. Financial Planning That Puts People First 52. Theft Prevention with Advanced Technology 53. Devon’s Best Hair Salon 54. Most Positive Dog Training & Behavioural Services 2025 – UK 58. Combating the Climate with Cutting-Edge Cooling Capabilities 59. Balance, Growth, Development, Wellbeing 60. AI Wizards, Automation Ninjas, Data Mavericks 62. Funding Innovation, Supporting Business Growth 63. Celebrate Culture, Quality, and Commitment with Bossie’s Biltong 64. Breaking Down the Barriers to Accessing Autism Assessments 65. An Authentic Insight into Northern Irish Farming

Contents 66. Tecnis Academy: Leaving No Child Behind 67. Transformative Training Academy Empowering Finance Professionals Globally 68. Frontrunning Family-Run Business Setting New Standards in Client Service 69. Connecting Cultures through Brilliant Branding 70. Trusted Project Management that Delivers Lasting Impact 71. Inclusive Enrichment for All Ages 72. Real-Time AI Bookkeeping with Unrivalled Accuracy 73. One Company’s Quest to Innovate within Industries 74. Award-Winning Digital Marketing Agency in Leeds 76. Franchise Fame:A Thriving Franchise Ecosystem 77. BeeSan Psychotherapy and Counselling Services: A Safe Place to Talk 78. Best General & Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic 2025- Bedfordshire 79. Best Event Management & Production Agency 2025 – North West England 80. Innovative Accountancy 81. Compassionate Funeral Services in the West Midlands 82. 360o Franchising Solutions 83. Experts in Design & Build Projects 84. No Project Too Big or Too Small 85. GW & Co: Driving Impact Beyond the Numbers 86. Tectonix: Stone by Design 87. A Creative Consultancy for True Transformation 88. ITHQ:Leading the Resilience Revolution 89. A Highly Rewarding SME Member Club 90. High-Quality Home Care with a Smile 91. “Making Your Life Easier” 92. Premium Bespoke Metalwork

Business Elite Awards 2025 / 6 Well Polished was established in 2004, founded to fill a growing gap in the market. Its founder, Sandra Venables, strived to create an introductory cleaning agency offering quality cleaners with exceptional customer care. While Well Polished began as a part-time business in the Wirral, Sandra soon found herself inundated with an overwhelming number of enquiries, with many outside of her area. This rapid growth prompted Sandra to franchise the business, creating the five-star Well Polished franchise known and loved all over the country. “Our decision to enter the domestic cleaning industry was driven by a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives,” Janine told us. “We recognised that a clean and organised home significantly contributes to individuals’ wellbeing, allowing them to relax and enjoy quality time with their families. By providing reliable and personalised cleaning services, we aim to alleviate the stress associated with household chores, enabling our clients to focus on what truly matters to them.” At its core, Well Polished is steered by professionalism, reliability, and a personal touch and drives its team with trust, consistency, and care – utilising these core values to ensure that every client feels valued and every clean meets its ambitious standards. With this approach, Well Polished builds trusting, long-term relationships with its clients, providing them peace of mind through the use of fully-insured, vetted cleaners and responsive support. Well Polished offers a comprehensive service to its clientele that consists of initial deep cleanings, often chosen before starting a regular service; regular weekly cleaning, with the same cleaner at the client’s chosen day and time; seasonal blitz cleans in preparation of the special times of year; home ironing services, to be pressed and put away in the same day; and a general housekeeping service typically integrated into the weekly cleaning, taking away the hassle of common household chores. The rise of app-based cleaning platforms has undeniably transformed the landscape of domestic cleaning, offering households quick and convenient access to a wide network of cleaners. However, this model often prioritises speed over personalisation, which leads to a transactional experience in which the client is matched with a cleaner based on availability, not compatibility. This approach can result in inconsistent service quality and a lack of continuity, with clients interacting with different cleaners over time – thus hindering the development of trust and understanding often essential for personalised care. Well Polished has demonstrated an unparalleled innovation to solve this emerging problem: a personalised matchmaking service. “We understand that inviting someone into your home is a big decision, which is why we take the time to get to know both our clients and our cleaners to ensure the best possible fit,” Janine explained. “Our bespoke matchmaking process is designed to pair clients with cleaners who align with their specific needs, preferences, and schedules. This tailored approach means our clients enjoy a consistent, reliable service from someone they feel comfortable with – turning routine cleaning into a seamless and stress-free experience.” Moving forward, Well Polished plans to continue improving and innovating its services by deepening its use of technology to enhance the personalised experience that its clients value most. While many companies lean heavily on app-based booking systems, Well Polished has its sights set on developing smarter matchmaking tools that combine artificial intelligence with human insight, further ensuring that every client is paired with a cleaner who truly fits their