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 5. 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 16 entrants can make it through to the final, however if scoring is low, less entrants make it through. Should you wish to read our Top Tips, please click HERE

Linda Davies

Milton Keynes Theatre

Welcoming Linda Davies as a judge for the SME MK and Buckinghamshire Business Awards 2024!

Andrew Becconsall

Director of Risk and Compliance | Neves Solicitors LLP

Andrew qualified as a solicitor in 1992. After leaving private practice he joined the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), investigating allegations of serious regulatory breaches including mortgage fraud and money laundering. Using the experience he gained, Andrew went on to assist a number of law firms as a specialist risk and compliance consultant.

As the Director of Risk and Compliance at Neves, Andrew oversees the firm’s adherence to the stringent legal regulations governing law firms.

Rabinder Lalli

Risk and Compliance Manager | Neves Solicitors LLP

Rabinder qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive and worked for many years as a property lawyer.  This was followed by a move into legal education where she taught legal skills, professional conduct and delivered conveyancing courses. Rabinder developed a keen interest for risk and compliance in law firms and she now specialises in this area.

Rabinder is responsible for ensuring day to day operations comply with the strict regulations that are applicable to law firms.

Stewart Matthews

Managing Partner and Head of Company Commercial | Neves Solicitors LLP

Stewart qualified as a solicitor in 2001, initially dealing with commercial disputes. He later transferred into company/commercial work, becoming a partner at Neves in 2011.

Stewart is the managing partner of Neves Solicitors with responsibility for the day to day running of the firm, splitting his time between the three offices in Milton Keynes, Harpenden and Luton. He is also the Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP), ensuring proper compliance practice is carried out across the firm.

Stewart has many years’ experience in a broad range of company/commercial matters, ranging from company sales and acquisitions, shareholder protection, options, franchise agreements, management agreements and partnership matters. He also assists a number of clients with wider ranging commercial documents including IT/Software licences/agreements, general commercial agreements and commercial property related documentation.

Jason Sinclair FCMI MCIPD DPhil MBA

Chief Operating Officer | Profile Resourcing Group

Jason is a Commercial Director with a background in HR Management. Having had a wealth of experience over the last 26 years in Blue Chip, SME, Public Sector and Higher Education, Jason is a proud vocal supporter of Diversity and Inclusion and other initiatives designed to give all the chance of success! Delighted to support several organisations on Talent, Active Inclusion and People strategies to support growth, and working as a NED, Strategic Advisor and Vice Chair in different sectors.

I am always excited to work with the Regional and National SME Awards, recognising outstanding diversity of businesses and their people.

I’ve been proud to support the NBWA’s as a judge from its inception, and always look forward to celebrating this variety of female talent!

Matt Roberts

Centre Manager | Capital Space LTD (Milton Keynes  Business Centre)

Matt is an experienced Senior Business Manager with a 20 year career covering Leisure, Hospitality and Commercial Property. Since April 2018 Matt has been proudly leading a fantastic team as Business Centre Manager for Capital Space Ltd, based at Milton Keynes Business Centre. The team pride themselves on providing the very best flexible Office, Studio and Workshop space for their customers on monthly rolling licence agreements. The Capital Space team also provides additional business support to SME’s with great meeting, virtual office and call handling services. Matt takes a keen interest in promoting sustainable business practices, and has trained in both Horticulture and Environmental Management. Matt has been a judge for the Milton Keynes and Bucks awards for 3 years and a National Awards judge for 2.

Neil Kilgour

CEO | CH4B

Neil began his career 35 years ago as a Gemmologist in the jewellery industry before taking an opportunity to work with a national home improvement company that were looking to grow their business in the South of England.

Responsible for growing that business from 4 to 28 branches, Neil achieved an increase in turnover from £3.5 million to in excess of £30 million over a period of 8 years.

Following Neil’s huge success with this company, he started his first business in 1999.

