SME News- Managing Director of the Year Awards 2025 Temporary Staffing Solutions MD of the Year 2025: Paul Evans Staffing challenges do not wait for the perfect moment; they arrive fast, often without warning, and demand immediate solutions. Yorkshire’s award-winning temporary staffing agency, P.J Staffing has built a reputation for stepping in with speed, precision, and people who know how to deliver. At the centre of it all is Paul Evans, whose hands-on leadership and deep industry roots have shaped a company that is as responsive as it is reliable. We caught up with Paul below to find out more, following his recent recognition in the Managing Director of the Year Awards 2025.
Managing Director of the Year Awards 2025 Phone: 0203 970 0018 Website: smenews.digital Sofi Parry Senior Editor 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. Celebrating Exceptional Leadership: 2025 Managing Director of the Year Awards SME News is proud to present the 2025 Managing Director of the Year Awards — our flagship programme dedicated to recognising the UK’s most inspiring and influential business leaders. Now in its fourth year, this prestigious initiative celebrates the achievements of Managing Directors who are driving success, innovation, and positive change within their organisations and industries. Managing Directors play a pivotal role in shaping the success and direction of a business. From navigating uncertainty and spearheading growth to cultivating strong workplace cultures, their impact is far-reaching. Celebrating their work not only acknowledges their dedication and resilience but also inspires others within the business community to lead with purpose and integrity. These awards honour those who go above and beyond to create lasting value — for their teams, clients, and wider industries. In today’s fast-moving business environment, strong and visionary leadership is more important than ever. These awards shine a spotlight on individuals who not only deliver outstanding results but also champion collaboration, adaptability, and long-term impact.
Contents 4. P.J Staffing Ltd: Temporary Staffing Solutions MD of the Year 2025: Paul Evans 6. Heartbeat UK: Thriving Through Adversity: Interior Fit‑Out & Manufacturing MD of the Year 2025: David Myles 8. DJ Assembly: Electronics Manufacturing MD of the Year 2025 (Northern England): Tony Hunt 10. Jointine Products (Lincoln) Ltd: Exporting Digital Champion of the Year 2025: Jane Smith 12. Redstart Northwest Ltd: Environmental Services MD of the Year 2025: Stephan England 14. Eat IT Drink IT Ltd: Hospitality IT Solutions MD of the Year 2025: Cliff Gurdin 15. MTR Sales & Lettings: Property Management & Lettings MD of the Year 2025: Dixie Mays 16. KWC DVS Ltd: Washroom Technology MD of the Year 2025: Natalie McGreavy 17. Ace Elevators Limited: Elevator Installation & Maintenance MD of the Year 2025: Kal Shergill 18. Phillips Wellbeing: Mental Health Counselling MD of the Year 2025: Tracy Phillips 19. Paul HARTMANN Ltd: Medical Solutions Supply MD of the Year 2025: Julia O’Grady & Business Leadership & Dedication Excellence Award 2025 20. Architecture MD of the Year 2025: Grant Singlehurst-Ward 21. Milford Research and Consultancy Limited: Managing Director of the Year 2025: Dr Robert Milford 22. Safety Rocks Limited: Health & Safety Training MD of the Year 2025: Carla Crocombe 23. EFM Global: Global Events Logistics MD of the Year 2025: Michael Llewellyn 24. Turnbull Infrastructure & Utilities Ltd: Utilities Construction MD of the Year 2025: James Dryden & Award for Innovation in Lifecycle Construction 2025 25. Kinver Business Solutions Ltd: Project & Programme Management MD of the Year 2025: Darowen Jones 26. Unique Forwarding: Freight Forwarding MD of the Year 2025: Stuart Hill & Business Leadership & Dedication Excellence Award 2025 27. ME Group UK: Most Innovative Vending Solutions MD 2025: Vlad Crasneanscki 28. Four Paws Training: Dog Training Business Founder of the Year 2025: Paul Ives
SME News Managing Director of the Year 2025 / 4 Staffing challenges do not wait for the perfect moment; they arrive fast, often without warning, and demand immediate solutions. Yorkshire’s awardwinning temporary staffing agency, P.J Staffing has built a reputation for stepping in with speed, precision, and people who know how to deliver. At the centre of it all is Paul Evans, whose hands-on leadership and deep industry roots have shaped a company that is as responsive as it is reliable. We caught up with Paul below to find out more, following his recent recognition in the Managing Director of the Year Awards 2025. Located in Leeds, P.J Staffing is a local staffing agency delivering a variety of staffing solutions – including temporary staffing and permanent recruitment solutions – to clients across Yorkshire, the Midlands, and London. Its services are essential for clients, ensuring that their operations are not disrupted due to staff shortages, from temporary staffing for sickness and holiday cover to more longterm solutions that include vacancy cover. The agency has also gained renown for supporting large events and festivals, where a temporary staffing solution is the best option to meet short, high-volume staffing needs. Serving clients across the adventure and leisure, catering, hospitality and events, and professional services sectors, P.J Staffing’s candidate pool includes cleaners, litter pickers, kitchen porters, bar and hospitality workers, supervisors, managers, networking hosts, and other professional services. “Our drive is our people; we pride ourselves on ‘Providing Great People’,” Paul told us. “If you look after your people, they’ll look after the business. That is how we have grown, and that’s how we will keep growing.” Originally from South Wales, Founder and Managing Director Paul Evans has been a Leeds local for more than 15 years. He entered the catering and hospitality sector as a fulltime student in collage, studying hospitality management and working full-time at a local hotel, where he rose through the ranks to serve as Duty Manager. From there, Paul took to the skies as a member of a cabin crew, before working as a Regional Support Manager for a door-to-door fundraising company. After being headhunted by a prominent national recruitment firm, Paul’s career trajectory underwent a significant transition. He began as a Recruitment Consultant for the catering and hospitality industry