Q3 2026

Featuring: Q3 2026

Editors Letter Phone: 01283 365204 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. Welcome to the Q3 2026 issue of SME News magazine, where we provide you with all the latest news, announcements, and features about some of the best up-and-coming enterprises across the United Kingdom. Spanning a myriad of sectors, this quarter’s edition shines a spotlight on the businesses and individuals positively impacting the UK’s corporate landscape. From tour operatives to education training services, mental health counselling to robotic automation, and so much more, Q3’s instalment is brimming with a diverse assortment of award-winning businesses to celebrate. We hope you enjoy perusing these pages, wish you a great few months ahead, and look forward to seeing you again in Q4.

Contents 4. News - Clockwise Expands SME Workspace Offering Across UK - UK SME Profits Hit a Four-Year High, With Faster Payments Key to Unlocking Further Growth 6. The DNA of a perfect leader 8. Phillips Wellbeing: Mental Health Counselling MD of the Year 2026: Tracy Phillips 10. Ermine Construction: Construction MD of the Year 2026 (East of England): Darren Peters 11. Hamilton Financial: Professional Proficiency with Highly Personalised Care 12. Accelerate Adviser Solutions: Financial Services MD of the Year 2026 (East Midlands): Matt Baird & Excellence in Supportive Workplace Culture Development 2026 – East Midlands 13. Cloud to Ground Ltd: Best Lightning Protection & Work at Height Specialists 2026 – North West England 14. Centelli: Creating the Workforce of the Future 15. Sandra Withers Coaching: Excellence in Transformational Healing Sessions & Retreats 2026 16. Atlantic Refrigeration Ltd: Most Outstanding Refrigeration Industry MD 2026: Penny Moore & Female- Owned Business of the Year 2026 18. Ye Olde England Tours: Best Private Tour Operator 2026 – London 19. SOBR: Trailblazers in Low & No Alcohol Nightlife Experiences 2026 – Scotland 20. Smart Storm: Waste Water Treatment Specialists of the Year 2026 21. Kids Critters: International Therapeutic Education & Mentoring Excellence Award 2026 22. Spectra: H&S MD of the Year 2026 (North West England): Nicola Millar & Best H&S & HR Consultancy Services 2026 – North West England 23. Really PR: Best Renovation & Interiors PR Agency 2026 24. Naish Estate Agents: Estate Agency MD of the Year 2026 (North Yorkshire): Matthew Hendry & Integrated Property Sales Service Excellence Award 2026 – North Yorkshire 26. Volarex Commercial Consultants & Home Surveys: Professional Survey and Construction Consultancy 27: Unlocking Potential and Building Confidence 28. Where Complexity Creates Value 29. Madeira in Fife: Best Retreat Venue 2026 – Eastern Scotland 30. Carpet & Latex International Ltd: Textile & Floor Coverings MD of the Year 2026 (North West England): Stephen Fitzgerald & Bespoke Latex & Flooring Solutions of the Year 2026 – North West England 32. Wallbeds Direct: Best Wall Bed Mechanisms 2026 33. Hospital Visitor Beds: Most Versatile Hospital Visitor Bed Supplier 2026 34. Prosper2 – The SME Problem Solver: A one-of-a-kind business club 35. Renew Dental: Best Private Cosmetic Dental Practice 2026 – West Midlands 36. Turnaround Print: Best Express Printing Service 2026 – West Midlands 37. Alldriveways: Best Resin Bound & Rubber Crumb Surfacing Company 2026 – Northern England 38. threesixfive: Powered by People, Trusted by Brands 39. ESP: Education That Empowers

