Northamptonshire Business Awards 2021

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Foreword What a night! The Northamptonshire Business Awards celebrate everything that is fantastic about our county and the incredible, entrepreneurial people within it.

Our awards champion hard work, tenacity, determination and success and I speak on behalf of the entire business community when I say how proud we are, not just of all the award winners but also of every single one of this year’s amazing finalists.

Their stories, their journeys and their achievements were a joy to witness.

Congratulations.

Here we showcase the finalists and winners in all their glory with heartfelt reactions and all the best pictures from our talented photographer Jane Russell of what was a wonderful evening.

It has been a challenging couple of years for everyone and to be able to reconnect and network with over 340 friends, colleagues and connections in the room was a celebration in itself. We shall no longer take for granted the importance of human contact and face-to-face events.

A huge thank you, once again, to all our sponsors, all attendees, the brilliant staff at the Park Inn, and the Chamber staff for all their hard work in organising a wonderful event, and thank you to everyone who attended and made the night such fantastic fun.

Enjoy reminiscing and thank you for the memories.

Louise Wall Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce interim chief executive

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Sponsored by

New Normal Award

123 Internet Group and Rockit Kids

Holly Hamer of Rockit Kids with her husband Steven

Two standout firms were jointly recognised at the Northamptonshire Business Awards with the New Normal Award, which celebrated those companies who have not just embraced the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, but have thrived as a result.

123 Internet Group and Rockit Kids were both awarded the New Normal Award for their incredible fortitude over the past 18 months.

For many organisations, the past 18 months have been the most difficult they have ever experienced and yet, despite that, these members of our business community have shown true sparks of genius and a real appetite to conquer the problems they have faced, while continually supporting their own staff and championing fellow firms.

123 Internet Group CEO Scott Jones said: “I feel amazing. Having entered two awards and being close finalists, to achieve

the prestigious New Normal Award is a breath-taking achievement for the team and a dedication to what we believe in.”

Children’s clothing company Rockit Kids have not looked back since they shut their shop in the St Crispins Retail Village in Northampton in March 2020.

Company director Holly Hamer has gone on to rebrand the business, launch her own clothing label and invest in a mobile horsebox so she could take her mobile kidswear shop out on the road.

Holly said: “We’ve worked so hard and have done whatever it took to make sure our business survived.

“I’m proud that I’ve come up with exciting ideas to take the business forward and have found innovative ways to implement them however I’m also very grateful to my husband Steven who has been a fantastic support throughout this whole process.

“I’m thrilled that we’ve won this award.”

123 Internet Group

What the judges said: “In the world of sport, even with timing accurate to 1/1000th of a second, sometimes it is impossible to separate the winners: so it is with our ‘New Normal’ award. Both winners reflect the values of the ‘New Normal’ award that we were looking for, albeit in different but equally important ways.

“123 Internet demonstrated clearly how it had supported other businesses, created a funding support package with a major banks, helped its clients take advantage of the funding (so that they, the clients, could become more digitally enabled and adapt to required homeworking) and produced useful guides to help business adapt to, and embrace, the digital economy. At a time when marketing was more crucial than ever to a business, to keep its profile buoyant and understand the importance of clear messaging, they were there to help and advise. Even more remarkable, in such difficult times they created a number of new jobs each one contributing to the regional economy, and had no cause to furlough anyone. Despite the challenges of Covid-19, 123 Internet Group have demonstrated the agility to thrive in the new normal, supporting others along the way and emerging stronger, together.

“Rockit Kids was a fledgling retail business still finding its way when the unimaginable happened and all but essential retailers had to close their doors. We often hear the word “pivot” in relation to business and that’s what they did, sadly giving up their retail space and instead transformed an old horsebox into a mobile shop which could operate outdoors, and with two ramps offer a Covid-safe one-way system. It expanded the business's potential market from a tiny corner of Northampton to the entire UK. Learning new skills, Holly learned how to make her own clothes in-house meaning the burden of post-Brexit import costs has been removed and now, by working with British suppliers it means the clothing has a lower carbon footprint that those made in factories abroad: we felt this was important given environmental issues and debate around ‘fast fashion’ Rockit Kids has infinite potential to work with British design talent and achieve further growth.”

