Buckinghamshire Business Awards Supplement 2024 by Buckinghamshire Business First

An action-packed celebration of business in the Entrepreneurial Heart of Britain.

Buckinghamshire Business Awards 2024

Just when you think the show-stopping Buckinghamshire Business Awards can’t get any bigger or better, this year’s ceremony comes along to prove us all wrong!

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre was once again the perfect host venue for the ceremony, as the county’s top businesses came together to celebrate another year of remarkable achievements.

Each winner and finalist has shown themselves to be part of something bigger. They have the spirit of entrepreneurship, the dedication and passion, that marks Buckinghamshire’s business community out as a special one.

Nobody does business like Buckinghamshire.

Philippa Batting, CEO of Buckinghamshire Business First, was delighted with how the night went.

“It was heartening to see so many businesses gathering to celebrate their accomplishments, especially as these awards were created to give companies and their teams a chance to reflect on their achievements. With a record number of entries this year, our judges faced a tough task selecting the winners.On behalf of Buckinghamshire Business First, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and thank our finalists for their incredible efforts in making the final shortlist. Finally, I want to thank our sponsors for their unwavering support of the awards and their ongoing commitment to strengthening local businesses.”

COMPANY OF THE YEAR

HORWOOD HOUSE HOTEL

Horwood House Hotel

Horwood House Hotel is an independent hotel and spa with an arts and crafts manor house dating back to 1911. Their recent £6 million renovation was carefully managed to preserve the unique features of the manor house and surrounding courtyard of thatched cottages. The contemporary extension, which houses most of the bedrooms, has also been refurbished and reflects their history whilst embracing modernity in the design. A new spa and courtyard has been added allowing guests the additional feeling of luxury in the Buckinghamshire countryside.

“This is completely unexpected! It’s the ultimate achievement and validation of everything we’ve been through over the last five years. It shows the commitment and dedication from the whole team.

“We’re so pleased to be part of Buckinghamshire Business First for their guidance and support. We’re looking forward to growing our relationship with them and the local business community in the years to come.”

- Karim Kassam, Managing Director

THANKS GO TO WIDMER END & DISTRICT FUNERAL DIRECTORS FOR SPONSORING

The swan-themed trophies have proved to be a winner since being designed in 2014 by a Buckinghamshire New University student, Verena Boehm, under the tutorage of Andreas Fabian. The design was so well received that it has been used ever since, with the iconic design now synonymous with the Buckinghamshire Business Awards.

We are once again indebted to local artisan designer John Armistead from John Armistead Restorations who has produced the trophies to Verena’s original design. Each trophy is made of mirror-polished stainless steel and forged through a process of waterjet cutting. The trophy for the Company of the Year Award is distinguished by a highly-polished handmade brass crown around the swan’s neck.

widmerendfunerals.co.uk

zenopa.com

Hear from our fabulous finalists here > bit.ly/bba24-Apprentice

buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Zenopa

Zenopa specialises in the commercial side of the healthcare industry, recruiting for various markets including pharmaceutical, medical, scientific, animal health, dental, engineering, consumer health, and medical communications. Zenopa has an excellent reputation spanning over 33 years, being awarded ‘Great Place to Work’ four years in a row. Their clientele includes GSK, Abbott, Veritek, Johnson & Johnson, Colgate, 3M, Philips, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, and Novartis. They attain these clients by building strong relationships and providing complete transparency throughout the recruitment process.

“We’re very delighted to win this year. For us, the apprenticeship scheme has been a journey on how to utilise apprentices to their full ability to benefit both them and the business.”

- Max McGarvie, Central Services Executive

FINALISTS

a-v-s.uk

Added Value Solutions UK

AVS UK is a space engineering company specialising in scientific missions (including lunar), integration of spacecraft and in-space manufacturing. It is one of the world’s leading companies for the design and development of complex and critical equipment for the big science and space markets worldwide. The company can develop the full engineering process from calculations, detail design and drafting to procurement, manufacturing, assembly, integration and test.

wycombewanderersfoundation.co.uk

Wycombe Wanderers Foundation

Wycombe Wanderers Foundation is the official charity of Wycombe Wanderers Football Club. Its game plan is to use the fantastic appeal of the Wycombe Wanderers badge to engage and build relationships with local people and communities so that it can assist them in reaching their potential and achieving personal fulfilment. The foundation’s values commit it to showing integrity, surpassing expectations, and seeking improvements.

