Previous Winners & Judges Feedback
VHR
Best Innovation
Commenting on VHR, the winner in the Best Innovation category, the chairman of the judges said:
“Global technical recruitment consultancy VHR has developed an ethical way of dealing with geographical staff shortages in the aerospace, automotive, engineering and marine industries. In countries where there is a lack of skilled staff, working alongside clients, VHR trains local people and gets them into employment thereby helping to alleviate poverty in poorer countries. Hundreds of people have undergone training and changed their lives. By taking a fresh approach, London-based VHR has seen fantastic growth in turnover. It now operates in 52 countries, has won a host of awards and has an excellent client retention rate.”
iMINDS
Best Small to Medium-sized Business
Commenting on iMINDS, the winner in the Best Small to Medium Size Business category, the chairman of the judges said:
“IT staffing company and service provider iMINDS is an exceptionally inventive company that has gained ground into the overcrowded IT market in the US with a new proposition and won itself a substantial client base. Realising that IT staff are often costly and may not have the most up-to-date skills, the owners, who are Indian natives, opened up a centre in India to train local people with existing IT knowledge in the skills required by the US market. Congratulations to iMINDS for making headway in a highly competitive market and achieving solid growth.”
iMINDS
Best New Business
Commenting on iMINDS, the winner in the Best New Business category, the chairman of the judges said:
“iMINDS has become the fastest-growing IT staffing company and service provider in the United States by training potential recruits at its own IT educational centre in India, where the owners originate from. By recruiting people with IT skills and training them at its centre to provide high-quality functional and technical expertise across all product suits, iMINDS is able to offer its clients fully-trained IT professionals at a reasonable cost. Congratulations to iMINDS for taking on the IT staffing market and gaining a stronghold in only a few years.”
Democracy Counts
Outstanding Entrepreneur
Commenting on Democracy Counts, the winner in the Outstanding Entrepreneur category, the chairman of the judges said:
“Founder of electoral software company Democracy Counts Simon Verdon is one of the UK’s most dynamic entrepreneurs who has modernise the voting process. You could say Simon has transformed British democracy through the introduction of his cutting-edge electoral software such as online anti-fraud checks for postal votes and his Elector Centre. Traditionally, the electoral process was outdated and poorly managed and, despite initial resistance from councils, Simon persevered and can claim that his ground-breaking, world-class software has transformed the electoral process and improved citizen engagement and participation.”
Turk Ekonomi Bank AS
Best Innovation
Commenting on Turk Ekonomi Bankasi the winner in the Best Innovation category, the chairman of the judges said:
“Turk Ekonomi Bankasi new mobile business banking platform, known as SME Digital, gives business owners instant access to their financial information at their fingertips putting them in full control of their business and enabling them to better manage the relationship with clients. SME Digital provides a comprehensive range of services and tools that delivers real-time information on everything from daily transactions to client accounts. Congratulations to Turk Ekonomi Bankasi for developing an incredibly useful digital platform that positions it as the go-to bank for SMEs.”
VHR
Best Place to Work
Commenting on VHR, the winner in the Best Employer category, the chairman of the judges said:
“Global technical recruitment consultancy VHR impressed the judges with its ethical recruitment processes that fully supports candidates and employees. VHR operates in 52 different countries and it hires and trains local people in poorer countries helping them to change their lives. VHR also has onsite offices in some locations where staff are permanently seconded to clients to protect candidates from modern slavery or mistreatment, which is truly outstanding. VHR knows only too well that happy, engaged and motivated staff deliver the best customer services and its stunning results prove the theory.”
- What are the benefits of winning awards?
- How to write a successful award entry
- What are the best awards to enter?
- How to start your business awards programme
- How to impress the judges
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iMINDS
Outstanding Entrepreneur
Commenting on Ms Lakshmi Nallamothu of iMINDS, the winner in the Outstanding Female Entrepreneur category, the chairman of the judges said:
“Founder and CEO of IT staffing company iMINDS, Ms Lakshmi Nallamothu has nurtured her company from kitchen table into becoming the fastest-growing IT staffing company in the US with operations in the US and India. Lakshmi had always wanted to run her own business and when she realised that the market needed highly trained IT staff at a reasonable cost, she jumped at the chance. Highly motivated and determined, Lakshmi can now boast a multi-million-dollar business in only a few years.”
Democracy Counts
Best Innovation
Commenting on Democracy Counts, the winner in the Best Innovation category, the chairman of the judges said:
“Democracy Counts has brought the electoral process into the 21st century by introducing innovative electoral management software to local authorities and central government; and referendum and ballot services to private and community organisations. By identifying a gap in the market and developing a suite of innovative products, Democracy Counts has modernised an area that amazingly had been untouched by new technology. Democracy Counts has taken the market by storm and won itself a large number of long-standing major public sector clients and improved public engagement and participation in the democratic process.”