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Northamptonshire Business Awards 2021

Finalists Scorpion Security Guarding Services Ltd

What the judges said: “We were impressed with Purple Media’s clear strategic focus which was backed by a strong financial performance.

Purple Media demonstrated a clear understanding of their target market, choosing to focus on an area of high growth, becoming an expert in their field. They brought new, engaging, and innovative methods of delivery into a traditionally bland sector.”

Founded over 30 years ago, Scorpion are proud to be a foremost security provider for Northamptonshire and beyond, encompassing all aspects of security from CCTV, Intruder and Access Systems to Mobile Patrols and Keyholding Response. Our huge growth particularly over the last four years - hasn’t seen us move away from our core belief and mantra that ‘the customer always comes first,’ ahead of all; including profits and revenues.

This has served us well, ensuring incredibly high retention and reinvestment in our portfolio of services year on year. A Scorpion client is now, and will always remain, our most valued partnership.

Wharf Distillery Wharf Distillery is an independent, family-run business which uses traditional copper pot stills to create a diverse range of grain-to-glass spirits and liqueurs. In 2018, Wharf released Northamptonshire’s first ever whisky and their range of gin now includes two new editions celebrating the local area: award-winning Old Silson distilled with woodland botanicals and Lactodorum, inspired by botanicals found in the Watermeadows around Towcester. Located in Towcester, the distillery has a small shop with a tasting room, distilling school and tours in the pipeline for 2022.

Wharf also offers contract and private label distilling services, wedding/corporate gifts and team building distilling experiences.

Small Business of the Year

Purple Media A creative e-learning agency which works with some of the world’s biggest brands won the much-prized Small Business of the Year award.

Purple Media’s talented in-house team of around 25 people creates bespoke digital learning experiences, platforms and apps to help organisations train, upskill and communicate with their employees and customers.

From their base in Northampton, they work with a wide variety of huge names including DHL, Colgate, Brown-Forman, Vodafone Group, Legal & General and Primark and the content they create is used by learners around the globe.

Collecting their Small Business of the Year award, co-director Joe Kennard said: “To receive this award is a huge honour for us because our

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business has grown and developed here in Northampton.

“Although our work has been translated into 30 languages and is used in more than 200 countries, it’s all created by our talented team right here - most of whom live within a 10-mile radius of our office.

“Some people think you need to go to London to become a success but companies like ours show what a wealth of talent there is here.

“Without any doubt the best thing about our business is our team – we couldn’t achieve all that we do without them.

“We’re very proud that such a small company has reached out across the world.”

Purple Media will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year.

Sponsored by

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Employer of the Year Sponsored by

Acorn Analytical Services A dedicated team which works tirelessly to protect people from the dangers of asbestos has been named Employer of the Year.

Asbestos consultancy Acorn Analytical Services received the prestigious award in recognition of its success in fostering a working environment which promotes learning and development as part of its efforts to create the UK’s next generation of professional asbestos consultants.

Commercial manager Sian Stone said: “I’ve been with Acorn since it launched and it really is an amazing company to work for.

“Acorn invests heavily in our team and gives us access to fantastic training opportunities that enable us to remain at the forefront of developments in our industry. Everyone at Acorn works incredibly hard and are so

Finalists Commsave Commsave offers safe savings and affordable loans to our members. We work with businesses all over the UK, including Royal Mail, the DWP, and Northamptonshire’s local authorities, providing our services to their staff through a payroll deduction facility. This helps to boost employees’ financial resilience and reduce stress related absenteeism and presenteeism. We celebrated 30 years of operations in August 2021, and we now have more than 31,000 members, served by our staff team of 27 people at our Northampton offices, and our business has grown to over £120m in assets.