SME News Q3 2026/ 4ews Clockwise Expands SME Workspace Offering Across UK Flexible workspace provider, Clockwise, is expanding its offering for start-up and scale up businesses across the UK following a significant rise in demand for flexible office space from regional SMEs. Across its portfolio, Clockwise is responding to growing demand from regional SMEs for flexible, scalable workspace by increasing the availability and variety of its office offering. In Glasgow and Liverpool, existing space is being reconfigured to better reflect changing occupier requirements, while Exeter has recently opened a new phase of workspace to meet strong local demand. Together, these investments will enable more businesses to find workspace that suits their current size while giving them the flexibility to grow without relocating. The investment reflects broader changes in how businesses are using office space. As hybrid working becomes the norm and companies place greater value on flexibility, community and high-quality amenities, demand is increasingly shifting towards workspaces that can adapt as organisations evolve. With 18 locations across the UK and mainland Europe, Clockwise is well positioned to support businesses at every stage of their growth journey. Northern Momentum: Rising Demand for Smaller, Flexible Spaces In Glasgow, year-on-year data shows growth in demand for offices with a smaller number of desks. These insights have informed a strategic reconfiguration of the building, introducing more small offices and repurposing larger suites to better match customer demand. During the first quarter of 2026, total private office enquiry volumes increased by 66% compared with Q4 in 2025. Demand has been driven by smaller requirements with offices for one to six accounting for 84% of all private office enquiries. At the same time, periodic larger requirements have provided additional uplift in overall desk volumes, demonstrating continued activity from businesses of varying sizes. Liverpool continues to show a consistent appetite for offices designed for smaller teams. Early 2026 has delivered strong performance, with enquiries for private workspace increasing steadily since late 2025. The sustained demand is guiding ongoing investment, with space reallocated to prioritise small, flexible options. Southern Growth: Exeter Leading Expansion Beyond Tech In Exeter, Clockwise is experiencing significant momentum with the launch of a further phase, increasing desk availability across the site. The expansion is driven by strong interest from new members as well as existing members looking to expand, reinforcing Exeter’s strength as a thriving hub for scaling businesses. Once primarily associated with a growing tech sector, Exeter is now attracting a broader mix of industries. A range of business services now lead membership, with the diversification reflecting a regional shift – a wider range of businesses seeking high-quality, flexible workspace solutions. Network-Wide Performance and Standout Locations Across its wider network, Clockwise continues to build momentum, reflecting growing confidence in flexible workspace as a long-term business solution and the strength of regional economies across the UK and mainland Europe. Bristol remains one of the company’s strongest-performing locations, with consistently high occupancy and enquiry volumes, while Cardiff and Southampton continue to foster thriving business communities. Southampton has experienced sustained growth as its member network has matured. Internationally, Clockwise’s Brussels European District location has cultivated a distinctive membership, bringing together established corporates and emerging start-ups within a single collaborative environment. Meanwhile, in Edinburgh’s Leith district, rising city centre costs are encouraging more entrepreneurial businesses to consider wellconnected alternative locations. This shift supports Clockwise’s position as businesses look for high-quality space that offers greater value without compromising on accessibility. Adapting to the Future of Work Clockwise’s latest insights and expansion underline a broader shift in how businesses approach workspace. The rise of hybrid working, combined with economic pressures and changing workforce expectations, is driving demand for flexibility, scalability, and community-focused environments. By responding to these trends through space reconfiguration and a focus on member experience, Clockwise is well positioned to support businesses across the UK as they navigate the future of work. Looking ahead, Clockwise is actively exploring further expansion opportunities in key UK regional cities and Europe, as the business builds on strong momentum and increasing market demand. To find out more about Clockwise, visit https://work-clockwise.com/. North and South UK areas demonstrate sustained appetite for flexible office solutions, driven by hybrid working and evolving business needs

UK SME Profits Hit a Four-Year High, With Faster Payments Key to Unlocking Further Growth • New Sage data reveals UK SME profits grew by 7.4% in the year to Q1 2026, the strongest rate of growth since 2022 • Real revenues increased by 3.2%, marking a fourth consecutive quarter of growth and highlighting the resilience of the UK’s small business community • Despite this momentum, nearly half of all SME invoices (49%) remain overdue, limiting cash flow and holding back further growth Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses, has revealed that UK SME profits grew by 7.4% in the year to Q1 2026, up from 5.5% the previous quarter. The Sage SME Performance Pulse, which draws on anonymised accounting data from nearly 150,000 SMEs, found profit growth has accelerated consistently over recent quarters, reaching its highest level since Q1 2022. This comes as the UK economy expanded by 0.6% quarter-on-quarter in Q1 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), up from 0.2% in Q4 2025. Against this backdrop, SME revenues increased by 3.2%, marking a fourth consecutive quarter of growth – its highest level since 2022. The findings underline the resilience and ambition of small businesses across the UK. “The UK’s small business community continues to demonstrate extraordinary resilience to adapt and grow,” said Derk Bleeker, Chief Commercial Officer at Sage. “The fact that profitability has reached its highest level in four years is a testament to the determination and ingenuity of business owners across the country. It also highlights the opportunity that exists to help SMEs build on this momentum and unlock even greater growth in the years ahead.” Late payments continue to hold back further growth As the Small Business Protections (Late Payments) Bill progresses through Parliament, Sage’s latest data highlights the scale of the challenge facing UK SMEs. Late payments are estimated to cost the UK economy £11 billion every year, limiting the ability of businesses to invest, hire and grow. Nearly half of all SME invoices (49%) are overdue, with businesses waiting an average of 27 days to receive payment after issuing an invoice. The delays are creating a ripple effect across the economy, with SMEs themselves now taking an average of 37.1 days to pay supplier invoices, up from 31.9 days in Q1 2025. “Sage’s data shows that more needs to be done to tackle late payments, with too many small businesses still waiting weeks to be paid,” said Emma Jones, Small Business Commissioner. “That’s why action to improve payment practices is so important. It gives firms greater certainty over their cash flow and the confidence to invest, hire and grow. Tackling late payments isn’t just about fairness; it’s essential to unlocking the full potential of the UK’s small businesses.” The Bill represents a turning point in how cash flow is unlocked by levying financial penalties on businesses that persistently pay their suppliers late. In addition to the Bill, the Government is taking further steps to tackle late payments, with the introduction of e-invoicing from 2029. E-invoicing – the digital exchange of invoice data directly between buyers’ and suppliers’ financial systems – can help businesses operate more efficiently, as an e-invoice typically gets paid five to seven days sooner. SME growth remains broad-based across the UK The latest regional data highlights the breadth of the UK’s small business economy. The East Midlands currently leads the country on profitability, with growth of 20.2%, followed by the West Midlands at 16.3% and London at 10.6%. Derby continues to rank first for twoyear revenue growth at 43.6%, the strongest of any UK city for three consecutive quarters. While performance varies by region and sector, the findings suggest growth is being supported by a diverse mix of industries, from manufacturing and professional services to technology and finance. Together, the rankings paint a picture of a resilient SME economy, with businesses across the country continuing to contribute to growth. “The regional data highlights the diversity of the UK’s SME economy,” said Liam Daly, Senior Economist at Cebr. “While different regions are benefiting from different sector strengths, the first quarter results showcase broad-based growth despite a challenging economic climate. From manufacturing and professional services to technology and finance, businesses across the country continue to create opportunities, invest and contribute to local economies.” To find out more about the Sage SME Performance Pulse for Q1 2026, including regional rankings, sector analysis, and economic forecasts, visit: https://www.sage. com/en-gb/company/sustainability-andsociety/tech/data-for-good/#latest-reports

