A line-up of the nation’s smallest and greatest firms has been revealed, as Small Business Britain announces its 2024 Small Awards shortlist. Ninety small businesses, from all corners of the UK and representing all sectors, have been selected as finalists for this year’s ‘Small Awards’.
Now in its eighth year, The Small Awards spotlights the nation’s dynamic and thriving small business community, from legendary sole traders to sustainability heroes, supply chain champions and mission-driven social enterprises.
“Massive congratulations to all of the shortlisted small businesses, they represent an incredibly impressive and inspiring group of entrepreneurs who deserve to be celebrated,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain, which organises the annual award showcase. “With a succession of challenges being thrown in the path of small business owners over recent times, it is important that they are recognised for the valuable contribution they make. We can’t wait to meet them all in May for what will undoubtedly be another show-stopper of an Awards’ night!”
The small business finalists shortlisted across the 11 Small Award categories include:
- ‘At your Service’ award for best small service business, with a track record of serving their target customer set. Nominees – Belles and Babes, Bigger Brighter Bolder, Deaf Friendly, Hetty & Betty, Kelly’s Heroes Private Tuition, Proactive Despatch, Reels Rockstars , Trimz & Tantrumz Children’s Salon, Virtalent and Wrexham Chauffeurs
- ‘Bricks and Clicks’ award for best small businesses using multiple channels with innovation and skill. Nominees – Bibelot Nook, Charlie + Co, Eagles Wings Consultancy, BEPO – Be Positive Taylored Brand, ELJ Drinks, Giddy Goat Toys, The Snug Bookshop and Cafe and Rainbow & Co.
- ‘Digital Star’ award for best digital only business, which recognises small businesses that operate only through digital channels, using the internet to market, sell and promote their product and service. Nominees – Bnode, Club Hub UK, Cool Crutches, Post-boxed, Louise Brogan, Raffolux, Stamptastic and The DM Lab
- ‘Heart of Gold’ award for the small business contributing that bit extra to their local community through working with other small businesses, local charities, schools, local councils or their local residents. Nominees – Excel against the Odds, ChilliWinter, For Men to Talk, Nickel Support CIC, Stephanie Ward Online Business Services, Theatre Inspiring Change , Barkingside Art Club and Co-Creative Connection
- ‘High Street Hero’ award which recognises a strong high street business that has a proven record of contributing towards the success of their street. Nominees – Simon Webster Hair, Little Boat Gifts, Pennine Cycles, People First Mobility, The Cobbler’s Tea Room, The Secret Bookshelf, The Snail Of Happiness and Wave of Nostalgia
- ‘Legacy’ award for best family business, demonstrating involvement and contribution from family members as well as business success over a period of time. Nominees – Button Boutique, Gillies and Mackay , Kan Do Ventures , Kawah Coffee, Kooky Bloom , Morgans Butchery , Tirebuck Recruitment, Spice Kitchen
- ‘Mission Possible’ award for businesses and social enterprises driven by mission over and above financial performance, that benefits a group, a community or society more widely. Nominees – Climbing Out, Front Room Theatre WSM, Jamii, LoveReading, Cake or Dice CIC , Paul Strickland Scanner Centre, Sahan Cares CIC and In Good Company
- ‘Net Hero’ award for small businesses demonstrating exceptional commitment to the environment, placing sustainability at the heart of operations. Nominees – Beyond Green, Disruptor London, Green Doors and Windows , Pontus Research,Reuseabox , Spark & Bell, Sustainable Wedding Alliance and RSUK Group
- ‘New Kid on the Block’ award for the best new start-up, that has demonstrated considerable progress to grow and develop. Sponsored by TSB Bank, nominees include – Dotty About Braille , Styled Home Studios , Jiggi Mobile barbershop , The Find, Select Training CIC , The Book Nook, Little Green Change , Silver and Steel
- ‘Sole to Sole’ award for best self-employed sole trader that celebrates the tenacity and drive it takes to go it alone. Nominees – Tracy’s Treasured Keepsakes , Slow You Down Wellbeing, Wild About Britain, Sensational Cakes and Deserts, Social Blox, The Brand Artisan, Old Tom’s Workshop, BAHA Accessories UK
- ‘Supply Chain Champion’ award for best B2B business, which recognises small businesses that are working within the business supply chain, and other businesses large and small. Nominees – Ask the Chameleon, Bare Kind, TP Feeds , CanDo Payments , Evolve, Get It Made, OutBritain, Sharp Thinking Marketing
Judged by a panel of industry experts, the winners of all categories, along with the overall winner of Small Business of the Year, will be announced at a glittering awards night in London on 16 May 2024.
London-based 4-22 Foundation – which helps young people at risk of disadvantage across Haringey to raise and achieve their aspirations through a series of projects – won last year’s prestigious ‘Small Business of the Year’ title, alongside the ‘Mission Possible’ Small Award for best social enterprise.
Gavin Jackson, co-founder of 4-22 Foundation, said: “We were beyond thrilled to win Small Business of the Year. Having our achievements as a thriving social enterprise business in the UK recognised left me awestruck.”