123 Internet Group 123 Internet Group is an award-winning digital marketing agency, serving more than 600 local, national, and international clients. With a growing team of 20 bright young marketing sparks and over 40 years’ combined experience, 123 Internet provide expert digital marketing support to companies large and small. Core services include strategy, social media management, creative design and print, web development, SEO and PPC, and professional media services. As a Platinum member of Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire Chambers of Commerce, they take great pride in supporting local businesses and charities with their digital transformations, promoting growth and excellence in marketing.

passionate about what they do. We’re all blown away to have won this brilliant award.”

During the past few years six of Acorn’s trainees have gone on to become fully fledged asbestos consultants. Once employees are qualified, Acorn provides them with ongoing training sessions, seminars, support and guidance so they can achieve their industry’s highest qualifications and accreditations.

Their expert team provides a full asbestos support service to ensure its clients’ risk from asbestos is correctly managed, repaired or removed quickly and on budget.

It also works hard to educate the wider public about the dangers of asbestos through its bestselling book called Asbestos The Dark Arts and regular podcasts and blogs.

What the judges said: “As a judging panel we were absolutely unanimous in our decision here. The team were so enthusiastic about the learning and development environment they had created within their business that it was infectious and the testimonials we received were amazing!

It was clearly evident that what they have in fact achieved was far more than an environment, their approach is embedded into the culture of the business and employees are embraced within that culture from day one. A really worthy winner!”

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Northamptonshire Business Awards 2021

Finalists Jessica Pilkington - Pilkington Communications Ltd What the judges said:

Former journalist Jessica runs Pilkington Communications, a public relations and communications company specialising in supporting the not-for-profit sector and SMEs and organisations that make a positive social impact. Jessica and her team help clients with everything from securing positive press and running results-driven marketing campaigns to designing strategic social media campaigns, recording podcasts, writing blogs and guiding internal and external communications. Jessica is passionate about Northamptonshire. Her office is here – inside the historic house, Delapré Abbey - she recruits locally, is committed to supporting and collaborating with fellow Northamptonshire businesses and she works tirelessly to help charities, social enterprises and charitable trusts thrive.

“Carl Raven was able to demonstrate his significant business growth through his relentless drive, thus creating key jobs in Northampton and establishing new partnerships with local businesses.

Carl’s impact on our local economy makes him a worthy winner of this award.”

Martin Steers – NLive Radio Martin Steers is the Station Manager of NLive Radio, the community based local radio station in Northampton. He’s the only full-time staff member in charge of all aspects of the radio station. He supports over 30 volunteer presenters to produce radio shows from 7am until late into the evening, seven days a week. Martin has been in post for just over two years. In that time he has grown the station’s output and presence in the local area and the quality of the shows on air.

The station has gone on to be nominated and win both local and national awards.

Business Person of the Year

Carl Raven The founder of a leading global at-home health testing brand was astounded to be named Business Person of the Year 2021.

Carl Raven set up Global Health Tests Ltd in Northampton in 2019 to give everyone access to insightful laboratory testing to help people better understand their health and wellbeing.

He was totally lost for words after he won his award.

Once he finally found his voice, the humbled entrepreneur said: “I feel amazing, I’m on top of the world. I’ve never won anything like this so it’s a real milestone which has come from years and years of experience.

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“I left school with no education, so to achieve something like this shows my kids that anything is possible.”

Global Health Tests Ltd, which offers everything from intolerance testing to Covid testing though its online platform, also took home the coveted High Growth Business of the Year award on the night, much to Carl’s delight.

Carl added: “I’m proud to be playing my part in disrupting a healthcare system which needs to shift its understanding of people’s behaviour and trends around the world to help them live long-term, healthy lifestyles.”

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Young Business Person of the Year

Elliot Knight Sponsored by

A 24-year-old general manager of an awardwinning restaurant has been crowned Young Business Person of the Year.

