Our Judges

Regional Director – Business Banking | HSBC UK

Taryn Robertson is the Regional Director for London SME Business Banking at HSBC UK, leading the bank’s support for small and medium-sized businesses across one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse business markets.

With more than 20 years’ experience across business banking, corporate finance, and asset management, including international leadership roles with HSBC, Taryn brings a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing founders, entrepreneurs and established SMEs.

A passionate advocate for inclusive growth, Taryn works closely with business leaders, partners and the wider London ecosystem to help SMEs access finance, build resilience and scale sustainably. Her experience supporting businesses across a wide range of sectors and communities shapes her perspective on what it takes for SMEs to succeed in London’s competitive and fast-moving market.

Regional Risk Director | HSBC UK

Alice Claronino (she/her) is the Regional Risk Director for London SME Business Banking and is committed to supporting SMEs across London grow safely and sustainably to achieve their dreams and ambitions. Alice joined HSBC as an Intern, and returned as a Graduate, working across the Group both in coverage and risk over the last decade. Beyond the day job, she is an Ambassador for the Pride UK Employee Resource Group further to being Co-Chair for the network and winning Best ERG at the British LGBT Awards 2024.

Local Director, Retail and Leisure (Consumer) | HSBC UK

Having launched his own manufacturing company in Canada, Antoine gained first-hand insight into the realities of growth, cash flow pressure and accessing finance for SMEs. He then moved into banking at HSBC to support ambitious founders and management teams with clear and experience-led solutions. Over his international career, he has worked on cross-border M&A, structured capex and working capital solutions to help SMEs scale sustainably. He is now leading a London-based team of SME relationship managers, partnering with high-growth consumer and retail brands as they execute their next stage of expansion.

Regional Manager | HSBC UK

Vidal Williams is Regional Manager for HSBC UK’s London SME Business Banking Direct Proposition, leading Business Banking Direct Relationship Managers who support over 1,000 businesses with day-to-day banking and tailored solutions. With 28 years at HSBC spanning branch, Premier and Wealth, Commercial and Business Banking, he understands SME needs from start-up to established firms. He champions inclusive growth, advocates for London’s Black business community, supports the Black Business Awards.

CEO and IAB Company Director | Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers

Sarah Palmer is Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers (IAB), where she leads the organisation’s strategic vision across professional education, qualifications, membership and regulatory oversight. An entrepreneur and business leader, Sarah has built successful enterprises and is widely recognised for her ability to bring together education, industry and government to create practical pathways to employment and professional success. Through her leadership, the IAB continues to expand its influence both in the UK and internationally, championing professional standards, innovation and skills development for the next generation of finance professionals.

IAB Company Director| Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers

Louise Stewart is a Director of the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers (IAB) and a highly respected communications strategist with a distinguished career spanning journalism, public affairs and organisational leadership. Having spent more than two decades as a BBC Political Correspondent, she brings a unique understanding of policy, governance and stakeholder engagement. Louise supports the IAB’s strategic development, helping to build influential partnerships and advance the organisation’s mission of promoting professional standards, education and skills development both in the UK and internationally.

COO and IAB Company Director| Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers

Brady Last is a Director of the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers (IAB) and a highly respected business leader with a distinguished career in professional services. A former Partner at EY, she has also advised a diverse portfolio of businesses, building a reputation for helping leaders unlock potential and deliver sustainable success. Brady brings extensive experience in governance, leadership and organisational development, supporting the IAB’s mission to advance professional standards, skills development and lifelong learning. Her expertise helps strengthen the IAB’s role as a leading professional body and awarding organisation, supporting finance professionals and businesses both in the UK and internationally.

Managing Director | Bell Stone Associates

It’s been quite a journey from Oliver’s early days as an illustrator and designer to founding and running several companies in the UK and internationally.

Individuals and their creativity have always been a fascination of his and he loves the challenge of finding the best in people and helping them become part of a successful Team.

“Some of my hardest lessons have been the most valuable and today I’m using that experience to steer the talented team of Designers, Project Managers and Stand Builders at Bell Stone’s operations in the UK, Paris and Las Vegas”.

Partner | Edwin Coe

With over 20 years of experience as an employment lawyer, Clare enjoys working closely with both corporate clients and senior executives to achieve employment law solutions that work for them. Clare’s broad experience is in both contentious and non-contentious employment matters, and covers all aspects of the employment relationship to clients in a range of sectors.