In more recent times, Neil was offered the opportunity to set up his own members community, offering various products and services previously out of reach to SME’s. Using his experience and the challenges faced as a business owner, Neil has worked to add to his product portfolio, which has now become CH4B.

Despite his accomplishments, Neil admits he has learned that “Combining the knowledge and expertise of the right people gives you a thousand times more chance of being successful than trying to do it all on your own”. This helped to form the core principles of CH4B’s company ethos.

When he is not working, Neil loves to play golf, tennis and spend time with his family.

Nicola Buckby

Managing Director | CH4B

After receiving her degree in Business Management, Nicola worked through various roles on her way to discovering a keen interest and passion for supporting business owners.

Working across various industries, Nicola has helped successful businesses exceed their business goals and targets, working through several advisory solutions, including business development, managing investment portfolios, sales, marketing and structuring strategic business plans. In just 3 months, Nicola raised over £8.5 million pounds worth of investment for a property investment company, offering clients a significant return on their investment.

Nicola has a passion for building business relationships with the best possible customer service, which is very much in keeping with ‘CH4B’s values of being customer focused and innovative.

Her experience has led to the success of CH4B, working alongside her business partner Neil Kilgour. As a team they have built a large portfolio of products and services, forming a specialist team of experts providing their clients with the best possible service, advice, and support across all areas of business.

In her free time, Nicola enjoys shopping, often for holidays or city breaks. Her passion for travel and exploring different countries and cultures continues to be one of her favourite things to do.

Sebastian Potter

Deputy Branch Manager | Handelsbanken

Seb is a Chartered Banker with over 16 years’ experience in banking, the last 10 years of which have been spent with Handelsbanken predominantly supporting locally based SMEs with all of their banking, borrowing & wealth management needs, working closely with them to support achievement of both their corporate and personal goals.

Seb is currently the Deputy Branch Manager of the Milton Keynes Branch, where alongside the Branch Manager, he leads a well established team of experienced bankers looking after both corporate & private customer needs in the Milton Keynes and surrounding area. The team take great pride in delivering exceptional service to their clients and supporting their local community as much as possible through fundraising activities and have raised significant funds for local charities such as MK Snap, Willen Hospice & MK Food Bank over recent years.

Nick Oliver

Branch Manager | Handelsbanken

Nick has over 30 years experience in banking, most of which has been as a relationship manager looking after SMEs across all industries providing for all of their banking needs, be it simple borrowing or complex structured finance.
In 2020 Nick became Branch Manager for the High Wycombe Branch of Handelsbanken plc where he proudly runs a team of 10 experienced bankers looking after the personal, business and wealth management needs of clients from across the Buckinghamshire area.

Patrick Kitson

Marketing Lead | SEMLEP

Patrick joined the Growth Hub in 2023. Patrick’s focus is to ensure all businesses across the South East Midlands are aware of the support, advice and resources the Growth Hub provides to the local business community. Having spent over six-years working agency side, supporting clients such as Lenovo, Zoom and Sage, Patrick brings experience in developing strategic marketing programmes for global organisations. Away from the Growth Hub, Patrick is Head Coach of Wellingborough Old Grammarians RFC.

Sam Hunter

Partnerships & Events Manager | SEMLEP

Sam joined SEMLEP in August 2019, having previously worked as an Office Manager for over five years in the horticultural industry, Sam has experience in planning, organisation and executing a range of events, from trade shows to conferences. In education, Sam achieved a triple distinction diploma in Business and was awarded ‘business student of the year’ and ‘highest achiever’. In her spare time, Sam enjoys spending time with loved ones and is a competitive figure athlete.

Joel Murphie

Partnerships & Senior Associate, Commercial and Projects. Co-Founder Accendo | Shoosmiths

Having been heavily involved in the development of Shoosmiths’ Accendo solution for start-up businesses, Joel supports clients on a range of commercial contracts matters, with a particular interest in working with start-ups in the ecommerce and retail sectors. Joel also provides specialist advice on consumer contracts and consumer protection law, supporting various household names in the retail and hospitality sectors, and has spent time seconded to clients in the telecoms and automotive industries.