Elliot Knight started his full-time career in the hospitality industry three years ago and has quickly built up an impressive reputation.

Today, he is general manager at the Hibiscus restaurant at Northampton’s historic Delapré Abbey for T.H.E Hospitality Ltd where he successfully demonstrates his passion for quality food, wine and service.

Elliot said: “The hospitality industry has been through such a tough time during the past 18 months so to win this award tonight is even more special.

“At university I trained to be a PE teacher but I’d been working in the hospitality industry since I was 16 and when I finished my studies I decided to make my career in hospitality.

Finalists Tom Jaycocks - 123 Internet Group Tom Jaycocks is the lead developer at 123 Internet Group. Having joined the digital marketing agency as an apprentice over three years ago, Tom has transformed the development team. He goes the extra mile to ensure that the whole team is benefiting from an effective workflow and the latest development processes. Proactive and approachable, Tom’s natural warmth and relaxed yet professional attitude makes him the go-to point of technical support not only for his team, but the whole business. Calm and collaborative, he will go out of his way to help anyone in need, finding innovative solutions when problems arise.

Hannah Brady - The Brady Creative It’s safe to say that Hannah Brady likes to keep busy as co-founder of The Brady Creative, president of the Next Generation Chamber of Commerce, and a proactive member of the local business community. Since launching The Brady Creative with her mum, Helen, in March 2020, Hannah has played a huge role in the growth of the business, provided quality work experience for three aspiring marketers, taken on the role of president for Next Generation Chamber, and supported local charities KidsAid, Northamptonshire Rape Crisis and Cynthia Spencer Hospice. She has also found the time to become completely addicted to golf.

“At 21, I joined Northamptonshire County Cricket Club as event manager and I’ve never looked back.

“Now I’m very proud to be the general manager of the award-winning restaurant Hibiscus at Delapré Abbey and I can’t wait to share news of my win with my team.”

Elliot is responsible for the experience of guests at Hibiscus and is always on the look out for new ways to innovate the restaurant’s customer experience, service, beverages and ambience further.

Every month he also works with the restaurant’s wine supplier to create a wine flight to match their tasting menu created by their chefs.

What the judges said: “We chose Elliot because we felt that the hospitality industry was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, and were impressed by his innovative and adaptive ideas to keep Hibiscus not only afloat, but to see it flourish after lockdown, when maybe fine dining wasn't uppermost on the public's agenda.

“We admire his passion for sustainability and social responsibility, demonstrated through his sourcing of local produce, and involvement with the local residents through the community growing programme and beekeeping project, which provides both support for army veterans, and supplies honey to the restaurant.

“Elliot radiates positivity and passion, and we are sure this young man will achieve great things during his career, and provide inspiration to the next generation.”

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Northamptonshire Business Awards 2021

Finalists Paradise Computing What the judges said: “It was an incredibly hard decision but the winner had to be Artemis Adjusting Ltd. It was evident they had truly embedded workplace wellbeing into the centre of their business, making it part of their overall culture.”

Established in 1987, Paradise Computing delivers the best in IT Solutions to mid-sized enterprises throughout the UK. As a Sage Partner and Microsoft Gold Partner, our specialist expertise covers Sage 200 ERP, cloud hosting, Microsoft 365, bespoke software development and business training. Our experienced and highly trained support team focus on our customers’ individual business needs, working as a partner rather than just a supplier. Our approach is centred around connecting people with technology, helping to streamline working practices, boost security and efficiency, inspire business growth and enable a happier workforce ecosystem.

Greatwell Homes Based in Wellingborough, Greatwell Homes is a not-for-profit housing association, set up to meet the housing needs of people in and around Northamptonshire. We own and manage over 5,000 homes and employ around 150 staff. We work successfully with our customers and communities to provide great services whilst committing to: •Developing a diverse range of new homes to meet local needs • Working with our customers to provide great homes and value for money services • Investing in communities where it supports our customers and protects our business.