SME News Q2 2026/ Forward Feature Feature In a busy work setting that involves key leaders, the question of what makes up the DNA of a perfect manager is a common one. But I believe there is no such thing. Team leaders have a lot of plates to spin, and it can feel overwhelming at times. The very best leaders I have witnessed over the years are those that take the time to build the best environment for their team. They create a culture that allows employees to flourish in their own way, much like a gardener nurturing their landscape. And the more I look at the leaders who genuinely move the needle, the more convinced I am that the metaphor that fits them best is not the General, or the Captain, or the Hero. It is the Gardener. Let me explain why. A gardener does not manufacture growth. You cannot pull a plant taller. What a gardener does is create the conditions in which growth becomes almost inevitable: the right soil, the right light, water, space, and the discipline to cut back what needs cutting back. A good gardener also understands that different plants flourish in different ways. You don’t demand that everything in the bed grows identically. You learn what each one needs and you tend accordingly. For me, that is the definition of “perfect”. Not a single, one-size-fits all approach imposed on everyone, but someone who cultivates the environment so a range of people can grow into their best work. And when I look at what that takes in practice it comes down to five things that strong leaders work on repeatedly. 1. Trust and empowerment: the soil Nothing grows in poor soil, and nothing grows in a team without trust. Trust is the foundation everything else is built on. It’s what lets you hand over real responsibility rather than the appearance of it, and for me, empowerment is simply trust made visible. The leaders who get this right resist the urge to hold everything close. They give individuals room to make decisions, and crucially, room to make mistakes 2. Feedback that lands: light and water Plants need feeding to grow, and so do people. There is a difference between feedback people hear, and feedback people act on. In my experience, leaders give plenty of the first kind and far too little of the second. Feedback that lands is specific, it is timely and it is given because you believe in someone’s capacity to be better, not because you need to be right. Done well and it is one of the most generous things a leader can offer. Done badly, or not at all, and people simply stop growing. 3. Communication and listening: knowing your garden You cannot tend to what you don’t understand. Almost every leader believes they communicate well, but often what they usually mean is that they’re good at delegating and being heard. What can often be left out is focusing on listening. Real listening is not waiting for your turn to speak. It is the work of understanding what is actually happening in your team, what people are worried about and what they are not saying. The leaders who do this know their garden intimately and it shows in how precisely they can help. 4. Mentoring: the habit that multiplies Mentoring is the kind of leadership investment that pays back long after you have moved on. Once you have planted this into one person, they The DNA of a perfect leader By Victoria Buckenham, Founder, VB & Associates pass it on and so it continues. It is important to differentiate a mentoring and management dialogue. A management dialogue involves what will be delivered, but mentoring looks at who you are becoming. The leaders who make time for it are quietly building the next generation, and doing it in a way no training programme alone ever could. 5. Difficult conversations: the pruning Here is where the gardening metaphor really works in my mind, because gardening is not always about being gentle. Sometimes you have to prune plants and cut them right back and it can look brutal in the moment. The difficult conversation, the honest naming of a problem, the standard held when it would be easier to let it slide, is the work that separates good leaders from great ones. Care without honesty is not kindness. Leaders need to be warm and unflinching at the same time. By doing this their teams trust them more for it. Leadership takeaway There is no perfect leader, but a good one will build the environment where people flourish and grow. After all, employees are the most important asset for any business, and for them to thrive they need to feel engaged and happy, not just ‘managed’. It's easy as a leader to become set in our ways, which is why it's worth investing time in your own growth, not just your team's. Whether that's regular reflection, a mentor of your own or the outside perspective an executive coach can bring. By taking small and consistent steps to ensure leadership is healthy in your business, you’re protecting your workforce for the future. Using our tips above, ask yourself what you can do this month to make even a tiny step change. The strongest organisations don't leave great leadership to chance - they invest in it.