unique needs and preferences. In addition to this, the company will also maintain its commitment to expanding its sustainability initiatives. Upcoming developments will include introducing more eco-friendly cleaning products and working to reduce its carbon footprint across operations. To the team at Well Polished, this is not only a responsibility but a way to differentiate itself in a market where customers are increasingly expecting greener, more environmentally conscious choices. “More broadly,” Janine concluded, “our goal is to grow Well Polished as the trusted leader in domestic cleaning by offering unrivalled customer care, building stronger cleaner-client relationships, and supporting our team and franchisees with ongoing training and development. This approach will help us build a resilient business that adapts to change and consistently exceeds expectations.” Contact: Janine Campbell Company: Well Polished Web Address: www.well-polished.com Juggling the constant demands of daily life often means putting ourselves last. By turning to a professional for support, we can reclaim our valuable time and focus on the things that truly bring us joy – instead of spending it on household chores. Well Polished is a customer-focused cleaning franchise championing this ethos, offering a personalised cleaning service that provides its clients with the time to do what they enjoy most. We spoke to Janine Campbell below, Director and Shareholder of Well Polished, for more. Your Perfect Match for a Spotless Home AIS-May25066

Liverpool Mercedes, Anfield is a multi-award-winning company comprising technicians well versed in handling all of the Mercedes-Benz and AMG needs of their clients. These qualified and knowledgeable staff share more than 55 years of hands-on experience between them, and pledge to take care of every motor as if it were their own. Recognised as the Best Independent Mercedes Specialist 2025 – Liverpool, we caught up with the owner, Steve Madden, for more on the business. The Home of Mercedes Repairs and Services in Liverpool For an annual service to a ground-up engine rebuild, Liverpool Mercedes, Anfield is always right by the side of its clients. Boasting the stamp of approval from the RAC – underpinning its quality repairs, honest pricing, and exceptional customer service – this independent specialist offers a range of services delivered under the aim of keeping client vehicles in the best condition. The best part is that this is offered at a fraction of the cost of dealership prices, with all work being logged in the official Mercedes database. Wirth its convenient location – five minutes outside of Liverpool city centre – to boot, the company prides itself on delivering these expert services right on the doorstep of its Merseyside clientele. This local touch is seen from the moment a client walks through the doors of Unit 2 on Castor Street, where they are afforded a welcoming environment that makes them feel at ease about leaving their beloved motor in someone else’s hands. Clients also love how thorough the team here are with their explanations. “Feedback from our clients praises how we explain the work required to be carried out on their vehicles in full, meaning they understand exactly what they are paying for and why they are paying for the repair.” The honest and transparent nature of Liverpool Mercedes, Anfield has led to the company completing a number of projects lately, many for first-timers. This includes diagnosing and repairing an issue on a client’s C-Class and servicing the E-Class of a client whose first Mercedes it was. Both clients left glowing accounts of their experience, with this excerpt reflecting the company’s standout nature: “I always like to find a local, independent specialist for my cars, and from start to finish, the experience here was perfect.” Similarly, the second client shared: “I was really anxious to get my Mercedes E 220 serviced. I called these guys, and they gave me a complete breakdown and advised a few extras that were necessary. Steve showed me the parts after removing and advised what was needed, quoting an excellent price and getting the job done in two hours. Everything was logged on Mercedes’ database and they provided me with a printout. I would definitely recommend them for anyone looking for excellent Mercedes work at a good price.” These testimonials are just the tip of the iceberg, and it is this that keeps Steve and the rest of the team here – which has doubled in size in just a few years as a result of the excellence they demonstrate – serving clients six days a week from their Anfield base. Interestingly, despite the passion Steve has for this work, owning an independent Mercedes repair garage was not always on the cards for him, as he initially wanted to join the Royal Marines after leaving school. However, on the advice of his brother-inlaw, who was himself in the Marines, Steve went out to find a trade, going around the local dealerships with his father and handing out his CV. The rest is history, with Steve quickly finding his niche in Merc repairs and eventually starting this specialist business in 2021. For those looking to follow in his footsteps and create a successful SME, Steve shares some invaluable advice: “Be an honest person, because being honest brings respect and trust. Don’t chase money, aim for customer retention.” He continued: “Turn up every day and you are already further than where you were yesterday. We implement that here, as turning up each day and providing the service we provide keeps clients on the road.” Finally, touching on the future plans for Liverpool’s leading independent Mercedes specialist, Steve told us how the team would love to one day own their own body shop, as well as a second repair site in the surrounding area. Also, he added, there are talks ongoing about buying their own stock of vehicles to sell at their current Anfield site. More information about Liverpool Mercedes, Anfield – the Best Independent Mercedes Specialist 2025 – Liverpool – can be found using the link below. Contact: Steven Madden Company: Liverpool Mercedes, Anfield