Workplace Wellbeing Award

Artemis Adjusting Ltd An industry-leading construction solutions company, who puts their staff at the heart of all they do, were proud to take home the Workplace Wellbeing Award.

Artemis Adjusting Ltd boast an impressive offering that spans insurance claim handling and fulfilment through to niche construction projects.

The whole firm were overjoyed that their highly valued culture and team ethos had been recognised, after the company went to great lengths to ensure staff felt happy, comfortable and listened to at work.

The award recognised the way the business has created a thriving environment for their

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employees to succeed in, by demonstrating their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their workforce.

For Artemis Adjusting director Julia Hewett, who continually champions her staff, it was the award she most coveted.

She said: “I feel amazing. This is the award that we really wanted because we believe that mental health should be right up there with physical health, and we’ve spent so much time on mental health with our guys. I’m over the moon.”

Artemis Adjusting Ltd also won the Customer Commitment Award at the gala ceremony.

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Family Business of the Year Sponsored by

Paradigm Shift Consulting Ltd The team of an award-winning ISO accredited consultancy, which provides training and quality management services to the pharmaceutical industry, cheered in delight as they scooped the prize for Family Business of the Year.

Paradigm Shift Consulting Ltd had their children alongside them to witness them win the very apt award. This recognised their sustained success as a family team and the value they place on their staff.

The entire team, which boasts over 315 years of combined experience and who founder Dave Rushton describes as his “extended family”, took to the stage to collect the award.

Dave, who swept his youngest son into his arms to collect the celebration trophy, said: “We are ecstatic, really happy. For us, it was always about the team. When we were asked ‘why do

you deserve to win?’ it was always about the team.

“I started the business up for my family and I, for our own wellbeing and to pay it forward to others. We’ve grown to add people who we know and trust with that same philosophy, who we consider to be our extended family. We look out for each other, and make sure that everyone is supported, no matter what.”

The Paradigm Shift Consulting Ltd team said they were celebrating the award by being together at the ceremony. Dave added: “We felt like winners before we won, and we’d have been happy if someone else won! There were two other great nominees. We will celebrate this award by continuing to do what we are doing – supporting businesses and fixing problems.

“Being paid to help people is a luxury and we are very blessed.”

Finalists Visual Identity Creative Ltd Visual Identity is an integrated marketing communications agency. Established in 1989, VI has operated for over 30 years – working with B2B and B2C clients. Family values are a powerful advantage – they bring reliance and trust which is unquestioning and unwavering.

Incorporated into everything we do, these give our team a real sense of purpose, unify our culture and influence outstanding behaviour. This gains unprecedented employee commitment and client loyalty. We are privileged to work with a customer base that includes international and local businesses – from PLC and government departments to SMEs and start-ups. We put customers and employees first – our retention rates remain high – we are partners rather than suppliers.

The Brady Creative The Brady Creative is a strategic and creative marketing agency founded by Helen and Hannah Brady. This mother and daughter duo launched their business in March 2020 but, despite the turbulent times in the last 18 months, Helen, Hannah and their growing team have helped over 30 businesses promote themselves with both strategy and personality.

The duo are on a mission to build an agency that people aspire to work for and with. As a finalist in three categories tonight, they are extremely proud to be celebrating with clients, colleagues, friends and family.

What the judges said: “The winner has truly made their whole business a family, and looks out for them just as a family would.

Their passion to do ‘the right thing’ rather than the most profitable option really helped them stand out as someone that lived and breathed their vision of a family business.”

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Northamptonshire Business Awards 2021 What the judges said: “During the pandemic, Jaybeam Ltd t/a Amphenol Procom completely restructured their set-up to create a safe environment for their employees so they could continue designing and manufacturing in Wellingborough and didn’t have to furlough any of their staff which was very impressive. They also worked on a series of interesting, bespoke projects throughout Covid-19 to support organisations operating in the public safety, aviation and hazardous environments sectors.”