Feature

SME News Q3 2026/ 8 Catering to individuals and organisations alike, Phillips Wellbeing is an established counselling centre driven by a team of professionally trained counsellors dedicated to caring and confidential care. Leading this exceptional team is Tracy Phillips, an award-winning, qualified counsellor and the Owner of Phillips Wellbeing. We spoke with Tracy to learn more about her practice, following her recent recognition in the Managing Director of the Year Awards 2026. “Shaping a more positive future.” Operating across South Wales, Phillips Wellbeing provides caring, confidential counselling services to employees of both private and public sector companies and private individual clients. The counselling centre supports people through a wide range of life’s toughest challenges, such as stress, anxiety, bereavement, trauma, and workplace pressures, whilst also helping employers in their mission to create healthier, more supportive working environments. Phillips Wellbeing offers online appointments, as well as comfortable, private rooms for face-toface counselling sessions. Tackling a wide range of issues, the centre’s in-person counselling allows clients to explore feelings, build resilience, and work towards achieving a more fulfilling life. For workplaces, Phillips Wellbeing offers employee assistance programmes, workshops, and on-site counselling to help improve overall health, happiness, and motivation. At its core, Phillips Wellbeing recognises how important it is for clients to find a counsellor who truly understands their unique perspective and needs. The centre takes great care in hand-picking experienced and qualified professionals, meticulously pairing counsellor and client with the aim of achieving the most harmonious counselling partnerships. This helps clients feel more confident to open up and discuss their challenges, receiving thoughtful support and guidance. The experts at Phillips Wellbeing leverage more than two decades of industry experience and an unwavering commitment to understanding, delivering exceptional care that is always aligned with the client’s unique needs and struggles, whether catering to an individual or a workplace. The team strives to serve as a source of comfort and aid to its clients when they need it the most, empowering them to find peace and balance in their lives. “Our motivation has always been simple: to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” Tracy told us. “We often meet clients at difficult times, and being able to offer a safe, compassionate space where they feel heard is incredibly rewarding. Our values are centred around empathy, integrity, respect, and providing accessible, high-quality support.” As Owner and Managing Director of Phillips Wellbeing, Tracy Phillips works tirelessly to ensure that the centre delivers the highest standards of care, whilst supporting the growth and wellbeing of her team. She leads Phillips Wellbeing with empathy, honesty, and collaboration, encouraging open communication, valuing every contribution, and always working to lead by example. This approach is shaped by Tracy’s belief that creating a supportive environment for her team is just as important as supporting her clients. Tracy’s professional pathway has always centred on supporting other people. She spent 15 years working in the recruitment industry, where she developed a strong understanding of people, communication, and the importance of building trusting relationships. Aspiring to make a more direct difference through her work, Tracy pivoted to retrain in safeguarding and worked with young people aged 11 to 16. Here, she supported them through an array of challenges, and helped to create safe, supportive environments for them. “Those experiences naturally led me to my current role, where I continue to focus on improving people’s wellbeing,” she reflected. “Along the way, I’ve learned that empathy, Mental Health Counselling MD of the Year 2026: Tracy Phillips

resilience, and staying true to your values are essential. I’ve also learned that listening without judgement and building genuine relationships can have a lasting impact, and that the best outcomes come from working collaboratively with others.” As a result, communication is the key to everything at Phillips Wellbeing. Tracy holds regular team meetings, encourages open conversations, and makes sure that every member of her team understands the centre’s shared goals and values. She promotes kindness, respect, and teamwork across the centre, creating an internal culture where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and supporting one another. The counsellors at Phillips Wellbeing spend every day supporting others, and Tracy believes that it is important that they feel equally supported. Professional development, open communication, and a healthy work-life balance create a positive environment across the entire team, in turn ensuring that every counsellor at Phillips Wellbeing feels capable, comfortable, and supported to provide the best possible service to its clients. Looking to the future, Tracy aims to continue expanding the services offered by her team, whilst maintaining the personal approach that has come to define Phillips Wellbeing. The team has cemented itself as a trusted pillar of its local community, having built a number of strong partnerships with local businesses and charities across Newport and Cardiff. Now, Phillips Wellbeing looks forward to supporting more local communities by raising awareness of mental health and helping more organisations and individuals prioritise mental wellbeing. Since taking over Phillips Wellbeing in 2010, Tracy has made significant contributions to the wellbeing of countless individuals and workforces across South Wales. She has led an exceptional team of dedicated counsellors to set new benchmarks of excellence for organisations, whilst also supporting people through challenging periods of their lives. For her hard work and tireless commitment to mental health awareness and wellbeing prioritisation, we at SME News Magazine are proud to recognise Tracy Phillips as the Mental Health Counselling MD of the Year 2026. Reflecting on this latest achievement, Tracy shared, “Receiving this award is a huge honour, but it reflects the dedication of our entire team. I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, from supporting thousands of clients to raising significant funds for charities through our community initiatives. Our goal has always been to make a meaningful difference, and that continues to drive everything we do.” Contact: Tracy Phillips Company: Phillips Wellbeing Web Address: www.phillipswellbeing.com

