OUR JUDGES
We have developed our judging over 18 years and our judges, all top business people within their chosen arena, have cited our awards as both the most transparent and professionally executed. Each application is scored by up to 4 different judges from a panel of up to 30 judges, all applications are seen by different members of the judging panel. The judges spend several hours and score not only their own sponsored category but several others too, this ensures transparency. The first page of questions is designed to give the judges a real feel for your business, followed by several questions that are scored from 1 to 7. It is worth noting that although all judging is computer based please ensure you upload images or screen shots of all important pages. There are no site visits or presentations involved. The finalists are chosen by adding all the scores and up to 8 entrants can make it through to the final, however if scoring is low, less entrants make it through.
Commercial leader with 25+ years in sales, events & hospitality. Driving growth through strategy and brand repositioning/ new openings. Account Management in Corporate, MICE, Leisure, Sports, Entertainment, TMC, Airlines. Proactive sales and developing teams on a Regional and National scale. Previously worked with key brands such as Marriott, Hilton, IHG, De Vere, Radisson and Accor. Huge Passion for Girls Football as Vice Chair of Local Girls Side in Hertfordshire
Joe Gilbert is the founder of GatherCRM, an all-in-one business operating system built to help small businesses run everything – clients, projects, invoicing and more – from a single, simple platform.
Before launching GatherCRM, Joe spent over a decade running (and still runs) Giraffe Digital, a certified B Corp digital agency, where he experienced first-hand the frustration of juggling countless disconnected tools to keep a growing business running. That frustration became the idea for GatherCRM: powerful enough to run a whole business, simple enough that teams actually use it every day.
With a background spanning architecture, software development, marketing, design and technology, Joe brings a practical, creative perspective to everything he does. He’s passionate about helping small businesses work smarter, and looks for that same blend of clarity, resilience and genuine problem-solving in the businesses he’s judging.
Before launching GatherCRM, Joe spent over a decade running (and still runs) Giraffe Digital, a certified B Corp digital agency, where he experienced first-hand the frustration of juggling countless disconnected tools to keep a growing business running. That frustration became the idea for GatherCRM: powerful enough to run a whole business, simple enough that teams actually use it every day.
With a background spanning architecture, software development, marketing, design and technology, Joe brings a practical, creative perspective to everything he does. He’s passionate about helping small businesses work smarter, and looks for that same blend of clarity, resilience and genuine problem-solving in the businesses he’s judging.
Carly is the Account Manager at MKFM. Working closely with all of MKFM’s clients Carly has a passion working within the local community and with charities associated with MKFM. Carly has a history of working closely with many charities in Milton Keynes in her previous role as a Member Pioneer at the Coop. Carly is also a familiar face from the business and networking world of Milton Keynes having had a local business for over a decade. Carly is well known her local community as she sits on the Parish Council as a Councillor.
Eden is the Sales & Account Executive at MKFM, where she works with local businesses to develop new partnerships, manage client accounts and support their advertising campaigns. Having been involved in the Milton Keynes business networking scene for several years, Eden has built a strong network of local business owners and professionals. She is a familiar and well-established face at networking events across Milton Keynes, with long-standing relationships throughout the local business community.
Abbie is the founder of Experity, an award-winning People Experience consultancy helping organisations strengthen the connection between employee and customer experience. She believes great employee experiences directly shape how customers feel and is passionate about creating workplaces where people feel valued, supported and empowered. Since launching Experity in 2023, Abbie has supported more than 120 organisations, built trusted partnerships and helped businesses create meaningful, people-first experiences that drive performance. In 2026, she won Gold at the SME Bedfordshire Awards as Young Business Person of the Year.
Zahra Kassim is an award-winning business development and community engagement leader with an MBA, a passion for philanthropy and creating meaningful change. Known for her strategic and commercial expertise, she excels in stakeholder management, building influential partnerships and turning ideas into measurable results. An advocate for improving health outcomes, integrated and preventative care, and female empowerment, Zahra brings an insightful perspective, a people-centred approach and a genuine commitment to driving positive impact for future generations.
Nia Gallimore is a dynamic commercial and events professional known for creating memorable experiences, managing fast-paced operations, and leading successful events. Currently Head of Commercial at MK Gallery, she drives revenue growth, partnerships, and visitor engagement. With a strong background in large scale event coordination and delivery, business development, and client relations, Nia has delivered high-impact experiences for SMEs, venues, and community organisations. She brings a people-focused, optimistic approach to every project, backed by hands-on leadership and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences.
Trevor Gomes BEM, BCAe is an award-winning entrepreneur. He is the Founder of RISE Coaching & Mentoring and its social enterprise, ELEVATE Youth Mentoring Programme. Having won both the London and National SME Business Awards, Trevor brings first-hand experience of business excellence to his role as a NYBL judge. His honours include a British Empire Medal, British Citizen Award Medal, Coronation Champions Award and Prime Minister’s Points of Light, all in recognition for his contribution to young people and communities.
Apprentice turned CEO | Impact focused Inventor | Coach and Mentor
Jamie Tong is a founder, inventor, and entrepreneur on a mission to solve utility accidents. Utility accidents occur when underground pipes and cables are damaged – A global $110Bn problem. Scannetix is the solution to digging safely in the construction industry to avoid these life threatening and costly incidents.
He was recently awarded the LCCI SME Young Business Person of the Year, Construction News Awards Rising Star Award finalist and Journeyman Award from the Construction Livery.
Scannetix is backed by Google, Virgin ScaleUp and Innovate UK.
Jamie Tong is a founder, inventor, and entrepreneur on a mission to solve utility accidents. Utility accidents occur when underground pipes and cables are damaged – A global $110Bn problem. Scannetix is the solution to digging safely in the construction industry to avoid these life threatening and costly incidents.
He was recently awarded the LCCI SME Young Business Person of the Year, Construction News Awards Rising Star Award finalist and Journeyman Award from the Construction Livery.
Scannetix is backed by Google, Virgin ScaleUp and Innovate UK.
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