Finalist Viridian Nutrition Ethical nutritional supplements company Viridian Nutrition is a family-run business based in Daventry, Northamptonshire, with a 220+ range of award-winning vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, nutritional oils, tinctures and balms produced with integrity, quality and innovation. Founded in 1999 on the principles of purity, the environment and charity, Viridian is committed to organics, UK manufacture, green business practices, clean label, non-GM, 100% active ingredients, and is against animal testing. More than 80 products in the range are certified organic by the Soil Association. The world’s first palm-oil free vitamin company, they are committed to the education and success of specialist health retailers.

International Trade Business of the Year

Jaybeam Ltd t/a Amphenol Procom A wireless communications equipment supplier, who provide communications solutions in extreme environments, scooped the International Trade Business of the Year Award.

Jaybeam Ltd, trading as Amphenol Procom, won the prize for its tenacity and forwardthinking throughout the pandemic and its ability to pivot and restructure in order to keep the company moving forward despite the challenges brought about by Covid-19.

The Wellingborough-based company, which delivers trusted and flexible solutions for professional wireless communication, did furlough a small number of staff, but opened every week throughout the pandemic and took on new projects in this time.

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Amphenol Procom serve a wide range of market segments such as public safety, aviation, telecom, hazardous environments, IOT, and transportation and boast more than 7,000 products in its portfolio, mainly covering base station antennas, portable and mobile antennas, combiners, filters and DAS solutions.

Sales and operations admin manager Christina Morrissey was delighted by their prestigious win.

She said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed. The whole team have worked really hard to stay operational during the pandemic and that hard work has paid off.

“We are really grateful and thankful to our sponsors and we’d like to thank the Chamber too for this opportunity and recognition. We are very proud.”

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High Growth Business of the Year

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Global Health Tests Limited A firm which was born out of a passion to help people better understand and improve their health has won the High Growth Business of the Year award.

Northampton-based Global Health Tests Ltd has been credited with revolutionising people’s lives through its efforts to create a world where everyone can access life-changing laboratory tests The innovative company impressed the awards judges by growing more than 400% since 2019.

Founder Carl Raven, who also took home the coveted Business Person of the Year award, said: “It feels amazing to have won High Growth Business of the Year.

“We were up against some very tough competition in this category, but we had faith in ourselves because we knew what we had already achieved.

“We’re building a business around helping as many people as possible to live long-term, healthier lives and we’ve grown over 400% which is unprecedented really.

“It’s an amazing achievement and we’re so proud to have won this award.”

Global Health Tests Ltd’s digital platform connects customers with certified laboratories that provide at home tests.

Within a matter of days of submitting their sample, clients receive their results online which include evidence-based insights about their health and suggestions for their next steps. The global health and well-being provider is advised by a Scientific Advisory Board in its work and also trades online under The Health Hub brand name.

What the judges said:

Finalists Square Media Square Media has enjoyed strong growth despite being in lockdown for most of last year.

Like most businesses facing the lockdown in 2020, we could see our business suffering.

Some of our clients had reduced their marketing spend (as did our competitors) and our business park was emptying as everyone ran for the exit - the future looked grim. Rather than follow the herd, we doubled our advertising spend, took on more office space and started planning for an acquisition. One year on, our business is more than twice the size and thanks to our latest acquisition and formation of the qoob group we will double in size again in 2022.

PragmatiQ Solutions PragmatiQ Solutions specialise in designing and developing Bespoke CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Systems and Custom Business Solutions, to solve business challenges. These solutions leverage Microsoft Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform and are tailored around the unique requirements of a business. As a result, companies benefit from smarter business processes, increased visibility, enhanced efficiency, and a platform to support long term growth.