and worked his way up the career ladder to serve as a Principle Managing Consultant for three sectors: catering, industrial, and commercial. He remained with this company for 8 years, before reaching his early thirties and deciding it was time to set up an agency of his own, stepping out into the deep end of the business world. When Paul founded P.J Staffing, he opted to meet his team and clients with a handson approach – one he upholds to this very day. This approach has provided Paul with the ability to adapt to ever-changing situations – especially when overseeing larger events – as well as a direct view and invaluable understanding of how the team is performing and how clients are feeling. This perspective is crucial, allowing Paul to return to the office to review the strengths and weaknesses of each project, providing Temporary Staffing Solutions MD of the Year 2025: Paul Evans him with a comprehensive view of the company’s operations. To those seeking to reach similar success as a Managing Director, Paul shared his own personal wisdom. “Be prepared to adapt, change, and fail forward,” he said. “Never take anything personally; it is just business. It is easier said than done – I know – but there will be times where things do not go to plan more often than not. But you must learn from that situation, change your way of thinking, and ensure that you adapt to the changes needed.” No day is ever the same in recruitment. For Paul and the P.J Staffing team, navigating this complex landscape requires continual communication. This is particularly important within the core team, as this team is responsible for keeping the company’s cogs turning. Paul maintains an open-door policy to ensure that his team feels valued and empowered to be open and honest with him, whether they are seeking help with something or would like to provide feedback on how something could be done differently. By prioritising communication and transparency at every stage of the journey, Paul has built a company deeply rooted in trust, empowerment, and accountability. A company that continually puts people first, P.J Staffing strives to consistently deliver a personal touch to its clientele. The company is driven by a small team delivering big results and understands that its culture is central to the success of individuals, teams, and the business itself. Though this team may be small, it certainly is mighty; each member has worked within an industry the company services, providing on-the-ground knowledge that stands as its unique selling point – reassuring clients and candidates alike that the team at P.J Staffing know precisely what and who they are looking for with each solution requested. This people-first ethos extends beyond P.J Staffing’s client operations, and to the ways in which its team interacts with the world. The agency has been partnered with Candlelighters since April 2025, a charity providing lifetime support services to families affected by childhood cancer. The team has been unwavering in upholding this partnership and, to date, has raised more than £11,000 for the charity through various fundraising activities and initiatives. A shining example of this was the Pink It Up Weekender across Leeds, in which P.J Staffing lit up some of Leeds’ most iconic buildings in pink, brought together a network of venues to get involved, and rallied the community with raffles, live performances, charity buckets, and silent actions. Ultimately, this endeavour raised over £7,000 for Candlelighters, and cemented P.J Staffing as an integral part of its local community. Equally important to Paul and his team are the qualities of culture, diversity, inclusivity, and internationalism. Approximately 14.6% of Yorkshire and the Humber’s population identifies as non-white and, in York itself, 3.8% of the population identify as Asian, 0.7% as Black, and 1.8% of residents identify their AIS-Jul25257
ethnic group within the “Mixed or Multiple category” – according to data from the Office for National Statistics. The ONS also reported that 16.8% of York residents were identified as disabled, with 10.9% limited a little and 5.9% limited a lot, based on age-standardised proportions from the 2021 Census. Additionally, approximately 5.6% of the York’s population publicly identifies as part of the LGBTQ community, as reported by the ONS. For P.J Staffing, diversity and inclusivity have become more than mere qualities written on an office wall; they are qualities that are essential for connecting with and representing its community, comprising clients and candidates alike. The agency has worked with individuals of more than 50 different nationalities over the past 12 months and strives to continue championing diversity and inclusivity indefinitely – with its end-of-season Award and Thank You party to be themed around its peoples’ nationalities, bringing internationalism directly to Yorkshire and beyond. P.J Staffing has grown significantly since its inception, evolving from a one-man operation into one of the region’s leading names in recruitment solutions. The company now looks to the future with unrivalled ambition, fuelled by Paul’s unwavering commitment to uplifting industries by Providing Great People. His hands-on approach and realtime engagement with both clients and staff have been instrumental in shaping the company’s agile approach to recruitment. This ethos has empowered Paul to lead his team from strength to strength, championing professionalism, expertise, diversity, and inclusivity at every level. Recently recognised as Temporary Staffing Solutions MD of the Year 2025, Paul remains focused on continual improvement amid P.J Staffing’s tremendous growth. As industries evolve and seasonal demands fluctuate, Paul has made it a priority to future-proof the business by investing in strategic hires and expanding into sectors. This forward-thinking mindset is reflected in a number of exciting initiatives planned for 2025 and beyond – and he has offered our readers a glimpse of what lies ahead. “I have recently taken on a new business development consultant to help support the growth of our business outside our normal peak seasons,” he shared. “We are also exploring plans to drive growth within adventure and leisure, and professional services, this autumn/ winter 2025 going into 2026." Contact: [email protected] Company: P.J Staffing Ltd Web Address: www.pjstaffing.co.uk