Hear from our fabulous finalists here > bit.ly/bba24-BusinessLeader

Karim Kassam, Horwood House Hotel

Karim purchased Horwood House Hotel in September 2019 with the vision of creating the number one destination in Buckinghamshire for events and leisure breaks. This was a passion project to reinstate Horwood House as the hub of the local community and bring it back to life. Karim pursued a new brand identity and values that reflected his vision of delivering hospitality from the heart, and he led the hotel through Covid without wavering from his ambition. The team see Karim very much as a leader and not a boss, with his approachable and engaging manner and support to help them reach their potential.

“I’m ecstatic to have won this award, but this is really about the team. You can’t be a leader unless you have a collaborative team to work with, people who want to learn and people you want to learn from. I’m lucky to have a team around me who are dedicated, loyal, and committed.”

- Karim Kassam, Managing Director

FINALISTS

Martina Porter, All Spring Media

When founding All Spring Media in 2011, Martina established a vision of breaking down barriers to skills development and employment within the film and television sector, having experienced the challenges first-hand. With her optimistic and motivating energy, she supports her team’s personal and professional development and gives them the space to flourish. Martina has kept All Spring Media agile and responsive to the evolving needs and dynamics of the screen industries, and through her interactions with industry figures and policymakers, she helps influence skills and employment policy within Buckinghamshire.

Bonnie May, Global Infusion Group

Under Bonnie May’s leadership, Global Infusion Group has built a reputation for delivering first-class catering and hospitality to major global sporting and cultural events. Seen by her team as a natural leader who combines business acumen with acute attention to detail, Bonnie maintains high standards, whether catering a private dinner for two or feeding 65,000 athletes. She genuinely cares about her people and their wellbeing, having led the team through the sudden loss of her husband and GIG’s CEO, Tony Laurenson. As head of the family business, Bonnie embodies the values that define Global Infusion Group.

Where Education Meets Employability

Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) has been transforming lives for over 130 years. The university is proud to make a difference because of the education it delivers, its research, and the positive impact it makes to the environment and the local communities. Students can choose from over 300 career-focused degrees across a wide range of subject areas, including business, law, aviation, art and design, and creative and digital industries. BNU also offers its students free sports and societies as part of the Students’ Union Big Deal Scheme. We play an active and growing role in our campus communities through student and staff volunteering, our tackling poverty programme, and race equality initiatives.

bnu.ac.uk advice@bnu.ac.uk

We’re proud to sponsor the 2024 award for

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS Award ASHRIDGE

HOME CARE

Hear from our fabulous finalists here > https://bit.ly/bba24-Community

Ashridge Home Care

chandlergarvey.com

Ashridge Home Care provides high-quality, bespoke visiting and live-in home care that enables people to remain in their own homes for as long as they would like, without the need to move to residential care. Boasting a CQC rating of Outstanding in Caring, and based on values of trust, compassion, respect and knowledge, they offer a truly personalised service. It’s a company that cares not only about its clients, but also its staff, based on the principle that if the company looks after the team, the team will look after the clients.

‘It’s amazing! We’re really pleased and very proud because the whole team go above and beyond to reach out to our community and really make a difference.’

- Trudi Scrivener, Owner

FINALISTS

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre hosts a dynamic programme of West End productions, comedy and music gigs, as well as the best family and children’s shows. The highly intelligent and multi-functional venue can also accommodate conferences, meetings, exhibitions, gigs, parties, weddings, screenings, and awards, such as the Buckinghamshire Business Awards! Through its corporate partnership scheme, the Waterside can also provide businesses with corporate hospitality and advertising opportunities.