SME News Q3 2026/ 10 Construction MD of the Year 2026 (East of England): Darren Peters Ermine Construction is an award-winning regional construction company specialising in residential newbuild housing across the East of England and London. The company is headed by Managing Director Darren Peters, a seasoned construction professional boasting decades of industry experience across both public and private sectors. Darren told us more about his journey to MD below, as he is named in the Managing Director of the Year Awards 2026. “My journey began at the fax machine and has led to Managing Director of Ermine. Every role, every project, and every person along the way has contributed to that journey.” Darren Peters is a firm believer that, to truly understand a business and become a great leader, one must first learn it from the ground up. He joined the construction career as a trainee estimator at Wiltshier Construction in Canterbury, beginning with the fundamentals before progressing to price his own projects. Nothing was ever handed to Darren, and this grounding gave him an appreciation for every role in construction. Following this, Darren found his next opportunity as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor in Wiltshier’s Small Works department in Tovil, Kent. “From day one, it was sink or swim,” he recalled. “I was given six projects, responsibility for the subcontractors, and a project of my own to run. It was a steep learning curve, but one I embraced. I quickly progressed to Quantity Surveyor and completed my professional training.” Over the years, Darren dedicated himself to building up his career in construction. He thrived under the leadership of Rusty Clarke at John Mowlem in West Malling, developing into a confident and accomplished Senior Quantity Surveyor. Whilst working for Willmott Dixon in Chobham, Darren caught the attention of Mark Tant and John Waterman. They trusted him to lead the commercial team on one of the firm’s largest projects at the time. These roles taught Darren the power of opportunity, strengthened his commercial expertise, and deepened his understanding of how successful teams and projects are managed. Following the arrival of his first child in 2009, Darren made a bold career move and joined Connaught Group as Business Unit Commercial Director, which brought him to Cambridge and propelled his career from project-level commercial management into wider business leadership. The story of Ermine itself began in 2015, a tale of ambition, belief, and a very personal purpose. Darren’s eldest daughter had secured a place at her chosen secondary school, but his family lived outside the catchment area. Taking a calculated risk, his family purchased a development plot, built a house, and sold it. This project solved an immediate family challenge, whilst also becoming the foundation of something much bigger. “I formed Ermine because I wanted to make a statement about how a residential construction business could and should operate, and, ultimately, to build a legacy,” he told us. “From that first home, the business has grown from strength to strength, but the principles have never changed: work hard, stay grounded, back good people, and never forget where you started. That project is a reminder that some of the greatest journeys begin with one brave decision.” Through Ermine, Darren has learned that leadership cannot be defined by a title. It is learned through experience, resilience, and the willingness to listen. One must understand every level of the business, surround themselves with talented and motivated people, and empower them to succeed. He shared, “I was fortunate to have exceptional mentors who opened doors to me; today, my responsibility is to hold those doors open for the next generation.” Now as he looks to the future, Darren intends to keep challenging himself and his team. He hopes to see emerging talent progressing into management, established leaders taking on greater responsibility, and every employee seeing a clear future in their roles. Ultimately, the future of Ermine is driven by ambition, underpinned by strategy, and steered by the construction professional named the East of England’s Construction MD of the Year 2026. Reflecting on his success, Darren shared, “Receiving this award is an enormous personal honour, but it is not an achievement I claim alone. It belongs to the entire Ermine team, whose commitment, resilience, and belief in our vision has shaped the company we are today. This award is a moment to pause, reflect, and say thank you – but it is not the conclusion of the Ermine story. It is a recognition of how far we have come and an inspiration for how much further we can go. The foundations are strong, the team is exceptional, and the most exciting chapters are still to be built.” Contact: Darren Peters Company: Ermine Construction Web Address: www.ermine.co.uk