Seven Capital
Best Customer Focus
Commenting on Seven Capital, the winner in the Best Customer Focus category, the chairman of the judges said:
“Property investment company Seven Capital has built its success on providing an exclusive, top-class turnkey service to its customers. Its 360-degree service covers everything from reserving a property to aftersales care and has helped it attract thousands of customers, receive excellent feedback from them and a repurchasing rate of a staggering 32%. The customer comes first every time with Seven Capital and each client has their own service coordinator to guide them through the investment property process. Well done to Seven Capital for setting the highest of standards in its industry.”
UKWSL
Best Small to Medium-sized Business
Commenting on UKWSL, the winner in the Best Small to Medium-sized Business category, the chairman of the judges said:
“Congratulations to UKWSL for making a tremendous contribution to improving waste management particularly in the area of landfill diversion. It has saved 99% of its clients’ trash from landfill sites, which has helped them reach their target of zero waste going to landfill sites. This is a fantastic achievement that has resulted in UKWSL being identified as one of London Stock Exchange Group’s 1,000 companies to Inspire Britain and one of the fastest-growing SMEs. With waste management a major issue, it’s great to see positive action being taken.”
Proactive Wellbeing Clinic
Best Small to Medium-sized Business
Commenting on Proactive Wellbeing Clinic, the winner in the Best Small to Medium-sized Business category, the chairman of the judges said:
“Launched in 2001, private clinic Proactive Wellbeing Clinic has seen exceptional growth and now offers a wide range of cutting-edge treatments including podiatry, osteopathy, acupuncture, sports massage and wellbeing therapies. It is firmly established with a client database of thousands, an impeccable reputation and an impressive list of awards to its name. Congratulations to Proactive Wellbeing Clinic for working to a robust business plan, achieving healthy outcomes and helping people in the Rochester area of Kent have more fulfilling and pain-free lives.”
Nicoletta Bernardi, Lilly e Violetta
Outstanding Entrepreneur
Commenting on Nicoletta Bernardi, the winner in the Outstanding Entrepreneur category, the chairman of the judges said:
“Nicoletta Bernardi is a passionate entrepreneur and philanthropist whose love of fashion has created a thriving luxury brand called Lilly e Violetta that is worn by high-profile women from all around the world. Her brilliant business acumen also funds her philanthropist activities. The list of charities she is involved with at board level is endless and Nicoletta is also a champion for women in the workplace. Originally from Italy and now living in London, Nicoletta is a huge talent and a real asset for the UK.”
Founder - Y2 Learn Driver Training
winning this last award has got me an invitation to join the Institute of Master Trainers Association. I’m really pleased
Director of Marketing, Solihull College
Winning a Best Business Award has provided us with a platform to raise our profile via the media. Since winning we have secured press coverage in key national and regional publications regarding the great work we are doing and we have attracted students to the college that may not have otherwise heard about us.
I would recommend the Best Business Awards to any dynamic organisation that wants to prove to stakeholders that it is delivering.
co-founder of Concert Live
If you are a young business without much marketing spend, then entering awards can be a cost-effective way of generating positive marketing and PR, because you are thrown into the spotlight. It also offers a seal of approval.
Potential customers can look at that and think “I’m happy to do business with this company”, because they have that recognition.
Geeks Ltd
Best Innovation
Commenting on WordUp from Geeks Ltd, the winner in the Best Innovation category, the chairman of the judges said: :
“Geeks’ revolutionary WordUp application offers a fun way for people to improve their English vocabulary. Suitable for English speakers and those learning the language, the app offers a free service and a premium paid for service that highlights vocabulary knowledge gaps and helps people to expand their word power. Another benefit is that the app is advertisement free removing distractions. Based on user feedback, Geeks is constantly evolving WordUp and it is on track to become the go-to tool for building vocabulary.”
SUPERLATIVE RECRUITMENT
Best Place to Work
Commenting on Superlative Recruitment, the winner in the Best Employer category, the chairman of the judges said: :
“Superlative Recruitment is a new-economy business that is ahead of its time. Its workforce consists of 10 freelancers and entrepreneurs who all work remotely across the UK. Growing a successful business with remote workers is not easy but Superlative Recruitment has achieved unity and excellent results by engaging with staff on a daily basis to keep them informed, rewarding achievements and identifying training needs for individuals. Superlative Recruitment has shown that working remotely is the way forward and that giving people a better work/life balance, improves productivity.”
Avasam
Best New Business
Commenting on Avasam, the winner in the Best New Business category, the chairman of the judges said: :
“Avasam have created a ground-breaking dropshipping e-commerce platform that connects multiple suppliers and sellers all around the world and automates processes and payments making it easier to do business. eBusiness Guru developed the Avasam platform by investigating all the pain-points of dropshipping and inventing a system that makes it easier for suppliers to find new business opportunities and sellers to scale up their business quickly. The Avasam platform is creating a revolution in trading that is opening up a myriad of new opportunities.”
Sté Tumba Capital
Outstanding Entrepreneur
Commenting on Stephanie Tumba founder of Sté Tumba Capital, the winner in the Outstanding Entrepreneur and Outstanding Female Entrepreneur category, the chairman of the judges said: :
“Starting her career in door-to-door sales, Stephanie Tumba has come up the hard way and always rises to the top. Her latest venture as a business angel makes use of all the hands-on skills and knowledge she has learnt in her various demanding roles. She always manages to back winners and many of the start ups she supports are now well-known brands. She also generously gives 10% of revenue to charities. Stephanie is an imposing business talent who has proved she can turn her hand to anything.”