Red Helix has been at the forefront of cyber security innovation since 1984, safeguarding UK businesses with unmatched expertise and cutting-edge technology. It delivers tailored cyber security as a service, ensuring 24/7 threat detection and response. By combining decades of experience with innovative solutions, Red Helix protects businesses from the financial, operational, and reputational harm of cyberattacks. The business empowers companies to secure comprehensive cyber insurance and peace of mind and is proud to be a trusted partner in defending the future of UK enterprise.

Red Helix

What’s good for the planet is good for business

New programme designed to support businesses in Buckinghamshire on their journey to Net Zero.

Events at Stoke Park

Stoke Park is set among 300 acres of glorious parkland, lakes, historic gardens and monuments. At the heart of the estate is the beautiful Grade I listed historic Mansion, with the more contemporary Pavilion, a short walk away. The world-famous golf course encircles the hotel.

For more information about Golf and Events at Stoke Park please visit www.stokepark.com or contact the team at enquiries@stokepark.com

Stoke Park is a haven of tranquillity. Despite its proximity to major hubs, on entering the estate you transcend into a world of calmness and escapism, surrounded by breathtaking beauty. The estate is currently undergoing an extensive renovation and planning process. During the planning process and renovation works, Stoke Park have opened up some of the facilities for events, business meetings, conferences and stays, including the exquisitely refurbished Pavilion and our Championship Golf Course under a pay and play basis and exclusive hire, allowing for our guests to enjoy a luxurious one-of-a-kind experience.

Film & TV Academy Ltd

FTA is a weekend film-making and acting academy where young people aged 8 to 18 can create professional film and TV projects. Students use industry standard film equipment and are mentored by teachers who are professional filmmakers and actors with real industry experience and skills. FTA operates six academies from four locations (Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Milton Keynes, and St Albans). Their passion is inspiring children to follow their dreams and show them real pathways through to the film industry.

“It’s an extreme privilege and a pleasure to be recognised as being creative within Buckinghamshire. We’d like to dedicate the award to our wonderful team, our students and their parents. We’re honoured to have been given this award by Pinewood, which is an inspiration to us.”

- Gabriel Steele, Co-founder

FINALISTS

Corzo & Wood

Corzo & Wood is a partnership between two friends, Violeta Corzo and Sarah Wood. They share a passion for designing and creating unique, contemporary silver jewellery, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. In 2017, they took a big step by opening an independent gift shop on the beautiful National Trust Claydon Estate. Their shop has since relocated next to Mursley Farm Shop, Milton Keynes, a family run farm shop and café where you can purchase local fresh produce.

The Polka offers flexible online marketing services to businesses and non-profits, supporting with all aspects of online marketing and helping customers navigate the ever changing world of all things digital. From creating an online marketing strategy, right through to implementing campaigns, The Polka combines creative marketing and commercial sense to deliver value for customers, helping them reach new audiences, spend their budget wisely, and create a compelling brand and message.

ALL SPRING MEDIA

Award

All Spring Media

All Spring Media supports growth and talent within the screen industries through training. Their programmes are delivered to a high standard by industry practitioners, ensuring the content is relevant to the industry’s needs. Through their talent pool and connections, they create employment routes, address skills gaps, and offer ongoing support to learners. All Spring Media advocates for representation in the film and TV industry for those from underrepresented groups and lower socio-economic backgrounds. Creating equal opportunities for people who may otherwise struggle to enter the industry is core to their mission.

“I’m thrilled to bits. It’s been a very tough couple of years for us and the fact we’re here and have won an award is not somewhere I thought we’d be two years ago. We found a real niche in the market for getting people into film and TV and we’re very positive about the future.”

- Martina Porter, Founder

FINALISTS

Analogue Wonderland

Analogue Wonderland began in 2018 with the goal of bringing the soul back into photography! The company exists to make film photography fun and accessible for everyone and is a firm believer in the creative benefit of creating images with chemistry and light. An independent family business with a strong focus on community, they sell film and cameras, have an in-house photo lab, and run workshops and photo walks to bring education and inspiration to the next generation of film photographers. Partnering with key analogue brands around the globe, they make the retail experience as fun and easy as possible for their community.