Sarah Maddock

Partnerships & Senior Associate, Corporate. Legal Advisor, Accendo | Shoosmiths

Sarah is a Senior Associate in the Corporate team based in the Shoosmiths’ Milton Keynes/London offices. She has experience working on private equity investments and private M&A transactions. Sarah works with equity investors, corporate entities, shareholders and management teams advising on mergers, acquisitions, disposals, restructuring and general corporate governance. Sarah is one of several legal advisers who support on Accendo can deal with any start-up Corporate related enquiries.

Professor Deba Bardhan Correia

Dean of the Faculty of Business, Humanities & Social sciences | The University of Buckingham

Professor Deba Bardhan Correia is Dean of the Faculty of Business, Humanities & Social sciences.  In her current role, Deba oversees academic standards across a provision for a diverse faculty, spread across London and Buckingham with subjects as diverse as History and History of Art , Security and Intelligence studies to Management programmes. Deba’s keen interest lies in enhancing the teaching and learning experience for students at all levels and her area of specialism is people in service settings.

Graham Jones

Undergraduate Business Programmes Director | The University of Buckingham

Graham Jones is the Programme Director for Business at the University of Buckingham. He is a qualified psychologist and specialises in understanding online behaviour. Graham has been lecturing at universities for 25 years. He has also worked in a variety of companies including a theatre, a record company, a conference organising business and a publishing firm. Furthermore, Graham was the CEO of a national membership organisation for three years. Graham has also run his own businesses and continues to provide consultancy services to a range of companies who are keen to grow online.

Chris Davies

Director | Snowdonia Hub

Chris and the team of experts gathered at Snowdonia Hub are outstanding performers in their chosen field. Each shares his ethos built from decades of over achievement in some of the finest ‘Blue Chip’ corporations. Deliver the finest coaching that empowers anyone to achieve improvements in personal and business performance and create self-belief.

It takes years of real world experience to identify specific opportunities for improvement within teams and individuals. In a world pushing ‘Systems’ and an over emphasis on amatuer psychology, Chris’s method of transferring skills with honesty, confidence, accountability and fun is proven to change the outcomes for hundreds of individuals, teams and company results.

We all have the same hours in a day, let’s make this a better life.

Jo Ronan

Head of Sales | MKFM

Welcoming Jo Ronan as a judge for the 2024 SME MK and Buckinghamshire Business Awards!

Martin Lewis-Stevenson

Director | NN & MK Pulse Magazine, Business Times and Business MK

With 14 years as a media director, I love forging new business strategies, product marketing, and sales promotions across diverse platforms like print and events. Leading Your Business Expo, Business MK, Business Times and MK & NN Pulse Magazines, I ensure engaging content and manage partnerships for influential campaigns. I’m committed to elevating customer engagement and loyalty through top-tier media services.

Odette Mould MBE

CEO | Harry’s Rainbow

Odette Mould MBE founded Harry’s Rainbow in 2009 after her son Harry’s death, which has supported hundreds of bereaved children and their families in Milton Keynes, since 2011. Managing the organisation while raising her two school-aged children and Harry’s twin, Odette has extensive experience. Recognised for her advocacy for bereaved children, she has received an MBE, Entrepreneur of the Year (BAA), and Women Leaders Community Impact Employed awards, as well as 5 SME GOLDS awards.

Marie-Claire Parsons

BEd (Hons) PG MaST PG SENDCo

Director | MClairity Consulting

Family Liaison Officer | Harry’s Rainbow

Marie-Claire’s career has always been focussed on helping people to ‘be the best they can be.’  A long career in education culminated in founding, and leading, the MK Village School Federation.

In 2021, Marie-Claire launched ‘MClairity’  and has since supported leaders around the country with  growth in skills, finding clarity and flow, and gaining headspace as a leadership development coach.