SME News Managing Director of the Year 2025 / 6 “Designing Your Vision. Crafting Your Space by Transforming Retail, Hospitality, and Living Interiors.” No matter what its clients need, Heartbeat UK ensures that it flexes its creative muscles to produce the best results. With the capacity to elevate global, in-house solutions for all sizes of businesses, the company streamlines display concepts to produce a complete environment of manufacturing a volume fixture rollout. As Heartbeat UK’s work has continued to be a reliable source of solutions for its clients, for 75+ years, we turn to Managing Director David Myles to learn more about his – and his team’s – dedication to innovation, excellence, support, and care throughout every project. Resilience, Reinvention, Results While 2024 saw Heartbeat UK celebrated for its forwardthinking strategy and consistent growth, 2025 presented a more complex landscape. Volatility in construction and supply markets tested even the most stable operators. Yet Heartbeat UK stood firm—delivering high-quality, design-led interior fit-outs, expanding its contractor capabilities, and reinforcing its reputation as one of the UK’s most agile and dependable partners in the commercial, retail, and leisure sectors. “Our success this year is not about coasting on past achievements,” says David Myles. “It’s about stepping up when the pressure is on—refining our operations, supporting our people, and doing right by our clients even when it's hard.” A Leadership Approach That Builds Culture In a year marked by industry-wide challenges, rising costs, and shifting client expectations, Heartbeat UK has not only endured but excelled. Under the continued leadership of Managing Director David Myles, the company has once again earned a prestigious accolade—Interior Fit-Out & Manufacturing Managing Director of the Year 2025, as recognised by SME News. This follows their 2024 win and serves as a testament to the strength, innovation, and resilience of both the leadership and the wider team. Interior Fit‑Out & Manufacturing MD of the Year 2025: David Myles Heartbeat UK: Thriving Through Adversity
David Myles’ leadership is rooted in clarity, values, and culture. Throughout 2025, he led Heartbeat UK with a clear-eyed focus on operational excellence, transparency, and professional standards. Emphasis on collaboration across departments, an inclusive performance culture, and flexible but accountable remote work practices have strengthened employee engagement and morale. “Heartbeat isn’t just a name—it’s our rhythm,” Myles explains. “Our team moved in sync through adversity this year. From our production floor to our project managers, there’s a belief in what we’re doing and how we’re doing it.” Strategic Investment and Long-Term Thinking Amid the market turbulence, Heartbeat UK doubled down on key areas: investing in digital processes, enhancing modular capabilities, and entering early-stage dialogue with contractors and developers to secure projects at design phase. These moves ensured not only short-term stability but future pipeline growth. “Long-term thinking helped us weather the short-term storms,” adds Myles. “And that’s a credit to the strategic resilience of our leadership team, as well as the trust placed in us by our clients.” Heartbeat UK’s Commitment to its Projects Heartbeat UK is devoted to providing only the best service to its many clients, regardless of the size of the ask. From the Easy Hotel to Canvas Student Accommodation, work with M&S and NEXT, Travelodge development and Newcastle 1 Student Accommodation, and so much more, the business streamlines the process every step of the way, and we’re proud to highlight David’s contribution to the company’s accomplishments. With so many examples of iconic brands utilising Heartbeat UK’s services, and including those lesser known establishments, the company has truly made a name for itself in its industry. Recognition That Reflects a Collective Win While the MD of the Year 2025 award rightly recognises David Myles’ leadership, he’s quick to share the honour with his team. “This award reflects the entire Heartbeat team—from production to planning, logistics to leadership. 2025 wasn’t an easy year. But every challenge was met with integrity, skill, and heart.” As the business looks to 2026 with cautious optimism and renewed ambition, Heartbeat UK remains a beacon of excellence in the UK manufacturing and interior fit-out space. Guided by Myles' vision and underpinned by a team that exemplifies professionalism and passion, the company is well placed for another year of impact and innovation. Contact: David Myles Company: Heartbeat UK Website: https://heartbeatuk.com/
SME News Managing Director of the Year 2025 / 8 Electronics Manufacturing MD of the Year 2025 (Northern England): Tony Hunt In an industry defined by rapid innovation and precision, UK electronics manufacturers are under pressure to deliver smarter, faster, and more adaptable solutions. DJ Assembly (DJ) has risen to that challenge, offering end-to-end PCB assembly and box build services from its state-of-the-art facility in York. At the helm is Managing Director Tony Hunt, whose commitment to quality, flexibility, and long-term partnerships has helped shape the company into one of the region’s most trusted manufacturing partners. We spoke with Tony to find out more, in the wake of his recent success in the Managing Director of the Year Awards 2025. DJ is a leading electronic manufacturing service provider, renowned for offering a range of industry-leading quality, dependable printed circuit board and manufacturing services. Leveraging more than two decades of experience, the company combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to support sectors including medical, aerospace, industrial, automation, and consumer electronics. Its core services include surface mount and through-hole PCB assembly, cable and loom production, full assembly service, and electromechanical integration. DJ also offers prototyping, medium-volume manufacturing, bespoke testing solutions, and offshore sourcing for large-scale production. Collaboration, innovation, and integrity are core values that underpin DJ’s philosophy and shape the company’s psyche, driving every decision, partnership, and product. It strives to serve customers who share these values, or at least the belief that they are values worth holding close. These