Edinburgh-based Hamilton Financial provides clear, independent and personal financial advice to help clients make confident decisions about their future. Combining professional expertise with a highly personal service model, the firm works with individuals, families and business owners across Scotland and the wider UK, helping them plan, protect, grow and pass on their wealth. Following Hamilton Financial’s recognition as Financial Planning Firm of the Year Scotland at the SME Elite Business Awards 2026, we heard more from Claire O’Shannessy and founder Andrew Hamilton. Hamilton Financial: Personal Advice, Professional Excellence Many clients come to Hamilton Financial at important points of change in their lives: approaching retirement, reviewing pension arrangements, selling a business, receiving an inheritance, planning for later life, or wanting to make more confident decisions for their family. The firm is known for bringing structure and clarity to these moments through holistic financial planning that makes the process feel understandable, practical and genuinely useful. Hamilton Financial’s retirement planning service helps clients understand what they have, what they may need and how their pensions, savings and investments can work together to support a sustainable income in later life. Investment management is then considered within the wider financial plan, taking risk, tax position, time horizon and longterm objectives into account. Clients value this comprehensive service because it is joined up; Hamilton Financial does not look at investments, pensions or tax planning in isolation. The team considers the full picture, including income needs, family responsibilities, protection, estate planning and long-term financial security. In doing so, the firm creates a financial planning experience built around reassurance, clarity and confidence. At its core, Hamilton Financial is genuinely client-centred. The firm delivers advice shaped around each client’s circumstances, goals, family needs, attitude to risk and long-term plans. The team combines the personal service of a boutique advisory firm with the breadth and professionalism expected from a trusted financial planning partner, supporting clients across investment management, financial and tax planning, pensions and retirement, taxefficient products, financial protection and small business support. This service is driven by the belief that clients deserve openness and transparency around fees, advice and investment decisions. In an industry that can often feel complex or impersonal, Hamilton Financial works hard to ensure advice is clear, practical and relevant to each client. The firm combines modern systems, strong governance and a forwardlooking approach with traditional values of trust, transparency and personal service. A crucial element of Hamilton Financial’s service is continuity. The firm has carefully managed its succession to protect client relationships, preserve independence and maintain the values its clients trust and depend on. As many smaller firms across the sector are acquired or consolidated, Hamilton Financial’s commitment to personal, independent advice is increasingly valuable. “Succession in financial advice matters because clients often build deep, long-standing relationships with their adviser,” Andrew explained. “Hamilton has been determined to manage this transition carefully, personally and in a way that protects the interests of our clients. Rather than taking a purely commercial route, we have focused on continuity, trust and preserving the values our clients already know.” This process has involved carefully introducing clients to the next generation of leadership at Hamilton Financial, investing in modern systems and processes, and ensuring the firm’s personal service remains central to the business. The project has allowed Hamilton Financial to modernise while protecting the relationships, independence and culture that make it a distinctive financial planning partner. Over the next five years, Hamilton Financial will focus on strengthening review processes, improving client communications, investing in modern platforms, developing the next generation of advisers and expanding the ways it supports individuals, families and business owners. SME News Magazine has no doubt that Hamilton Financial will continue to grow carefully as a proudly independent and relationship-led firm, reinforcing its recognition as Financial Planning Firm of the Year Scotland 2026. “As the industry continues to consolidate, we believe boutique firms like Hamilton have a real opportunity to stand out by offering what clients increasingly value: continuity, personal attention, transparency and advice that is genuinely tailored to them,” Andrew concluded. “Our ambition is not to grow for the sake of growth. It is to grow carefully, sustainably and in a way that protects the qualities clients already trust us for.” Contact: Claire O’Shannessy (Marketing & Projects) Company: Hamilton Financial (Scotland) Limited Web Address: www.hamilton-financial.co.uk