Business Elite Awards 2025 / 8 SME News Q3 2025 / 16 Best School and Local Authority Tutoring Organisation 2025 In 2025 the Home-School Tutoring Group provided tutoring for over 28 Local Authorities and councils in the UK and more than 100 schools! This is in addition to Home-School Tutoring being the choice for hundreds of parents and carers who look for quality, experienced tutors in almost every subject you can think of, both face-to-face and online. Home-School Tutoring work with families who home educate, as well as families who have children in school looking for additional support through tutoring. They are proud of the trust that is put in them. They work hard to ensure that they deliver the very best bespoke tutoring packages for each individual learner. Home-School Tutoring (www. homeschooltutoring.co.uk) is growing and they are excited for the future. They celebrated 40 years in 2024. Children are at the heart of all that they do. They believe this genuine child-centred approach is a key part of their success. Every child matters deeply to them. The Home-School Tutoring Group is a group of businesses run by an inspiring group of experienced teachers and education leaders under the Home-School Tutoring brand umbrella. Home-School Tutoring UK is the support hub. The local businesses are not franchises, but linked through the brand and website, but locally owned. Each business in the group is unique and has its own personality, passions and expertise reflecting the owners. There are currently 44 branches or areas covered and more in the pipeline. They are all united by a genuine passion for excellence in tutoring. In recent years, they have had to automate to grow, and this has included many of them embracing TutorCruncher and other apps and platforms. They all agree that technology offers so many opportunities for businesses. Home-School Tutoring are delighted to have been recognised through the SME awards for their work with Local Authorities and schools. Annalise Price-Thomas says, “working with Local Authorities and schools to provide tutoring is challenging, but so rewarding. We are Alternative Provision providers in this role. Often, we are working with some of the most vulnerable children in each county.” These are children who perhaps are too unwell to attend school (often this can be due to mental health issues, such as severe anxiety) as well as children who are waiting for a school place or children have been excluded. Annalise says it is a privilege to support children and young people in challenging circumstances. Home-School Tutoring work with the Local Authorities and schools to help the children and young people eventually move towards reintegration. They have many impressive success stories and know that they impact lives with what they do. “Thank you for changing my son’s life” wrote one parent whose child has recently reintegrated back to school, after tutoring support boosted confidence as well as academic progress, following a period of school refusal. Safeguarding expertise is something Home-School Tutoring stand out for. It is one of their passions and they know how vitally important it is in education. Home-School Tutoring are regularly audited by Local Authorities to check their processes, policies and procedures and have received excellent feedback. At Home-School Tutoring every Area Director is a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Annalise Price-Thomas is the National Designated Safeguarding Lead. These layers of safeguarding oversight and accountability really help them stay focussed on safeguarding. Impressively, they also have a consultant safeguarding partner, Jane Bee. Jane has worked in Safeguarding and Child Protection for 24 years, previously in a large Local Authority as the manager for Safeguarding in Education and Senior Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) https:// janebeesafeguarding.com/ What comes across is that Home-School Tutoring have a genuine ethos of compassion and making a difference. This even goes beyond the UK. Home-School Tutoring are part of the Matumaini Rehabilitation Centre Business Circle. They helped spark this Business Circle idea: https://www. matumainirehabilitationcentre.org/businesscircle Annalise Price-Thomas visits the Matumaini Rehabilitation Centre (MRC) regularly in Kenya. Making the leap from being teachers to entrepreneurs is not necessarily easy to do. However, Annalise Price-Thomas says, “We are teachers and therefore learners. We constantly review, reflect, learn, grow, and innovate. When the businesses throw up challenges that leads to the best learning. As a group we are stronger together.” The Home-School Tutoring Group is an authentic, compassionate, capable, and formidable group of business leaders who clearly are looking to trailblaze forward within the tutoring sector. We wish them continued success. Watch this space! May25108