clients are companies of all shapes and sizes, from startup to corporate. Regardless of their size or sector, however, DJ’s clients share one defining element: they each place the same strong emphasis on working with people and not processes that aligns seamlessly with the DJ ethos. Founded in 2001, DJ quickly established itself as a trusted provider of PCB assembly and electronics manufacturing services. The company became part of the Cyclops Group in 2010, benefitting from investment and operational support that helped expand its capabilities and client base. In 2018, a management buyout led by Sales Director Tony Hunt and Operations Manager Steven Walter marked a new chapter for the business, setting it on an independent path with a renewed focus on flexibility and customer service. Following the buyout, Tony Hunt took on the role of Managing Director, steering the company into its next phase of growth. Tony Hunt’s career path has been anything but conventional. After training as an archaeologist, he transitioned into sales and eventually became General Manager at a printing company. That experience laid the foundation for his next venture: co-founding the Complete Office Group, a commercial stationary business that grew to a turnover exceeding £90 million. Following his exit from the company in 2017, Tony took on a new challenge – spearheading the buyout of DJ and applying his entrepreneurial drive to reshape its strategic focus and operational agility. “My background is in sales, sales management, commercial development, and people development,” he told us. “I believe all challenges are opportunities – although that may sound like a cliché, it’s true. As a Managing Director, the role is to handle issues quickly and fairly, with minimal disruption, and to look for the opportunity hidden within the problem – if you can!” As Managing Director, Tony opts for a leadership style grounded in structure and definition. He recognises that in order to achieve optimal operations, each member of the team must understand their role and how it fits into the bigger picture. In this regard, he considers his role to be providing the management team room to develop while also defining lines of control and authority. This is a precarious balance, with each member of the team needing their own unique ways of receiving guidance, but Tony maintains that cooperation and understanding must remain the overriding philosophy. At DJ, that philosophy is reflected in a culture that is direct, determined, and unified by a shared objective. Diversity is not only embraced in principle but also in practice, with alternative perspectives seen as vital to progress. There’s a clear understanding that people are motivated in different ways, with some thriving in lively collaborative space and others preferring quieter, more introspective environments. The company aims to support each individual by shaping roles and settings that allow them to perform at their best. Communication plays a central role in making this work. Tony breaks down effective communication into its simplest form: mutual respect between colleagues and clients alike. To ensure seamless cooperation, he advises that one respects what the other person is offering, talks through disagreements or potential differences, and agrees on a clear path forward. Clarity is key for Tony, as he told us: “The management team know what the plan is, and they know their place in the ship.” This approach fosters alignment, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose across the organisation. This commitment to direct communication is extended to DJ’s client relationships, which are grounded in long-standing trust and transparency. “We’re a customer centric business, and because of AIM-Aug25124
spearheading a culture of innovation and transparency, his influence has truly shaped every aspect of the business. Under Tony’s direction, DJ has grown in scale and spirit alike, fostering a team that is united by shared ambition and a belief in building something greater together. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to DJ and the wider industry, Tony has earned himself the title of North England’s Electronics Manufacturing MD of the Year 2025. “I am delighted to win this award,” Tony shared. “I believe that it is a reflection of the commitment and shared ambitions of the entire team, especially our senior management.” Contact: Tony Hunt Company: DJ Assembly Web Address: www.djassembly.com that, we are not afraid to offer an alternative solution if it betters our customer’s end goal,” Tony explained. “In fact, our strapline – Building PCBAs, building partnerships, built by experts – genuinely encapsulates all that DJ is. We believe in our staff, we believe in our clients, and above all, we believe that together we really are building something great.” Building on this ethos of transparency, partnership, and belief in people, DJ is now embarking on its most ambitious chapter yet. Internally, the company’s culture of collaboration and customer-centric innovation is being channelled into a bold new initiative: Project Apollo. Launched on September 1st, 2025, this strategic mission aims to double company turnover within 30 months, reaching over £10 million in revenue by March 2028. Since stepping into the role of Managing Director at DJ, Tony’s journey has been one of transformation, vision, and unwavering leadership. From guiding the company through a pivotal management buyout in 2018 to