SME News Q3 2026/ 12 Financial Services MD of the Year 2026 (East Midlands): Matt Baird & Excellence in Supportive Workplace Culture Development 2026 – East Midlands Based in Leicestershire, Accelerate Adviser Solutions provides outsourced paraplanning and administration services, as well as working with firms to review and improve their existing processes. Its full adviser support integrates seamlessly with a client’s business, and whether support is needed continuously or on a case-by-case basis, this team help lighten the load. We caught up with Matt Baird, Accelerate’s award-winning MD, for more on the firm, especially its supportive workplace culture. From sole advisers to larger financial planning firms, independent financial advisers (IFAs) from across the UK benefit from the services and support offered by Accelerate Adviser Solutions. Regardless of if clients need temporary help to cope with demand or a long-term outsourced partner they can trust as part of their business, the team here deliver, giving financial advisers more time to spend on their clients, business, and themselves. Heading up the team here is Matt Baird, who sees himself as less of a boss and more of a captain, someone who is right there with his team, steering the ship but making sure that everyone enjoys the journey. Matt explained: “For me, being a leader is about creating an environment where people genuinely want to come to work, feel supported, and be themselves. And if we’re not having fun whilst we do it, we’re doing it wrong!” The unique culture that stems from having Matt at the helm is something Accelerate is especially proud of. Beneath the laughter, singing, and dancing, there is a real positive and professional undercurrent. The small wins are celebrated together, and the energy this creates reverberates across the work the team deliver. For clients, this means an incredible service – with care and pride taken in everything the team do. People trust Accelerate because they feel the difference, in the quality of the work but also in the way its people show up. Development is a crucial part of any good workplace culture, and Matt encourages everyone to be themselves but also to push harder and aim higher. He added: “Whether that’s through exams, training, or learning how to approach things differently – I’ll always offer support and space to develop.” This is seen through the Incremental Improvement Initiative, which sees members of the team recognised and rewarded for ideas that enhance the company’s work. “I want to bring out the best in my team without pushing too far. I’m proud of the culture we’ve built, the results we’re achieving, and the fact we leave the office smiling. To me, that’s leadership done right.” Matt’s journey to the top spot has undoubtedly shaped how he approaches leadership. His early days as an administrator for a SIPP provider saw him learn the industry basics, before he moved into a role that blended administration and paraplanning, which was where Matt really found his feet. Studying alongside work, Matt completed a range of professional exams and developed a broad technical knowledge. After COVID cut a trip around the world short, Matt returned to the UK to find his previous role was no longer available, so he started a position as a paraplanner for a new firm. Another setback occurred shortly after, when redundancy hit. Rather than this being the end of that chapter and everyone going their separate ways, Matt and the team used the opportunity to build something themselves, creating Accelerate and building it up to be the kind of business that they had always wanted to work for. Steady growth has continued ever since, and the recent move into a larger office means that Accelerate has the space to continue growing its team and supporting IFAs across the UK. Matt remains certain that this growth will not come at the expense of Accelerate’s awardwinning culture, and every new person who joins the team is promised the same supportive environment and positive culture that has defined its success thus far. Against the backdrop of Accelerate’s growth and development, which in the long-term includes becoming the first name advisers think of when they need outsourced paraplanning, financial planning administration support, or operational support, Matt is committed to his own learning. Matt himself explained: “Every year I want to become a better leader than I was the year before, because if I continue improving, hopefully the business and the people around me will continue to grow as well.” Ultimately, Matt Baird’s goal has never been just to build a successful business. He has strived to offer somewhere where everyone has the opportunity to learn, develop, and achieve things they can be proud of. As these two awards highlight, he has certainly done just that. Contact: Matt Baird Company: Accelerate Adviser Solutions Web Address: https://accelerateteam.co.uk/

Operating in a niche but safety-critical sector, Cloud to Ground Ltd was founded with a clear mission: to deliver compliant, reliable, and high-quality lightning protection solutions while building a sustainable business that invests in people, skills, and long-term growth. Since its formation, and especially in the last 12 months, the company has moved from a small, founder-led operation into a growing microbusiness with a clear structure, an expanding team, and a developing professional approach to sales, marketing, and leadership. When it started out five years ago, this member of the Federation of Small Business employed just two people. Like many microbusinesses in the construction and engineering sector, growth initially depended on its founders’ technical expertise, reputation, and hands-on involvement, such as the more than 20 years of experience in lighting protection its MD has completed. Yet, it became clear that this alone was not enough for sustainable growth, leading Cloud to Ground to invest in people, leadership, and external expertise. By the start of 2025, Cloud to Ground has grown its workforce from two employees to seven, representing a 250% increase in staff numbers, while maintaining high standards of safety, compliance, and customer satisfaction. This growth saw many milestones achieved, including creating new roles that supported scalability, introducing professional sales and marketing capability, and investing in the next generation through trainee recruitment. Unsurprisingly, people remain central to Cloud to Ground’s growth. Investing in its people is an ongoing process for Cloud to Ground, which offers continuous training, certifications, and mentoring to ensure that every employee is competent, confident, and compliant with all of the relevant standards. The company also brought in the support of an external business coach last year, which supported the management team and paved the way for the appointment of a marketing specialist to support overall performance. Behind these initiatives is a strong, values-led culture, with safety, professionalism, and teamwork underpinning every aspect of the business. These values guide Cloud to Ground’s hand at every turn, from its close work with industry suppliers to the knowledge required to navigate the challenges that stem from working in the specialist construction sector. Its ability to grow whilst responsibly managing these risks is testament to the maturity and resilience Cloud to Ground stands for as a leading microbusiness in the construction industry. Cloud to Ground’s projects speak volumes about its premier status, including an especially notable relationship with Worcester College in Oxford. With the MD having known the college’s estates team for more than ten years, his team have been carrying out annual testing and remedial work since shortly after the pandemic. When further remedial work was needed in October 2024, the team again stepped up, before returning between January and September last year to update seven individual buildings, structures, and the flagpole. Outside of its excellence across projects, another cornerstone of Cloud to Ground’s success is the support it provides to local charities, such as the East Chesire Hospice, Just Drop In, the Bikeathon, and sponsorship of the history-making Macclesfield FC. Aiding the development of its local community is something the company sees as an invaluable part of its evolution going forwards, a plan which is set to further position it as an industry leader. Cloud to Ground Ltd aims to continue its steady, sustainable growth by further developing its team and internal capability, expanding its client base while maintaining service quality, potentially commencing to invest in apprenticeships and continuing skills development, also strengthening leadership and operational systems. The foundations laid since 2021 ensure the business is well-placed to grow without losing the values and standards that underpin its success. This growth has not been accidental, but is the result of clear vision, strong leadership, and a willingness to learn and adapt. All of this makes the growing team behind Cloud to Ground Ltd fitting of being recognised as the Best Lightning Protection & Work at Height Specialists 2026 – North West England as part of this year’s coveted UK Enterprise Awards. More on the history, projects, and outstanding customer feedback Cloud to Ground Ltd embodies across this sector can be found at the link below. Contact: Malcolm Crossley Company: Cloud to Ground Ltd Web Address: https://www.ctglp.co.uk/ Cloud to Ground Ltd was established in 2021 to provide lightning protection, earthing electrical surge protection, and work at height (installation, inspection, testing and maintenance services) for commercial, industrial, and specialist buildings across the UK. Following its team’s recognition as the Best Lightning Protection & Work at Height Specialists 2026 – North West England in the UK Enterprise Awards, we heard more about Cloud to Ground’s success from its own experts. Best Lightning Protection & Work at Height Specialists 2026 – North West England