SME News Q3 2025 / 20 Accounting Matters: Delivering Peace of Mind with Numbers Supporting a plethora of clients on a daily basis, Accounting Matters’ team prioritises transparency, innovative technology, and the psychological safety of its clients. Encouraging clients to feel happier, and empowered to do more that they enjoy, through helping them to manage their finances easily, Accounting Matters ensures that it delivers a stellar service every time. We delve deeper into the company’s offerings as it is bestowed with the title of Accountancy Firm of the Year 2025 – Derbyshire. With the core values of flexibility, persistence, positivity, trust, and teamwork, Accounting Matters delivers a service that has made it an award-winning firm in addition to its trail of satisfied clients across a myriad of sectors. Going above and beyond for all clients, Accounting Matters positively impacts companies of all sizes and disciplines. Amongst the firm’s plethora of services, its Month 9 Tax Planning Meetings allow it to look at its clients’ business performance over the recent time gone by. Helping with the break-down of business purchases, wills, insurances, and trusts, funding for the future ahead, spreading of assets, and much more, Accounting Matters aids every businessperson to feel more organised and confident about their company operations. Practice Manager Zoe Black shared: “In sharing this hour together, you will have far more insight into what to expect from your tax bills (no one likes those surprises) and how to manoeuvre to extract the most tax efficient savings you can make. This meeting provides the best peace of mind that we as a Company can offer. You can sleep well at night knowing that you know. This is the ultimate way of us expressing our purpose to you.” From accounts to tax returns, VAT to payroll, CIS to bookkeeping and business advice, Accounting Matters has specialist accountants who each focus in a diverse range of sectors. This is a surefire way to ensure growth and empowerment across industries, no matter how little they may know about accountancy. With recent developments in the industry, such as the MTDITSA – a new HMRC legislation to ensure digitalisation of sole traders – Accounting Matters delivers up-to-date services which ultimately allow for the use of the most suitable software by its clients. Creating a seamless process for any business’ operations, while expertly managing their money, the firm has “communicated changes with all clients to ensure a smooth transition, which will streamline processes and improve efficiency”. Focusing on the MTDITSA project, Accounting Matters delivers an excellent service – steeped in experience and tireless work – which ensures that its clients are entirely compliant and able to use a progressive digital software, simplifying their processes and management of finances. The firm consistently supports clients to stay up to date with the ever-evolving world of HMRC and technology, without feeling pressured to do everything alone. Believing in its core values, Accounting Matters influences a selection of businesses and individuals – transforming their experience of accounting and financial freedom along the way. In the same vein, the Accounting Matters’ team enjoys having a positive impact on everyone around them. Zoe also told us: “For the Network and Nosh November Edition in 2024, Accounting Matters hosted its first networking event in aid of Cancer Research UK. We had guest speakers and exhibitors from a variety of fields such as asset finance, pension advice, insurances, software etc. The community spirit made it a success whereby local businesses joined together for an insightful day. The feedback from attendees was positive and they gained a lot from their experience.” Accounting Matters receives many outstanding client testimonials. For example, S.R commented: “We have moved across to Accounting Matters Ltd. Early days but already the accounting and related business advice received is done so in a way that is easy to understand. The transition to Accounting Matters is very straight forward and we are optimistic that our business will take full advantage of their combined experience. I met the Ripley team and took away some good information. If you’re looking for accountants in Ripley, Derbyshire, contact Accounting Matters today so that you can receive an award-winning accountancy service. Contact: Zoe Black Company: Accounting Matters Ltd Website: https://www.accountingmatters.co.uk/ May25184

Business Elite Awards 2025 / 10 SME News Q3 2025 / 20 Premium Pet Care in Cambridgeshire Christina Pollard shares her story as the company was recently named Best Dog Daycare Company 2025 – Cambridgeshire in our Business Elite Awards 2025. In 2016, I took the leap to start my own business, a dog daycare and home boarding service. As a mother, my greatest desire was to stay at home with my children while pursuing my passion for caring for animals. I understood how important it is for dog owners to have peace of mind, knowing their beloved pets are in a warm, nurturing environment surrounded by family. My clients appreciated that their furry companions could socialise and feel at home in our cosy setting. When the Covid pandemic struck, like many small businesses, I faced significant challenges. There were moments when I feared my dream would come crashing down. However, as the world changed, so did the needs of families, and suddenly, we witnessed a surge in pet ownership. The demand for dog daycare and boarding services skyrocketed after Covid, leaving me in a position where I had to turn many potential clients away. This realisation became a catalyst for me to expand and better serve the community that needed our help. With determination and heartfelt conversations with residents, we found a wonderful farm owner