Xpress Labels

Xpress Labels is a BRC Certified AA+ self-adhesive label printer and manufacturer, dedicated to delivering a customer focused, professional service and high-quality labels. As proud custodians of Aylesbury’s rich print heritage, the company supplies self-adhesive labels on an industrial scale to some of the UK’s leading brands in the food, drink, and chemicals sectors. Committed to improving the packaging industry’s reputation, they provide sustainable labelling solutions tailored to suit its clients’ needs.

ASHRIDGE HOME CARE

Ashridge Home Care

bucksbs.co.uk

“When I set up Ashridge in 2016, my focus was very much on providing the absolute best service to our clients. Achieving this award is testament to the whole team and the effort that we all make to ensure that customers get the very best care and service at a time in their life that might be challenging.”

- Trudi Scrivener, Owner

FINALISTS

Analogue Wonderland

Bonds Packaging

Bonds Packaging is a premier food packaging company, primarily supplying products to the bakery and foodto-go industries. With a team boasting over 60 years of combined experience, they have built a strong reputation for professionalism, quality, and outstanding customer service. Bonds Packaging offers a complete range of packaging solutions, including branded and eco-friendly products. Known for their speedy and reliable service, they provide free, regular deliveries with a smile.

STARPEAK INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

starpeakuk.com

Starpeak Insurance Solutions

Starpeak, originally established in 1991 as SportsCover Direct, is a specialist digital insurance distributor serving niche markets. They provide insurance to over 130,000 policy holders annually across their specialist brands, partnering with leading insurers to provide a range of products directly to consumers and SMEs. Their in-house platform allows them to launch products in new markets rapidly, leveraging cutting-edge insight to identify and capitalise on emerging trends.

“We’re thrilled to have been recognised as worthy of this prize, particularly among such strong competition. I’d also like to credit all the staff, without whom we couldn’t have done this. This cements our ambition to continue growth into the future.”

- Andy Brownsell, Commercial Director

FINALISTS

activeinthecommunity.org.uk antac.co.uk

Active in the Community CIC`

Active in the Community CIC is a project and facility management organisation specialising in the physical activity, health, and sports sectors. They create opportunities for all members of the community to become active for the first time, or for the first time in a long time, in an accessible and affordable way. Through targeted projects aimed at increasing physical health, mental wellbeing, and social cohesion, they provide safe and inclusive opportunities in the local area. They offer an all-inclusive product to schools and community venues, creating opportunities for local residents to participate together in sports, the arts, and worship.

Antac Support Services

Antac offers a comprehensive range of services, including void housing and responsive repairs, building and maintenance services, mechanical, electrical, and HVAC services, as well as commercial office cleaning, window cleaning, and rope access services provided by professionally qualified and experienced staff. Their focus is customer-oriented to ensure that clients are completely satisfied, fostering long-lasting relationships that exceed client expectations through excellent service delivery. The welfare and personal development of their staff are considered equally important in motivating them to achieve impressive outcomes in performance.

INDEPENDENT MARKETING SCIENCES

Independent Marketing Sciences

IMS is an independent data analytics agency that specialises in the power of advanced analytics to fuel better business decision-making. They collaborate with leading brands across the UK, the EU and the US with a team of experts that blends extensive knowledge in analytics marketing and data science with a commitment to ethical practices, ensuring solutions that are effective and responsible. Their values are centred on being inventive, collaborative, and invested in their clients in order to deliver excellence for them.

“This is amazing! I think that what we do in terms of innovation is wonderful because not only do we deliver great results, but we focus on independence and being transparent to our clients. We’re really grateful to the Buckinghamshire Business Awards for honouring us with this award.”

- Magda Pietrzykowska, Associate Analyst

FINALISTS

Foam Engineers

Foam Engineers (FE), a family-run business since 1928, is among the top 5% of UK technical foam fabricators, providing critically relied-upon solutions to global industries, including military, autosport, aerospace, medical, sub-ocean fibre optics, technical packaging, and water filtration. Their strapline—Design, Innovate, Manufacture—and core values of respect, pride, innovation, and adaptability form the foundation of their products, hi-tech capabilities, and services, including award-winning in-house designs.