Marie-Claire is also a Family Liaison Officer for Harry’s Rainbow, supporting bereaved young people, their families, and schools.

Marcus Shepherd

Group Corporate Sales Manager | Jardine BMW Milton Keynes

Valuable experience in many aspects of the automotive industry, mainly passenger cars but also experienced in commercial vehicle Product Management and Marketing. Career includes wholesale and Retail roles for premium car brands, from sales support to event management and advertising before high-profile sports sponsorship/brand management. Currently Group Corporate Sales Manager for Jardine Motors BMW and MINI division since 2017. Recently awarded BMW Corporate Team of the Year for 2023.

Amanda Wright

Creative Director | Yellowyoyo

I’m Creative Director and co-founder of Yellowyoyo, the award-winning business growth and exit company. I’ve over 30 years’ experience across every sector and in all aspects of graphic design, from corporate identity and print, to packaging, retail, event, exhibition and media. I’ve worked with some incredible organisations over the years, both in the UK and abroad, and am always proud to be trusted to by clients to deliver solid, innovative creative solutions.

George Davies

Owner | George Davies Turf

As the largest independent supplier of turf in the UK, George Davies transformed his one-man band into a multi-million-pound business. He has become an expert voice on all things turf, soil, crops, sustainability and landscape materials and is an advocate for supporting others and providing award-winning customer service. Through various investments and activities, he continues to be involved with the local business community who helped him get where he is today.

James Cavalier

Founder and Director | Active in the Community CIC

James has been working in Sports Development and Facility Management for 20 years. After working in Local Authorities and National Governing Bodies, he formed a Community Interest Company in 2018 which since grown to over 50 staff, covering Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Berkshire. The focus of the company is to ensure that all activities and facilities are accessible and affordable, reducing and removing barriers for people to become active in their local community.

James is responsible for the overall growth and sustainability of the business, and was the recipient of two awards at the 2023 SME Awards.

Katherine Hill

Director/ Canine Hydrotherapist
| Hills Canine Hydrotherapy

Katherine is the director and founder of the company Hill’s Canine Hydrotherapy Ltd. Her love for animals started from a young age and at the age of 18 she took the opportunity to start up Hills Hydrotherapy. The business has expanded over the years from just having a hydrotherapy pool to now having a pool, underwater treadmill and Class 4 Laser as well as a team of skilled professionals. We treat dogs for rehabilitation after surgery or injury as well as for fitness and fun!
Katherine has won the silver award in Young Business Person of the Year 2023 and plans to keep diversifying and expanding the business.

Nicky Matheron

Director | The Engineering Quest

Nicky Matheron, Director at The Engineering Quest, has been pivotal in leading the company to multiple accolades at the SME MK & Bucks Business Awards. Her dedication extends beyond the business, focusing on staff development and actively engaging with local schools to promote STEM education. This commitment not only fosters internal growth but also nurtures future talents in the engineering field, demonstrating her holistic approach to leadership and community involvement. With over 20 years of experience in business, Nicky is looking forward to being on the Judge’s Team this year.

Sophie Ryan

Founder | Interactive VA Ltd

Sophie is an ex-retail buyer having worked at international blue-chip retailers. Since leaving her career she started a family, re-trained as a bookkeeper and began utilising her transferable skills to support clients – whilst also managing the family businesses and raising the kids.

IVA Ltd is a VA business with a twist! It’s USP is offering creative retail expertise across new product development, manufacturing and commercial awareness. Unique wellness strategy sessions offering clients a better work-life balance, alongside traditional business support, are additional areas of service.

Timothy Martlew

Managing Director | Prokleen UK Ltd

Tim Martlew is the Managing Director and co-founder of ProKleen. After his time within management at a major retailer, Tim saw just how challenging it was to source a reliable commercial cleaning company and wanted to change that. Since the beginning, ProKleen has worked hard to be the most dependable cleaning company in the area. Established for 20 years, ProKleen are a Multi Award Winning company servicing over 100 sites in Milton Keynes.

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