who was repurposing his land into a small business park to support growing enterprises. Together, we created a beautiful daycare facility that accommodates up to 35 dogs each day, Monday to Friday. We offer a variety of engaging activities designed to provide joy and stimulation for dogs, including agility courses, ball pools, soft play, and even a party foam machine. It's all about creating a haven for our furry friends. All my wonderful staff share a heartfelt passion for each dog that comes into our care. They are dedicated every day to ensuring that each individual dog is happy and content through constant care, cuddles, and play. With my fantastic team, I can run a dog daycare to be proud of, which continues to strive. I take immense pride in fostering an inviting, family-oriented environment in our daycare, which has been open since 16 May 2022. The joy that my qualified and dedicated staff and I bring to local families is heartwarming, and we work diligently to ensure that both new and returning clients feel welcomed and reassured about their pets’ happiness and well-being. My children, as well as the staff’s children, often join us at work after school and during breaks, forming special bonds with both clients and dogs. Together, we embark on joyful outings for our boarders—whether it’s a leisurely walk, a trip to the beach, or enjoying time at a dogfriendly café. The smiles we share truly reflect the sense of community we cherish. Recognising the growing need for a larger daycare facility after the pandemic has been a deeply personal experience for me. I wanted to create a space that not only serves dogs but also supports the families in our community. The expansion of my business to accommodate 35 dogs daily, five days a week, feels like a response to a heartfelt call from the families around us. Nestled between Stevenage and Cambridge, we are witnessing an influx of residents who require a safe, loving environment for their dogs while they return to work. As dogs become integral members of our families, I felt a strong calling to offer homefrom-home boarding. We invite all our dogs to join us on the couch for snuggles while we watch films together. It fills my heart with joy to take our boarders on family adventures— whether it’s camping under the stars or basking in the sun at the beach. Our clients appreciate knowing that their dogs are enjoying a safe and loving environment, just as they do on their own holidays. Sharing photos and videos helps them connect with their pets and feel present, even when they’re apart. Driven by my passion for this work, I am licensed to care for four dogs, including my own, and I take pride in holding a 5-star rating from the County Council for home boarding. The bonds we've formed with our clients are incredibly special; they trust that we cherish their dogs just as much as we love our own. With our experience and dedication, we strive to ensure that every dog is in the best possible hands. As a team at Family Pet Care, we couldn’t be prouder to have won the ‘Best Dog Daycare in Cambridgeshire 2025’. I am incredibly proud of my business, staff, and clients. Although there have been challenges along the way, we have always persevered, and I believe that receiving this recognition is the perfect way to celebrate our achievements. Contact: Christina Pollard Company: Family Pet Care Website: https://www.familypetcare.co/

Designing and delivering scalable software solutions which are engineered to stand the test of time, Catapult helps businesses to unlock their new chapter of progress and expansion. The company creates solutions structured to scale and delivers them in partnership with its clients’ needs and trust, facilitating exceptional results. We heard from Louise Cermak, Principal Consultant of Catapult, as the firm was recently named Best DevOps & Agile Consultancy 2025. The Power of Partnerships It is Catapult’s sheer dedication to its craft, its technology, and its partnerships which help it to shape the future of the DevOps and Agile consultancy industry. Principal Consultant Louise Cermak began by telling us: “Catapult’s mission is to help B2B organisations, especially in financial services and the public sector, to deliver complex, high-stakes change with speed, precision, and confidence.” With the core values of ‘collaboration’, ‘quality’, ‘freedom’, ‘results’, ‘respect’, and ‘fun’, Catapult prioritises working together to achieve the best outcome for its clients. The environment built by Catapult’s leaders and their teams means that everyone feels respected and equal in a diverse and inclusive atmosphere. Quality is created through passion and integrity so that the company can deliver the right solutions at the best possible price. Also believing in agility, flexibility, productivity, and the team’s shared vision, Catapult achieves more for itself and its clients on a daily basis. With their autonomous work and empowered positions in the company, Catapult’s team are able to continually innovate and learn, to perfect the results. And finally, by having fun, the team is driven and committed to working smarter and harder. When it comes to applying these core values, Catapult is home to a seamless system across a talented team. Louise shared: “What sets us apart is that we’re practitioners, not passengers. Our teams are made up of engineers, architects and delivery leads who don’t just advise on platforms, they build and run them. They don’t just understand code, they understand our clients’ businesses - deeply. “At Catapult, we don’t just deliver complex software, we deliver it with the