SME News Q3 2026/ 14 Centelli: Creating the Workforce of the Future In this rapidly evolving digital world, there is a growing consensus that technology should be designed to serve, and not replace, people. If executed correctly, automation can optimise workloads by reducing repetitive tasks and providing employees with the space and time they need to evolve and thrive. UK-based automation company Centelli is leading this charge, transforming the modern workplace through intelligent automation solutions designed to replace arduous, everyday tasks. We spoke with Aneesh Gupta, Founder and Managing Director of Centelli, as the company is named in the Business Elite Awards 2026. Since its establishment in 2014, Centelli has been on a mission to free up its clients’ time so they can reach their full potential. Operating globally across the UK, India, and the U.S., the company has earned a reputation for taking over the manual, repetitive tasks of work so that companies can flourish and focus on their cognitive, problem-solving, and creative work. Combining deep technical capability with operational and strategic expertise, Centelli achieves its mission through automation, intelligent AI technology solutions, and digital workers. The company has evolved alongside the rapid development of the automation landscape, combining AI intelligence and agents with its existing processes to bridge the gap between automation and legacy systems. Centelli’s flagship offering, Digital Workers, is a suite of intelligent automations designed to enhance business operations by automating repetitive and routine tasks. Clients are guaranteed to gain measurable ROI from day one: processes are faster, teams are happier, and errors are significantly fewer due to a range of software tools seamlessly integrated across a multitude of business processes. Digital Workers is applicable within manufacturing, hospitality, construction, retail, healthcare, logistics, and more. Centelli first observes the client’s exact processes and work style, before modelling and training Digital Workers in alignment. By learning the client’s goals, bottlenecks, and frictions, the team identifies ways to automate repeatable, error-prone, high-volume tasks that create excessive workloads, delays, and risks. “We stand out because of our approach,” said Aneesh. “Our long-term partnerships speak for themselves, as we provide a quality service whilst also building and automating to flex around the way teams work. Our clients choose to return to us because of our deep business insight, combined with automation that scales and drives results and efficiency for their businesses. Our solutions make visible differences.” In this vein, Centelli has recently deployed two agentic solutions designed to work alongside automated processes, especially in hospitality. Reducing reservation admin by up to 80%, Guest IQ is targeted at improving response times and booking conversions. The software creates and updates reservations automatically, as well as engaging with guests conversationally and instantly understanding their enquiries. Similarly, GroupIQ is reported to reduce booking admin by 90%. Transforming unstructured booking requests into accurate entries, GroupIQ aids users in managing group, meeting, and events rooming lists. It applies intelligent reasoning to read rooming lists and interpret names, dates, preferences, and sharing information before automatically completing the booking process directly in the PMS system. Now, Centelli is gearing up to deploy ScheduleIQ, an AI-engineered solution designed for manufacturing and production environments. Combining AI-driven optimisation with deep operational expertise, ScheduleIQ builds optimised schedules automatically, balances operational constraints intelligently, adapts dynamically to changing conditions, and improves utilisation and operational performance. This helps organisations improve efficiency, maximise resource utilisation, and adapt faster to changing conditions. Looking to the future, Centelli intends to further invest in Ai and agentic solutions, whilst dedicating its time to perfecting its wheelhouse. Combining these solutions with unparalleled automation, the company will continue to deliver refreshingly adaptive systems that transform business processes, empowering countless businesses and reinforcing its status as the Robotic Process Automation Company of the Year 2026. “Every automation and solution Centelli provides is designed to deliver outcomes. Centelli operates for impact, not for show,” Aneesh concluded. “This industry is the space for us, as we firmly believe that automation should enhance human work, not replace it. When done right, automation has the potential to make work more fulfilling by removing the mundane and allowing people to think, grow, and create.” Contact: Aneesh Gupta Company: Centelli Web Address: www.centelli.com

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