SME News Managing Director of the Year 2025 / 10 Founded in 1999, Jointine Products (Lincoln) Ltd is a Lincoln-based manufacturing company specialising in taking base paper and transforming it into a cellulose paper gasket material that is resistant to oil, petrol, and water. Its paper is then used across the automotive industry and beyond worldwide, with Flexoid® – Jointine’s trade name – enjoying a leading reputation across this space. Jane Smith is the managing director here, and, on the back of her recognition with this award, we had the opportunity to catch up with Jane to learn more about her work with the company. From its home in the East Midlands, Jointine has been manufacturing and distributing a wide range of high-quality paper gasket materials in roll format for more than 25 years. These materials are then used right across the international automotive sector, with Jointine’s customers taking these paper rolls and cutting them into gasket shapes, which are then used as seals between connected vehicle parts to prevent leakage. Across the process, Jointine utilises sustainable, ethically sourced materials, reflecting its eco-friendly nature. Diving a little deeper into this process, Jointine’s method sees it reinforce base paper with both glue and glycerine, before drying it in a special manner that makes it resistant to fluids. Few other materials in this sphere can compete when it comes to both the cost and low-temperature performance of Jointine’s solutions, resulting in the company having today supplied enough paper to wrap the entire circumference of the globe more than two and a half times – solidifying its impact over 26 years and counting of family ownership. “As one of only three major producers in the world, we strive to provide the best product and service to maintain our competitive advantage.” Celebrating 20 years since joining the company later this year, Jane Smith has been at the helm of Jointine for some of the most pivotal moments of its quarter-century journey thus far. With a robust educational background, including graduating from the University of Leicester with a master’s degree in the study of security management, Jane worked as a civil servant for the Department for Work and Pensions for more than 20 years, culminating in a senior executive role where she was placed in charge of the Lincoln Contact Centre. Seeking a new challenge, 2005 saw Jane secure the role of Jointine’s MD, where she has served diligently ever since. Exploring this transition further, Jane told us: “Back then, my pull for change was constant. So that, along with my people management and governance skills, ultimately secured me this role. I’ll admit, the leap from public service to manufacturing wasn’t something I’d fully mapped out, and it certainly took effort to adapt. But, looking back, I’m profoundly grateful for taking that step.” Jane’s first few months in this role, which is undeniably at the heart of a male-dominated environment, saw her feel as if she needed to adopt ‘male talk’ and attitudes as a way of fitting in. However, with this approach quickly proving to be both unfulfilling and unsuccessful, Jane made the decision to change – to stop trying to fit into a mould she knew was not for her and instead trust in her own foresight and intuition. The result was a transformation, not only in Jane’s leadership style but also in the dynamics of her team. Jane explained: “I empower them to challenge every process, to constantly ask: Can this be done better? More intuitively? More sensibly? This shift has led to remarkable results. My team are no longer just showing up to do a day’s work; they are highly engaged and actively contributing to our company-wide excellent outcomes.” Despite the strengths of her approach and the profound impact this has had upon Jointine, things have not always been easy for Jane, something especially true of the last five years. Right around the time the world went into lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jane became a widow. With no support network to sustain her through the arduous task of keeping her business afloat at a time where unprecedented disruption had hit, Jane was facing two of the most difficult challenges life could have thrown at once. Even when the immediate impacts of the pandemic presided a little, factors such as widespread disruptions in supply chains, Brexit, and global conflicts made it incredibly difficult for a business that exports around 95% of all the goods it manufactures to thrive. It therefore became a necessity for Jane to tackle these challenges with her signature head-on gusto, leveraging her old ‘pull for change’ to guide herself, her teams, and the company through the darkness and into the brighter future that is the present. “If I can deal with the last five years, I know I can deal with anything.” With the past five years having reshaped Jane perspectives, reinforced within her the importance of keeping an open mind, and nurtured a deep appreciation for every day, Jointine is now in a better position than ever to thrive. Its culture, for example, embodies resilience, empowerment, and continuous improvement at every turn. The latter of these in particular can be seen in one of the company’s newest initiatives, which revolves around Exporting Digital Champion of the Year 2025: Jane Smith
preparing SMEs for digital trade through a partnership built on common ground. SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy, with approximately 5.8 million of these enterprises in existence today. Despite this impressive figure, which is also on the rise, Jane told us how only around 12% of these businesses engage in international trade. More worryingly, she added, is that this figure is on the decline. Much of this can be attributed to the fact that the current climate makes exporting feel like an uphill battle. At the heart of these frustrations is the fact that the standard accounting software used by many SMEs is not suitably equipped for exporting, with this putting many people off. Going one step further, Jane commented: “I know that export requirements are not straightforward, since paperwork, origin statements, and documents vary by product and country. And that goes some way in explaining why solutions don’t readily exist. But if you strip it down to basics, there are a small number of common requirements needed.” On the back of this insight, Jane decided to take a proactive approach to preparing SMEs for digital trade, a vision made possible by a partnership with Boex. Sharing Jane’s motivation for improving lives through the power of export, Boex leveraged the capabilities stemming from its affordable platform and transferable data to work on a solution that would help eradicate the headache of electronic documents for these businesses. Together, Jane and Boex have created a ground-up solution that has been designed and executed with SMEs in mind. Today, the Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation (C4DTI) is working to drive £25B in combined SME growth, as well as a further £1B through SME trade finance. Thus, this is more than just a piece of software, it is a platform setting the standard for growth, efficiency, and empowerment, thanks to its provision of an accessible and affordable electronic trade method offering numerous benefits for