speed, certainty, and reliability our clients didn’t think was possible. Many come to us after delays, overruns, or big promises that never quite materialised. We change that and we change their thinking on software engineering.” Catapult is exceptionally proud of its recent projects working with users to speed up digital certifications, Louise explained: “The UK Ship Register (UKSR), delivered in partnership with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), was named as a finalist at both the UK IT Industry Awards and the Computing Digital Technology Leaders Awards for Best Public Sector IT Project. “The result was a fully digital service that now issues certificates in seconds (down from 15 minutes) and cuts registration processing time from over an hour to just 8 - 17 minutes. The platform we developed is fully cloud-native, accessible to users around the world and delivering measurable outcomes which include improving data quality, streamlining operations and enabling the MCA to offer faster, more responsive maritime services.” As a shining example of the work carried out by Catapult, and the impact it has on its clients, Dan Vivian, Commercial Director of Maritime Coastguard Agency shared: “The effective digitisation of the UK Ship Register is a central element to the creation of a new operating model for the service; fit for the 21st Century. The solution that has been developed is elegant in its design, thorough in its understanding of the customer and simple in its execution – leading users seamlessly through the process. “It means that the registration services of the UK flag have the ability to be world leading, supporting the maritime sector and the wider UK economy. The project team collaborated effectively and engaged the teams across the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) at the appropriate times. Both the system and teams stood up to the scrutiny and have delivered an exemplary platform that will be built upon and used by the MCA for many years.” Always focusing on its clients’ needs, this outstanding business has won a spot in the limelight. Expertly blending deep technical expertise with lean, embedded delivery – all backed with a fixed-price model that guarantees real outcomes, not just effort – Catapult is celebrated for its commitment to its solutions, partnerships, and delivery on each of its promises. These are the main reasons for its success in our Business Elite Awards 2025, and we truly look forward to seeing where Catapult positions itself in the years to come. Contact: Louise Cermak Company: Catapult CX Limited Website: https://catapult.cx/

Business Elite Awards 2025 / 12 Fanatically client-focused, Easy Avenues is a business travel management company based in Essex. The company was established in 2009 with the aim of delivering a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and personalised services to get clients and their travellers traveling quickly, efficiently, and with complete confidence. Boasting a meticulous eye for detail and an unrivalled passion for service, its expert travel planners tailor each booking to the specific needs of its clients, ensuring the best decisions made at the right price. This way, clients can remain focused on their business – while Easy Avenues handles the rest. Alongside managing the day-to-day travel needs of its corporate clients, Easy Avenues also provides external support for meetings and events. Its Meeting and Events division operates with the same commitment that defines Easy Avenues’ Business Travel Management – client-centric, detail-driven, and dedicated to delivering seamless and memorable experiences from start to finish. This year alone, the company has successfully delivered a 900+ attendee conference in the UK for a major national financial advisory firm, as well as an overseas annual conference in Sicily for another valued client. In a highly competitive industry where many travel management companies offer similar services, technologies, and pricing, Easy Avenues proudly standards apart through the exceptional level of customer service delivered by its seasoned travel experts. With a combined industry experience of more than 300 years, the Easy Avenues team brings unmatched knowledge and dedication to every client interaction. The company embraces a culture of client-centricity and genuine passion, ensuring that every managed journey is handled with precision, care, and an inimitable personal touch. While it prides itself on its experienced travel consultants, Easy Avenues equally recognises the role that technology plays in today’s fast-paced environment. For this reason, the company offers travel management solutions that combine the insight and care of human experts with cutting-edge booking and reporting tools. This approach allows clients to enjoy the best of both worlds: the convenience of self-service booking at any time, anywhere, and the reassurance of live, expert support that is available 24/7, 365 days of the year. In taking this approach, Easy Avenues can better serve its clientele, providing them with unmatched support driven by equal parts humanity and technology. “We’re especially proud of the feedback we receive from clients who appreciate the calm, capable support we provide when things don’t go as planned – whether it’s flight cancellations, adverse weather, or industrial action,” Mike told us. “In these moments, our dedication truly shines.” The travel industry is a landscape that is always evolving, with a continual flow of emerging trends and regulatory changes to be monitored. New visa requirements impact both inbound and