“We were really impressed with Global Health Tests Limited, as they’ve grown the business substantially in an exciting online market sector of health and wellbeing. Having only started the business a couple of years ago, they’ve significantly increased their turnover, profitability and recruited an excellent team to support them. Their early investment in people, R&D and digital platforms, will support them as they continue to grow rapidly across the world, and we wish them continued success with their strategy of ‘world domination’ from their base in Northampton!”

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Northamptonshire Business Awards 2021

Finalists

What the judges said: “Competitive Edge conveyed a real passion for what they do and more importantly why they do it. The company demonstrated a sustainable business model combined with in-depth knowledge and awareness of their industry, clients’ needs and the changing landscape many businesses find themselves navigating.

Although newly launched the company quickly adapted to the pandemic and have shown considerable progress to develop, grow, and make a real impact in a short period of time.”

The Brady Creative The Brady Creative is a new marketing agency founded in March 2020 by mother and daughter duo, Helen and Hannah Brady. Despite what may seem like scary timing, this formidable duo and their growing team have created a business that is due to grow by three times in its second year. With a focus on strategic and creative marketing, The Brady Creative are on a mission to help SME businesses communicate with their audience in ways that show personality, passion, and consistency. It will take more than a pandemic to stop the Brady Bunch.

Digital Manufacturing Centre The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) is an industry-defining production facility and innovation hub, located at the world-renowned Silverstone Park. With a solution-led philosophy, we are realising the disruptive potential of end-to-end, digitally connected additive manufacturing (AM). Our award-winning engineering team harnesses state-of-theart metal and polymer AM systems, in combination with machining and inspection equipment, to provide a truly unique production solution. Dedicated to delivering exceptional quality, we supply end-use ready components for industry defining projects across the space, aerospace, defence, motorsport, automotive, defence, industrial, marine and medical sectors. The facility has been developed alongside a number of key industry leaders, partners and collaborators bringing UK countrywide digital connected manufacturing.

Best New Business of the Year

Competitive Edge Training and Consultancy Ltd An outstanding provider of learning and development experiences - which began trading just months before Covid-19 hit - has won Best New Business of the Year.

Competitive Edge Training & Consultancy Ltd helps organisations improve their business performance through behaviour and culture change by creating optimal learning environments.

The team passionately believes that every organisation should realise their competitive edge comes from their own workforce and in its first 18 months alone, it has already supported a

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host of top names, including international brands such as Kärcher, McDonald’s and Scania Trucks.

Director Ian Wearne said: “We’ve just celebrated our second anniversary and it’s incredible to think that in the short time we’ve been trading we’ve been hit by Brexit, Covid-19 and a tough economic and social backdrop.

“However, despite all the challenges we’ve thrived because we’re so passionate about what we do. We’ve kept pushing the business forward and focused on our clients and I’m proud to say we’ve delivered tangible value and return on investment for them.

“We’re elated to win this award but at the same time we feel so much empathy for so many people out there because everyone has struggled during the past 18 months.

“Ultimately, we are nothing without our loved ones and our customers and we are so grateful to them all!”

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Customer Commitment Award

Artemis Adjusting Ltd A passion for customer care led to Artemis Adjusting Ltd scooping the highly regarded Customer Commitment Award.

The industry-leading construction solutions company, which offers everything from insurance claim handling to project and fulfilment, were overjoyed to scoop their second award of the evening, after earlier winning the Workplace Wellbeing Award.

Artemis Adjusting Ltd were praised by the judges for their staff attitude, extensive, relevant training and evident dedication to the customer.

Director Julia Hewett gave her business development intervention manager Astrid Moon the limelight after the win, describing her as being instrumental in the company.

Astrid said: “These wins are nothing more than the company deserves. They are the two awards the company should have won and the fact that we have is absolutely fantastic.

“I’m just so pleased that my team and all the guys are being recognised for what they do.

They always go above and beyond, so this is an amazing achievement for both them and for the company.”