SMEs. Breaking things down, C4DTI strongly advocates automated digital trade processes, since it reduces manual errors, accelerates transition times, and frees up SMEs’ invaluable human resources. The results are increased productivity and an immediate quantifiable value (or financial asset) when an order is placed. This is just the beginning, with plans in place for Boex to be able to fully finance the order on its own, without waiting for payment to mature. Ultimately, the Boex and Jointine co-venture achievement is especially noteworthy because it directly benefits a key segment of the economy that has historically been overlooked, as well as underserved by the complex technological solutions that are today inherent in other areas of industry. It provides SMEs with the essential tools they need to compete and thrive in an increasingly digital world, and this is certainly a feat worth championing. Recognised as the Exporting Digital Champion of the Year 2025 as a result of this initiative, it is clear that this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the success and lasting impact Jane Smith has nurtured through her tenure as the MD of Jointine Products (Lincoln) Ltd. We wish this influential leader all the best as she continues to drive lasting change. Contact: Jane Smith Company: Jointine Products (Lincoln) Ltd Web Address: https://jointine.co.uk/
SME News Managing Director of the Year 2025 / 12 Founded in 2010, Redstart has quickly established itself as the goto remediation contractor of choice for the UK’s house builders and main contractors. With headquarters in Stockport, the company delivers land remediation projects and site preparation services to the country’s construction, commercial, and energy sectors. Alongside its core contracting and consultancy work, Redstart provides a full suite of ancillary services – including regulatory administration, permitting, waste assessments, earthworks design, and volumetric analysis – ensuring projects are compliant from planning through to completion. Redstart’s cradle-to-completion approach covers Phase 1 desk studies, Phase 2 intrusive investigations, remediation strategy and design, and final regulatory sign-off. Its contracting capabilities encompass invasive species treatment, asbestos removal, demolition, soil stabilisation, and the re-engineering of ground to meet geotechnical specifications. With an in-house team of chartered geologists and environmental scientists, GPS-equipped plant, and independent UKAS lab validation, the company delivers technically robust, responsive solutions tailored to client needs. The company is headed by Stephen England, a seasoned leader with a sharp eye for opportunity and a track record of driving transformative growth. Stephen entered the workforce immediately after completing his A-Levels in sixth form college. His 37-year professional journey has seen him rise through every level of the industry: starting as a Junior Engineer and progressing through roles including Engineer, Senior Engineer, Contracts Manager, Operations Manager, and Deputy Managing Director, before taking the helm as Managing Director – earning each step through dedication, versatility, and a drive to lead. “I worked hard and made myself standout from the rest, so I was noticed,” he told us. “I volunteered to do additional duties that The UK’s construction pipeline increasingly depends on unlocking brownfield land, demanding precise remediation and fast, compliant ground preparation. Redstart Northwest delivers that expertise, offering geotechnical consultancy and contracting services that span site investigation, earthworks, and environmental sign-off. At the centre is Managing Director Steve England, whose direct, site-focused leadership has sharpened the company’s delivery and expanded its reach. As Stephen is named in the Managing Director of the Year Awards 2025, we caught up with him below for more. Environmental Services MD of the Year 2025: Stephan England AIS-Jul25225 would make me a better all-rounder. I always had ambition, so it was never a chore for me to do more. I enjoyed challenges to better myself and always look forward to whatever the next challenge may bring.” This full-spectrum experience means that now, Stephen strives to remain involved in all aspects of Redstart’s operations, including conducting site visits to ensure that his team is happy and performing well. He offers guidance and mentoring where needed, while encouraging personal accountability across the business. Under his leadership, Restart’s senior management team meets regularly to share challenges and collaborate on solutions, fostering a culture of openness and support. Quarterly business updates help maintain transparency and alignment, and the company’s strategic diversification – particularly over the past 18 months – has delivered strong results. Communication is highly prioritised at Redstart, and even more important is how it is delivered. Stephen places great emphasis on being mindful of what he says and to whom, recognising that tone
and timing can have a powerful impact, positively or negatively. Every message is given careful thought, with a focus on positivity, clarity, and the company’s long-term vision. This approach helps foster a culture of trust, transparency, and a shared purpose across the business. In this vein, staff feedback is actively encouraged as part of Redstart’s Employee-Owned Trust, and an independent EOT committee now plays an integral role in sharing ideas and suggestions directly with the board, ensuring that every voice has the opportunity to shape the future. This open and inclusive communication style has helped cultivate what Stephen describes to be the best workplace culture he has experienced. The Redstart team has truly gelled, creating a relaxed and supportive environment where collaboration thrives. Regardless of rank or role, individuals consistently go above and beyond – not just for their own responsibilities, but for the success of the business as a whole. Recruitment at Redstart is a shared responsibility, with compatibility and cultural fit taking precedence over technical skills. The belief is simple: with the right attitude and willingness to work with others, any skill gap can be bridged through training. Driven by a strong internal culture, Redstart has also made bold moves externally to secure its future. While the company is a