outbound travellers: visitors to the UK are now required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and starting next year, UK citizens travelling to the EU will need to apply for European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a similar visa waiver scheme. Easy Avenues strives to proactively keep its clients informed about such regulatory changes. The company offers legal and travel advice where applicable for every trip it manages – including support with visa applications and procurement – ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience from the outset. Regulations are not the only evolving element in such a fast-paced environment, and Easy Avenues is always striving to meet each change with unbridled innovation. In the travel industry, innovation is about making travel smarter, safer, more seamless, and sustainable, and Easy Avenues recognises that companies who embrace these innovations successfully stay ahead by delivering better customer experiences and adapting to an ever-changing global landscape. Easy Avenues intends to continue advancing the travel industry through an array of innovative initiatives, including AI-powered booking platforms; personalisation through data, such as smart itineraries and tailored pricing; and the introduction of facial recognition and mobile passports for contactless travel. These introductions each promise to make business travel safer, smarter, and smoother, positioning Easy Avenues as an industry leader well-deserving of its recognition as Essex’s Business Travel Agency of the Year 2025. Contact: Mike Jones - [email protected] Company: Easy Avenues Limited Web Address: www.easy-avenues.co.uk Whilst a break from the mundane, traveling for business is no easy feat – often bringing its own complexities to navigate, from managing tight schedules to ensuring policy compliance. Working alongside a top quality travel management company is a surefire way to ensure that focus remains on business, without compromise. Easy Avenues is one such company, a trusted partner in business travel management supporting its clients and their travellers at every step of their journey. We found out more from Mike Jones, Head of Client Relationships, as the company is named in the Business Elite Awards 2025. Easy Avenues: Your Business’s Trusted Travel Companion

SME News Q3 2025 / 30 Clarity, Culture & Cadence: The Modern CEOs Blueprint Strong leadership, clear accountability and a thriving team culture aren’t just nice-to-haves – they’re the driving force behind every ambitious SME that scales successfully. Yet for many CEOs, building that foundation is the toughest challenge. That’s where Modern HR steps in. Founded and led by multi-awardwinning HR Director and Leadership Coach Mandy Hamerla, Modern HR partners with UK SMEs to build high-performing leadership teams and workplace cultures that unlock sustainable growth. We caught up with Mandy to find out more, in light of her recent success in the Business Elite Awards 2025. Modern HR was founded in 2017 by Mandy Hamerla to help SMEs build strong leadership teams and workplaces people truly want to be part of. Mandy’s passion for leadership and HR began as a teenager, inspired by watching her entrepreneurial father run successful small businesses and seeing first-hand the impact of staff issues. “It made me curious about why some people love their work and go above and beyond, while others just show up and do the bare minimum,” she recalls. That curiosity shaped her education and career, leading to a Business Studies degree and a Masters in HR Management. After building a successful corporate career, becoming one of the youngest Directors in a FTSE 100 company at just 30, leading a large global HR team - Mandy shifted her focus to SMEs in 2017, where she felt she could make a bigger impact. Today, she works primarily as a Fractional HR Director and Gallup Strengths Coach, helping ambitious CEOs build happy, high-performing teams. The results speak for themselves. Modern HR clients are thriving, with tech companies like Lokulus named a Top 25 Tech Company by Best Companies, and charities like MQ recognised as a Top Company to Work For by The Sunday Times. These accolades reflect Mandy’s ability to develop great leaders and build cultures where people genuinely want to show up, stay, and perform at their best. Her work has also earned her recognition as Best Leadership Coach 2025, alongside being named NatWest Business Woman of the Year 2025. “Great leadership is the lever that shapes culture, drives performance, and powers business growth. My mission is to help SME CEOs get it right.” Modern HR’s flagship offering is the Mighty Teams® Programme – a 90-day intensive for CEOs wanting to build a high-performing leadership team. Mandy helps them diagnose weaknesses and create a bespoke, gamechanging strategy and action plan, focused on improving clarity, culture and cadence. Clients describe the results as transformative – with higher profits, stronger engagement and the freedom to focus on growth. Mandy also runs the Leadership Accelerator Programme, which equips leaders and managers with the tools to lead with confidence, influence, and impact. With spaces limited and demand high, those serious about levelling up their leadership are encouraged to move fast. Looking to the future, Mandy’s focus remains on helping leaders and teams succeed in today’s modern and complex business landscape. For ambitious SME leaders, her advice is simple but powerful: “Your leadership team will make or break your business. If you invest in building the right leadership team, your business won’t just grow - it will thrive and achieve results beyond what you ever imagined.” Contact: Mandy Hamerla Company: Modern HR Web Address: www.modernhr.co.uk