Barrister & Legal Director | Edwin Coe

Christopher is a Legal Director and Barrister specialising in intellectual property and general commercial law. He is meticulous and collaborative, dedicated to navigating intricate legal challenges with clarity and strategic insight. Christopher has extensive expertise in advising and negotiating on non-contentious matters, involving technology, aerospace, pharma and life science clients.

Commercial Director | Bell Stone Associates

Having worked in Corporate Events since 2011, Stuart is now a key part of the Bell Stone Leadership Team, overseeing the direction of our growing organisation within an exciting and flourishing industry.

“The corporate events industry is something I am passionate about. I take pride in promoting the value of in-person events to businesses both large and small. I am always happy to share in mentoring within our industry and have been able to successfully assist others to take a step into this challenging but incredibly rewarding field.”

General Manager UK & Ireland | Etihad Airways

Creative Director | Hair Development (UK) Ltd

The most iconic Cadbury’s Flake Girl in TV commercial history catapulted Janis to Hollywood, under contract to NBC studios, working in LA for fourteen years in TV, film and stage. She joined the family firm Hair Development established by her father Stanley, and under his expertise became Creative Director.  When Stanley passed in 2018, Jan and cousin Mark took the helm. The Hollywood actress, writer, speaker and businesswoman, recently graduated with an MA from QMUL.

Managing Director | Hair Development (UK) Ltd

Mark worked as a Fraud Prevention Officer for Barclays Bank. Two decades in fraud intelligence, gave him an extensive understanding of core corporate operations and values. 2010, Mark became MD of Hair Development, joining Uncle Stan, cousin Janis and the team, helping to transform HD into an award-winning hair replacement industry global force. Mark has also worked in the nighttime entertainment industry for over 30 years, including the longest DJ resident in UK club history.

Commercial Director | OCN London

As OCN London’s Commercial Director, Amarjit has dedicated his career to building effective, skills-focused education strategies. With extensive experience in the sector, Amarjit has a deep understanding of what makes a qualification truly valuable to both individuals and employers. Amarjit leads OCN London’s commercial strategy, developing partnerships that empower training providers, colleges, and Learning and Development teams to deliver high-quality, impactful education. His commitment to quality assurance and his expertise in recognising diverse training, from bespoke accreditations to microcredentials, make him an authoritative and insightful judge for the SME London Business Awards.

CEO | OCN London

Carlos Cubillo-Barsi is the CEO of OCN London, where he is passionate about a single mission: ensuring education truly empowers people. With a deep belief in the power of inclusive, high-quality qualifications, Carlos leads OCN London in creating learning opportunities that genuinely help people and meet the changing needs of employers. Carlos is a big advocate for innovation and working together, and his goal is to ensure OCN London’s services have a real and lasting impact on education and workforce development. This perspective, along with his deep industry experience, makes him a valuable addition to the judging panel.

Service Director | Luton Rising

Linsey Sweet is Service Director at Luton Rising, with responsibility for overseeing the organisation’s portfolio of revenue-generating properties and activities beyond London Luton Airport.

This includes the Luton DART, the fast transit system connecting Luton Airport Parkway station to the airport terminal, which plays a vital role in improving passenger journeys and driving sustainable transport choices.

Since joining Luton Rising over three years ago, Linsey has played a central role in strengthening commercial performance and maximising long-term value across the company’s wider operations, ensuring that income streams continue to support both strategic investment and community benefit.

Chief Executive Officer | School of Business and Management

Richard Thain is Chief Executive Officer of the School of Business & Management London and has over 25 years of experience in education, including more than 15 years in senior leadership roles across public universities and private higher education providers.

He has extensive expertise in strategic planning, academic governance, quality assurance, compliance, partnerships and institutional growth, gained within highly regulated environments overseen by the Office for Students (OfS), Ofqual and professional regulatory bodies.

Richard was the founding Chief Executive Officer and Academic Director of MLA College, where he led the development of innovative undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and established successful university and industry partnerships. He has also designed management and leadership qualifications for universities and businesses and is passionate about developing high-performing teams and creating opportunities for student success.

Richard holds a PhD in Oceanography and is a Fellow of Advance HE (FHEA) and the Chartered Management Institute (FCMI).

Chief Executive Officer | SIRM

Junaid Elahi, a Master’s graduate of the University of Wales, UK, leads SIRM College with a vision to connect education, employability and enterprise. A seasoned education leader and entrepreneur, he champions widening participation, industry partnerships and career-focused learning. Under his leadership, SIRM is expanding employer engagement, work placements and community outreach while developing its Careers & Incubation Hub. His mission is to transform education into meaningful career opportunities, nurture entrepreneurial talent and empower learners to become future professionals, innovators and business leaders.