well-established name in the North West, with most employees hailing from the local area, Stephen recognised early on that true resilience would come from diversification across sectors, regions, and client types. Over the past 12 to 18 months, the business has actively expanded its reach, engaging with companies in new industries and geographies. This strategy has already delivered tangible results, with a significant increase in tenders and contracts from outside the traditional housebuilding sector. In fact, 86% of current tenders now originate from new sources, reflecting the success of this approach and the team’s agility in adapting to evolving market demands. Looking ahead, Redstart is targeting ambitious growth: at least 20% year-on-year over the next five years. The company has its sights set on expanding into the Midlands and the South, with plans to establish regional offices to support this growth. A major milestone on the horizon is the acquisition of a dedicated Head Office, expected within the next 18 months. Alongside geographic expansion, Stepehen is committed to enhancing the employee experience; a company-wide profit share scheme is being introduced to ensure that every team member benefits from the business’s success. The benefits package has already been improved, and further enhancements are planned to support recruitment and retention of top talent. These strategic initiatives reflect the transformation that has taken place since Stephen joined Redstart in October 2023. At that time, the company had just 11 employees and a struggling order book, with annual turnover sitting at £5 million. Under Stephen’s leadership, staff numbers have increased by over 50%, and key positions are still being recruited. Turnover has already risen by 36% for 2024/25 and is projected to grow by 400% in 2025/26, with a corresponding increase in operating profit. The current order book stands at £18.7 million – more than double the company’s previous best year at £7.8 million – and includes secured work for 2025/26 and part of 2026/27. Stephen has also introduced proper management accounts for the first time, implementing a new accounting system in 2023 to support better financial oversight. These achievements mark a turning point for Redstart, and they speak volumes about Stephen’s vision, drive, and ability to deliver results – earning him the welldeserved title of Environmental Services MD of the Year 2025. For anyone striving to match Stephen’s immense success in leadership, his advice is this: “You must be prepared to put the hard yards in and set the standard you expect from others. Make sure you have a strong team who brings something different to the table, not the same thing as you. Know your numbers, whether it is cash flow, money in and out, or targets. Be strong and decisive in your decision-making, and remember: you can only act on the information you are given. It was right at the time, even if it proves to be wrong later. Learn from your mistakes.” Contact: Stephen England Company: Redstart Northwest Ltd Web Address: www.redstartnw.com
SME News Managing Director of the Year 2025 / 14 Hospitality IT Solutions MD of the Year 2025: Cliff Gurdin Eat IT Drink IT is an IT partner on a mission to help clients in the hospitality sector who are struggling to streamline their processes and maximise income, through IT solutions that are relevant, operational, and effective. This mission is headed by Cliff Gurdin, a forward-looking individual seeking to revolutionise the sector and ensure that customer experiences are unforgettable for all the right reasons. We caught up with Cliff below, as he is celebrated in the Managing Director of the Year Awards 2025. Hospitality is an incredibly fast-paced environment, and employees must already juggle a number of responsibilities without being distracted by IT systems that do not work effectively. Instead, they should be equipped with the right tools, systems, and solutions to provide a seamless service to their guests. Since 2006, Eat IT Drink IT has been on a mission to address this rising challenge, providing expert consultation, installation, support, and serving for clients across the restaurant and bar industry, whether catering to an independent café, a chain of restaurants or a 5 star hotel. Eat IT Drink IT is headed by Founder and Managing Director, Cliff Gurdin. Cliff worked at senior levels in both the public and private sectors before founding the company, varying his career between frontline IT support management and technical implementation management roles. Equipped with a wealth of experience, Cliff knew that creating his own company was the next logical step for his professional progression – recognising an opportunity in the market for independent expert consultation services, with expert and affordable support available around-the-clock. “My previous roles were ultimately the catalyst for starting my own business,” he told us. “I always felt something was missing; no matter how many hours I worked, the effort I made, or the money I took home, something was not quite right. It wasn’t the need to be in charge or a desire to be at the top; it was really about building something that genuinely filled a gap in the market.” Today, Cliff leads Eat IT Drink IT with an approach grounded in being his genuine self. Honesty and transparency are top priorities at Eat IT Drink IT, meaning that its team witness both triumphs and pitfalls, and receive a blend of praise and constructive criticism where appropriate. Cliff is unwavering in his belief that to not recognise a mistake is to make that mistake again and prefers to comprehensively review operations so that each member of the team understands and learns from their experience. Like many predominantly desk-based roles, working in IT requires resilience. The Eat IT Drink IT team must navigate the complexities of any challenge a client may face – a role that takes a significant level of self-motivation to remain positive, energised, and ready for the next call. For Cliff, this means employing individuals with high energy, possessing a happy, “go-getter” approach to work. When building his team, Cliff prioritises candidates with a drive to learn and those who don’t shy away from a challenge, but instead research and communicate within the team to develop a solution. While Cliff claims that he is not a natural leader, he is aware of his