Business Elite Awards 2025 / 14 SME News Q3 2025 / 38 Shaping Futures Through Meaningful Self-care The concept of self-care is as old as humanity and has taken many different forms throughout our history. One thing has remained consistent, however, and that is the understanding that self-care is an integral part of maintaining our health and wellbeing – both mental and physical. Leading the charge in modern meaningful self-care is Tree Nail Spa, a Buckinghamshire-based nail salon renowned for delivering superior services with remarkable results. We caught up with Owner Nhung Pham below, as the spa is named in the Business Elite Awards 2025. Tree Nail Spa was founded in 2011 by Nhung Pham and Nhan Nguyen, a husband-and-wife-duo boasting extensive experience in the industry. Nhan first entered the beauty field more than 16 years ago, with Pham following close behind, whilst studying in London. What first began as part-time jobs to support their studies quickly led to discovering an inimitable passion for their crafts. Shortly after marrying, the pair leveraged their experience and passion to launch Tree Nail Spa – the go-to boutique salon for the community of Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Today, Tree Nail Spa is on a mission to offer clients a sanctuary where beauty, wellness, and selflove can converge. The salon views its services as more than providing treatments, but creating meaningful experiences that uplift, empower, and restore, with the aim of helping every client feel confident, cared for, and deeply relaxed – inside and out. To this end, Tree Nail Spa combines beauty with wellness to deliver meticulous services to the highest standards of hygiene and safety, all within a minimalist space that exudes serenity. This award-winning salon has recently embarked on its latest venture with the launch of The Peach Head Spa and Beauty, acquiring and refurbishing its next-door unit to expand the Tree Nail Spa experience. Offering the highly-sought after Korean techniques and a beautiful space for rejuvenation, The Peach Head Spa focuses on wellness, healing, and stress relief through scalp detox, acupressure, and deep relaxation. Pham and Nhan aim to entirely integrate The Peach into the Marlow community and surrounding areas over the coming months, with the goal of helping more people discover the powerful benefits of herbal-based wellness. The team at Tree Nail Spa are dedicated and highly trained individuals who work together to marry nail artistry and skill across all of their services. Offering much more than a manicure, Tree Nail Spa delivers a comprehensive suite of additional services and treatments, including pedicures, nail enhancements, head-to-toe waxing, eyelash extensions, LVL lashes, henna tinting, and a variety of specialty nail treatments and designs. One of its most popular treatments include the Luxury Pedicure Retreat for Two, the perfect option for friends, couples, or any duo in need of meaningful connection and relaxation via two deluxe, private pedicures delivered in an exclusive space. Ultimately, The Peach Head Spa and Beauty and Tree Nail Spa offer a diverse range of options to enhance confidence and relax clients from all around the area and coming from afar. In essence, its teams’ standards, innovative techniques, results that last, and the welcoming atmosphere are what fuel repeat visits, loyalty, and outstanding reviews. When it comes to innovative, new treatments, the standout offering is The Peach Head Spa’s therapies. Having been meticulously trained in the Korean technique, Pham explains how this transformative therapy is already struggling to keep up with demand: “This highly skilled scalp therapy blends deep cleansing, pressure point massage, and traditional Eastern techniques. Using 100% natural ingredients such as herbal balls and essential oils, many describe this treatment as the ‘most peaceful hour’ they have had in months – with improved scalp health, glowing skin, softer hair, and better sleep as added benefits. We recommend a course of treatments and are already working on training more therapists to keep up with booking requests.” The salon has also been busy with efforts to ensure the successful continuation of the beauty industry on a larger scale. Tree Nail Spa is proud to announce the launch of its Appreciate Programme – a mentorship-style initiative designed to support aspiring beauty professionals. Whilst the salon is not an accredited centre, it provides learners with hands-on apprenticeship training, equipping them with real skills and knowledge to have a solid start in the industry of nails and expansion into the wellness space. From creating more local job opportunities to mentoring the next generation of professionals, Tree Nail Spa is a superior salon demonstrating an unwavering dedication to ensuring that the beauty industry remains nothing less than exceptional. Named Buckinghamshire’s Nail Spa of the Year 2025, Tree Nail Spa and The Peach Head Spa and Beauty’s commitment to client-centricity has certainly cemented the salon a stellar reputation within its local community. But the salon is only getting started; Tree Nail Spa has its sights set on continued evolution and improvement – qualities that have defined the salon since its very beginning. Contact: Nhung Pham Company: Tree Nail Spa Instagram: treenailspa1 Web Address: www.treenailspa.co.uk

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