What the judges said:

Finalists Big Bear Trailers Big Bear Trailers are a family business based in Oundle, Northamptonshire and we offer sales, hire and servicing on a wide range of quality trailers including – camping trailers, car trailers, commercial trailers, utility trailers, box trailers, tipping trailers, horse trailers and flatbed trailers.

Glide Glide is unleashing the power of full fibre on UK business. We are connecting more businesses in hard-to-reach business parks, guaranteeing speeds that no one else can. We nurture lasting relationships, supporting business growth at speed across every region with fibre infrastructure, from roadside green cabinets to our national fibre network. Push the boundaries of your business with a personalised service designed and deployed by Glide.

We deliver affordable Gigabit technology to 100,000 business park premises across the UK. Reap the true benefits of limitless Wi-Fi, faster downloads and much more, creating spaces that inspire employees and improve every on-site experience.

“Artemis Adjusting Ltd are a company that has placed outstanding customer care as the central tenant to their business proposition. They recruit staff who are passionate about customer care and train them to understand their strengths.

Artemis Adjusting Ltd has a Net Promotor Score of 96.2% which is one of many indicators confirming them as winners of this year's Customer Commitment Award.”

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Northamptonshire Business Awards 2021

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Charity of the Year

Cynthia Spencer Hospice Popular Northamptonshire charity Cynthia Spencer Hospice won the much-coveted Charity of the Year Award, which was chosen on the night through a live public vote.

Everyone at the gala awards ceremony was invited to vote for their favourite charity from the three worthy finalists, Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust, Cynthia Spencer Hospice and The Salvation Army Trading Company, using a live QR code left on the tables.

But at the end of the night, it was Cynthia Spencer Hospice that was recognised for its impressive contribution to the local community.

The hospice, which costs more than £2.4m a year to run, provides invaluable specialist palliative care services for patients in south Northamptonshire, including inpatient care, outpatient services, wellbeing services, and a specialist clinical nurse service.

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The hospice’s specialist teams offer physical, psychological, social and spiritual care to those with life limiting illnesses while also supporting their families too.

Anita Frith, director of income generation at Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity, said: “We are overwhelmed and so proud. The hospice has been here, supporting our community, for 45 years and to get this award to celebrate the work we’ve done makes us so proud. Thank you to everyone who voted for us. It’s with your support that we’ll be able to continue caring for our community, now and in the future.”

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Special Recognition Award

Kevin Rogers

Sponsored by

The Northamptonshire Business Awards 2021 ended with a surprise award for an individual who has been tireless in his efforts to support the county’s businesses, schools and charities, as well as the Chamber’s equality agenda.

The Special Recognition Award was presented to one of the most iconic figures in Northamptonshire’s business community – Kevin Rogers.

Kevin is well known to many people as one of the many leading lawyers at Wilson Browne Solicitors.

During the past three years he was also president of the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce – regularly giving up his time to support the Chamber and county businesses and he is a volunteer SEMLEP Enterprise Adviser at both Guilsborough Academy and Northampton School for Boys (NSB).

In addition, he is fondly known as the #SingingSolicitor as – inspired by his late Mum to show it’s ok not to be perfect - he often takes to LinkedIn, with or without his guitar, to perform in aid of local charities or simply to raise a smile.

After collecting his Special Recognition Award, Kevin said: “I’m lucky enough, in the job that I do, to be given the time to do other things to support Northamptonshire’s wider community.

“I feel incredibly lucky to work with the amazing teams at Wilson Browne Solicitors, Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, NSB and Guilsborough School.

“This award is as much about them – and about my family – as it is for me.”

Northamptonshire Chamber deputy chief executive Julie Maclennan added: “We introduced the Special Recognition Award this year to honour an individual who has championed our local community and worked hard to support others in our county.

“Kevin exemplifies this in everything he does and is an inspiration to so many people, so we were incredibly proud to honour him with the Northamptonshire Business Awards’ first ever Special Recognition Award.”

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To find out about sponsoring the Northamptonshire Business Awards 2022 contact us on 01604 490490