Red Helix

THE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS RAFFLE RAISED A WHOPPING £2,024

PROUDLY IN AID OF HEART OF BUCKS

Heart of Bucks Community Foundation distributes funding from businesses, individuals and public sector organisations to charities and community groups in Buckinghamshire. Since awarding its first grant in 2000, Heart of Bucks has awarded more than £13 million to more than 5,000 local charities and community groups. In 2022/23 alone, they awarded over £2.2 million in grants in support of a range of grassroots good causes including family days for children with additional needs, development of green spaces for those with mental health challenges, sports clubs to keep children active, food banks for those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, and many more.

Heart of Bucks provides a safe, simple, flexible and effective way for companies and individuals to give to charitable organisations in Buckinghamshire. From bespoke corporate foundations to personalised investment funds, or one-off donations, they work with you to create a giving programme which suits your aims and delivers to those most in need.

Heart of Bucks is a registered charity and part of a quality-accredited network of 47 community foundations across the UK, all committed to making a difference to local people’s lives. For more information, visit www.heartofbucks.org or email giving@heartofbucks.org.

Registered charity number: 1073861

With thanks to the following local businesses for their generous prize donations:

INDEPENDENT MARKETING SCIENCES

Independent Marketing Sciences Ltd

Delilah Cosmetics Ltd

delilah is a British make-up brand dedicated to making cruelty-free products with a range that is entirely vegan friendly, paraben free, and dermatologically tested.

Used by celebrities, make-up artists and influencers, delilah is stocked in over 500 locations around the world, including the Fortnum & Mason beauty hall in London where it is regularly the number one beauty brand.

bbf.uk.com/ net-zero-bucks

“We are absolutely thrilled to have won this award. As a business that works in an industry that can unknowingly and accidentally become carbon contributors, it is crucial that we raise awareness amongst our clients and drive them to reduce their carbon emissions.”

- Lucy Summerton, Director

Spotless Garments

The multi award-winning provider of door-to-door laundry, ironing, and dry-cleaning services for busy families and professionals. As an Age UK-approved service, it supports older and less able people to maintain independence in their own homes. A leading low carbon ambassador, the company commits to no single use plastics, low temperature washing, environmentally friendly chemistry, low energy drying, a low carbon footprint, and fully electric delivery vehicles, while also providing services for flower pollination and bee keeping.

Find new ways to meet your

The Growth Programme offers professional advice and practical support for businesses in Buckinghamshire

• Improve business productivity & turnover

• Find new solutions to existing challenges

• Join relevant and beneficial masterclasses

• Connect with other business owners and grow your local network.

• Work with an experienced Business Adviser, who has run their own business

Don’t miss out on this fully-funded, easy-to-access support.

LOGISCOOL CODING SCHOOL

Logiscool Coding School

Premier Care Support is a leading adult healthcare provider delivering personalised care across Buckinghamshire. A CQC-regulated service, the company offers a wide range of support, including in-home care, elderly care, supported living, and disability assistance. The fully vetted, trained staff provide daily help with personal care, meal preparation, medication management, mobility assistance, dementia care, respite care, end-of-life care, and companionship. The dedicated team empower clients to live confidently in their own homes and are committed to enhancing the quality of life for every client.

Logiscool, owned by franchisees Azra and Shakeel Jivraj, is an after-school digital literacy and coding school located in the charming Georgian market town of Marlow. They teach digital literacy, coding, video, AI, virtual reality, robotics, and other exciting topics to their ‘scoolers’, who range from 6 to 18 years of age. They offer courses on-site at their premises and in local schools, and they also host holiday camps for Minecraft, Lego Robotics and Generative AI. Their aim is to improve the tech knowledge and skills of all their students.

“We’re blown away by the decision to award us the title of New Business of the Year. It’s testament to the effort that we as a business have put in with our team and we’re grateful for the support of all the parents who send their children to us.”