own strengths and weaknesses, and over the last 12 months has brought in a business consultant to specifically observe his leadership capabilities. “I would highly recommend this,” he said, “as a third-party, non-biased view is exceptionally advantageous. I would tell anyone who doubts themselves – and especially those who don’t – to book in with a consultant. It really helped me to grow both the business and my own capabilities.” Now, Cliff is poised to lead the remainder of 2025 and beyond by storm. The team has been playing close attention to the market and has observed robotics to be the next big thing happening in the sector – from table service machines and voice-activated automated order-taking to room service robots and even automated drinks dispensing. Eat IT Drink IT boasts extensive experience within this field, and is now offering free, no obligation trials of the robots to businesses across the UK. Eat IT Drink IT also recognises that the UK is facing significant economic challenges, meaning that businesses across the country are hesitant to recruit staff or begin new projects. With this in mind, the team’s goal for the second half of 2025 and into 2026 is to continue seeking and implementing cost-saving enhancements for its clientele. “We know that if we look after our customers, they will look after us,” Cliff explained. “So, the next 12 months are really about getting our heads down and coming up with some really clever options for our customers.” Contact: Cliff Gurdin Company: Eat IT Drink IT Ltd Web Address: www.eatitdrinkit.co.uk AIS-Jul25247
Dixie Mays is the visionary MD behind MTR Sales & Lettings, one of Liverpool’s leading agencies for student and residential properties. The agency also prides itself on the close relationships it enjoys with landlords, all of whom are on a first-name basis with the team and enjoy the partnership-driven approach favoured by Dixie and co. On the back of her recognition in this programme, we had the pleasure of catching up with Dixie to find out more about her work within Liverpool’s property market. Property Management & Lettings MD of the Year 2025: Dixie Mays Graduating from Liverpool University in 2009, Dixie Mays struggled to find work back home in Essex, so moved permanently to Liverpool in search of a career. After taking a series of soul-destroying temp jobs, an opening as a receptionist for a lettings agency set the wheels in motion for Dixie to make waves in this field over the next decade. Progressing from receptionist to branch supervisor in three years, the feeling she could do things better on her own led to Dixie establishing her property management agency back in 2013. MTR Sales & Lettings today offers full management across its representative portfolio of residential and student properties, as well as utilities management, tenant finds, and everything else that comes as standard when working in this space. The agency also boasts a diverse client base, with many of those it works with being accidental landlords (meaning they inherited rental properties), or those seeking to finance their pension pots, in addition to its close ties with more traditional landlords in possession of multiple properties. “Many of our clients are just everyday people looking to make the most out of what savings they have, and to provide for their families.” As mentioned in the beginning, one of the many elements setting MTR apart is the strong relationships it has nurtured with these landlords, seen through many of them even attending Dixie’s wedding a few years ago. By working with its landlords and not for them, the agency establishes mutual respect and a sense of trust – both of which prove incredibly beneficial on those occasions when tough conversations need to be had with clients. The agency’s success in this arena is seen further through most clients coming from referrals. On the back of the many strengths of MTR’s model, the agency has even started selling properties in-house on a client-to-client basis and has recently rolled out a property acquisition service that sees time-strapped investors able to expand their portfolios with choice investments, thanks to Dixie and the rest of the team going out on viewings and calculating all the necessary costs. As Dixie herself explained: “Investments shouldn’t be a black hole for time”, and this is a belief shared by everyone here. In fact, MTR relies heavily on these intrinsic beliefs, with much of the work that is done being carried out independently and with little input from Dixie. Having previously been micromanaged herself, Dixie recognises the shortcomings of the approach and therefore refuses to do the same to her own staff, instead creating an environment where people can thrive under the power of their own steam. Of course, this is not to say she is absent from proceedings, and Dixie is always there to guide when needed. Exploring this further, Dixie explained: “Myself and my husband, Chris Greenway, who is a director here, operate a very open and free office, where staff can get up and take a break whenever they need to, or pop out to houses if needs be – I don’t expect them to be chained to their desks. We treat our staff well with bonuses and team events and we don’t use KPIs – I am more concerned about making sure the job is done to the best of our ability than I am with stressing out staff any more than they otherwise need to be.” The faith Dixie has in her team – all of whom are registered for the Level 3 Propertymark Certificate in Property Agency or equivalent – speaks volumes about MTR, and the diversity inherent in this group is one of the agency’s greatest strengths. Pulling all of this welcome difference together is Dixie’s uniting management style, which sees her lead by example, stress the importance of taking the time to ensure things are done right, and take any feedback on board to see that this is an operation that continues to improve. A young, down-to-earth agency that is really on just beginning its journey in this environment, Dixie Mays has created something truly special for students, professional renters, and landlords alike in Liverpool through MTR Sales & Lettings. More information about its work is available at the web address listed below. Contact: Dixie Mays Company: MTR Sales & Lettings Web Address: https://www.mytenantrent.co.uk/ AIS-Jul25088
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