Vet Dynamics
Outstanding Entrepreneur
Commenting on Vicky Robinson, founder of Vet Dynamics, the winner in the Outstanding Female Entrepreneur category, the chairman of the judges said: :
“When the going gets tough, Vicky Robinson rises to the challenge. She is one of the few people who have moved from being a practice manager in a vet’s practice to becoming an owner. She then realised that vets, although clinically knowledgeable, often lack business experience, so formed Vet Dynamics with Alan Robinson, to fill the gap. Congratulations to Vicky for making Vet Dynamics the leading UK broker in the selling of practices to corporations and for turning it into a global enterprise.”
Geeks Ltd
Best Place to Work
Commenting on Geeks Ltd, the winner in the Best Employer category, the chairman of the judges said: :
“As an innovator in software development, Geeks places staff and developing talent at the heart of the organisation so it can remain inventive and competitive. Staff are rewarded for their achievements and given every opportunity to learn more, progress their career and gain new qualifications. Great emphasis is placed on communication across the organisation, encouraging staff to share their experience and knowledge with each other, and getting employees involved in business planning. Congratulations to Geeks for valuing staff, putting them first and taking great care of them.”
YUnique Marketing Ltd
Best Corporate Social Responsibility
Commenting on YUnique Marketing Ltd, the winner in the Best Corporate Social Responsibility category, the chairman of the judges said: :
“YUnique Marketing puts a huge amount of effort into sustainable development that goes beyond its core role of providing small- and medium-sized businesses with strategic marketing services. In order to support the local economy, it sources local suppliers and agencies, where possible, and it provides voluntary and fund-raising services to a number of local and national causes. Congratulations to YUnique Marketing for supporting a wide range of social, educational and charitable organisations that is above and beyond the call of duty.”
Sté Tumba Capital
Best New Business
Commenting on Sté Tumba Capital, the winner in the Best New Business category, the chairman of the judges said: :
“Launched in 2016 by Stephanie Tumba without any business debt, Sté Tumba Capital has grown from strength to strength and become a multi-million pound company in only a few years. By lending to start-ups and early-stage firms, it has helped entrepreneurs realise their dreams and supported new brands, such as Deliveroo and Blow Limited, to succeed. Over the past few years, Sté Tumba Capital has experienced growth of 10% to 15% every year, which is set to increase to 20%. A round of applause to Sté Tumba Capital for maintaining growth in a risky investment area.”
Avasam
Best New Product / Service (less than 2 years old)
Commenting on Avasam, the winner in the Best New Product/Service category, the chairman of the judges said: :
“The Avasam e-commerce platform is a game-changer in the dropshipping market for importers and sellers. The platform connects multiple suppliers and sellers and automates processes and payments. New suppliers can be set up quickly in days and sellers can have products listed online within hours. Case studies from users show massive increases in sales of 200% and even up to 400%. Congratulations to Avasam for creating a revolution in dropshipping e-commerce that helps users increase sales and become more profitable”
Tata Consultancy Services Limited
Best Strategic Design / Creative
Commenting on Tata Consultancy Services Limited, the winner in the Best Strategic Design/Creative category, the chairman of the judges said: :
“Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) uses smart technology solutions including robotics as a service to turn the fortunes of its clients around. TCS remodels every part of its clients’ businesses including the customer experience to improve the net promoter score, customer satisfaction ratings and complaint resolution. Working with a utility company, TCS increased satisfaction rates to 88% from 68% and raised the net promoter score to 55 from minus 15. TCS is a business innovator that is having a real impact on clients making them more agile and effective.”
Skin Confident
Best Customer Focus
Commenting on Skin Confident, the winner in the Best Customer Focus category, the chairman of the judges said::
“Skin Confident has given a new lease of life to people with scars, birthmarks, vitiligo and other skins disfigurements with its camouflage make-up consultancy service. Based in the City of London, Skin Confident provides an empathetic and understanding service that is an alternative to the hard-pushed NHS cosmetic service. Product recommendations are made based on the client’s goals, lifestyle and needs, and follow-up services are provided after the initial consultation. Congratulations to Skin Confident for helping people with damaged skin to improve their appearance and boost their self-assurance.”
Sté Tumba Capital
Best Small to Medium-sized Business
Commenting on Sté Tumba Capital, the winner in the Best Small to Medium-Sized Business category, the chairman of the judges said: :
“Congratulations to Sté Tumba Capital for achieving tremendous success in the risky area of investing in start-ups and early stage firms with high growth potential. The company has achieved strong growth of 10% to 15% a year through operational excellence, strong team work and commercial understanding of capital investments. It is highly commendable that Sté Tumba generously gives away 10% of revenue to charities and community projects. By helping entrepreneurs see their dreams come true and supporting those in need, Sté Tumba Capital is a force for good”