- Azra Jivraj, Co-director

Robinson Management Services’ mission is to assist organisations in managing risk, fostering continual improvement, and safeguarding the planet by implementing and maintaining ISO Standards. Located in the heart of Milton Keynes, its consultants have backgrounds in manufacturing, construction and servicebased industries, and bring many years of knowledge and experience of working in process improvement to help their clients find cost-effective solutions to complex problems.

SHOW BUCKS SKILLS 2025

Aimed at young people aged 14+, teachers, parent carers, and anybody looking for a career change, the 2025 Bucks Skills Show is back on 5-6 March and promises to be bigger than ever!

Exhibiting at the Bucks Skills Show positions a business as a standout employer in Buckinghamshire and is a great opportunity to inspire and recruit future talent. Welcoming over 5,000 visitors, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

For further information, please visit: bbf.uk.com/event/bucks-skills -show-2025 or scan the QR code.

OF THE YEAR Award

HORWOOD HOUSE HOTEL

horwoodhouse.co.uk

Horwood House Hotel Ltd

“I’m proud that Horwood House has been recognised. It’s been a long road but we’ve persevered in our repositioning of the hotel and are thriving as a local and national business. We’re really looking forward to seeing what the future holds as we evolve.”

- Karim Kassam, Managing Director

FINALISTS

kewlittlepigs.com

Little Pigs Farm

The multi-award-winning miniature pig farm has a variety of unique experiences for visitors, from petting the pigs, becoming a pig farm hand for the day, or having birthday celebrations there. The team also take the pigs out for educational and pig therapy visits. There is a barn available for hire and the miniature pigs are also available for hire for parties, events, corporate, film or TV campaigns. With over 13 years of pig-breeding experience, Kew Little Pigs Farm also has pigs and piglets for sale.

Nestled in the historic Walled Garden at West Wycombe, the Walled Garden Café and Clara’s Corner epitomise Buckinghamshire’s charm. The customer-centric hospitality is evident in their bespoke offerings, which include locally sourced produce, exclusive English teas and coffees, and family-friendly activities, such as a dedicated soft play area at Clara’s Corner. Through innovative service and vibrant events, they have significantly contributed to the growth of Buckinghamshire’s leisure and tourism landscape, with over 60,000 visitors in the past year underscoring their role in establishing the county as a key tourism destination.

The more you get involved, the more you can help influence the agenda around infrastructure, employment, skills, access to finance, and other business-critical issues.

The awards would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. Thank you on behalf of the winners, finalists, and the entire Buckinghamshire business community to all those involved in sponsoring the 2024 Buckinghamshire Business Awards.

A big thank you to everyone who played their own vital role in ensuring the Buckinghamshire Business Awards were a massive success, including:

Nathan Cooper of Bucks Radio (Awards Host), Red Helix, Widmer End & District Funeral Directors. The Waterside Theatre, David Marriott Photography, Jonathan Pagden –Voiceologist, our magicians, Neverending Flowers, and Cavendish Events.

Interested in becoming a sponsor next year? Take a look at the opportunities here: bit.ly/bba2025-sponsorshipopportunities

THE JUDGING process

Achieving a place as a finalist at the Buckinghamshire Business Awards is no mean feat, with a robust judging process ensuring only the best make it to awards night.

HOW THE JUDGING PROCESS WORKED

• Entry to the awards closed on 20th May 2024, which is when the hard work began for the category judges, who each represent the sponsor of a particular category.

• Entries were collated and sent to the judges along with detailed judging guidelines. The judges then dedicated their time to reading each entry, often with a panel of judges at their organisation. After much discussion, deliberation and completion of scoring charts, they decided upon a shortlist and set out to visit each company.

• The shortlisted businesses in the Excellence in Customer Experience and Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure categories also received a telephone mystery shop from customer service experts Insight6, with the results used as part of the judging process.

• On 15th July 2024, an independent judging panel consisting of representatives from very different business backgrounds met to discuss the shortlisted businesses and confirm the finalists and winners. The panel interviewed each of the category judges to verify that the most deserving finalist had been chosen as a winner.

• Only once an accord had been reached could we announce the finalists.

Making it through to the final shortlist of the Business Awards is an epic feat and all our finalists should be very proud.

You truly are one of the very best in Buckinghamshire!