Our Judges

Head of Human Resources and Payroll | Liebherr

Sara has worked within Human Resources for over 20 years for a variety of companies. She joined Liebherr-Great Britain and Ireland as Human Resources Manager some 14 years ago where she set up the HR Department from scratch. Now as Head of HR and Payroll with a team of 5, they support in excess of 400 employees spread out over 9 sales and service centres across the UK and Ireland. Sara feels privileged to be a judge for the fifth year running and is excited to see what the future holds for these outstanding businesses.

Founder | House of Business

James founded House of Business after recognising the need for the business support space to be disrupted and modernised, so that it works for the small businesses it claims to represent rather than for the outdated organisations many of them have become.  Prior to House of Business James spent 8 years working in political campaigning and a further 10 years working with small businesses.

Founder | Giraffe Digital

Joe Gilbert is the founder of Giraffe Digital, established a decade ago, bringing his dynamic approach to marketing innovation. With an MSc in International Marketing, he has successfully guided the company’s growth, focusing on cutting-edge marketing strategies that connect global brands with their audiences in authentic and meaningful ways. Passionate about technology-driven solutions, he steadfastly remains committed to fostering a team culture of excellence, creativity, and unwavering dedication to delivering impactful results to clients worldwide.

Managing Director | Just Smile

David Rees started his career in events in 1993 as a mobile DJ. He went on to be a DJ/presenter on various UK network radio stations, before becoming a senior figure in local radio throughout the UK, looking after programming, marketing and events. He founded Just Smile, a leading Hertfordshire-based event production, entertainment and event hire company, in 2009. David is also managing director of Metropolitan Bushey, a purpose-built events and sports venue close to Watford.

Founder | Snowdonia Hub

Chris and the expert team at Snowdonia Hub bring decades of senior-level experience from some of the world’s leading blue-chip IT companies, including IBM, Toshiba, Sony, and D-Link—where he consistently delivered above-target growth in competitive, high-pressure markets. During his corporate career, Chris received world-class training in leadership and team development, which he used to drive consistent high performance across his teams.

Drawing on over 40 years in results-driven environments and a full member of ABM, he now coaches business leaders and sales teams to achieve measurable improvements in both performance and self-belief. His down-to-earth methodology—rooted in honesty, accountability and a touch of fun—empowers individuals, teams and executives to uncover opportunities, break old patterns and produce lasting outcomes. In a world overloaded with rigid systems and amateur psychology, Chris’s real-world experience has transformed hundreds of careers and company results.

“Having run businesses myself, I know first-hand how tough it is—not just to survive but to excel and outperform expectations. That’s why I’m both pleased and proud to serve as a judge for these prestigious awards, recognising the grit, creativity and excellence shown by UK SMEs.”

Group Director of Practices | TaxAssist Accountants

Karl oversees the management, integration and growth of The TaxAssist Group’s owned practices. Karl works closely with teams across the Group’s acquired businesses to deliver on the overall Group strategy. Karl has extensive experience, having spent 20 years as a Partner at Deloitte in South Africa, Australia and Ukraine. Since moving to the UK in 2017, his roles have included Director at Price Bailey, and Managing Director and Finance Director roles.

Managing Director | TaxAssist Accountants Rugby

At TaxAssist Accountants in Rugby, I’m proud to support local individuals and businesses with clear, reliable accountancy and tax services. We provide self-assessment tax returns, limited company accounts, bookkeeping, payroll, VAT returns, and business advice tailored to your needs. What motivates us is helping clients feel confident and in control of their finances. Customer feedback consistently highlights our professionalism, responsiveness, friendly approach, and ability to explain complex matters in a straightforward, reassuring way.

Portfolio Director | The Business Show

Henry Reynolds has built a strong career in the events industry over the past seven years, beginning his journey as an Events Manager. Through consistent dedication, he has progressed through senior positions and is now the Portfolio Director, overseeing two major events, The Business Show in London and Amsterdam.

Henry is known for delivering large-scale, high-impact events that connect entrepreneurs and business owners looking to start or scale their business – his work focuses on creating opportunities for growth, particularly for SMEs, through influential, well-executed events that support business development

Group Marketing Director | The Business Show

Chloe Jackson is Group Marketing Director at Business Show Media, a leading B2B events company. After beginning her career in sales, she moved into marketing and progressed through the business to lead the entire marketing department.

For the past seven years, Chloe has championed SMEs and startups through flagship events including The Business Show and International Franchise Show, connecting business leaders with the insights, resources and opportunities needed to scale.

Managing Director| Care Horizons

Vierka Valkosak-Hiscock is an award-winning Managing Director and Registered Manager of Care Horizons Ltd, celebrated for her hands-on troubleshooting and forward-thinking leadership. With over 25 years’ experience, Vierka’s impact has been recognised in both the Queen’s and King’s books as a benchmark for excellence. As a certified coach, mentor, and consultant, she specialises in reversing compliance failures and driving sustainable growth for health, social care, and other regulated organisations. Driven by a belief in practical solutions and empowerment, Vierka is the trusted advisor for those seeking real, lasting change.

Fundraising & Communications Manager | Hospices of Hope

Jessica joined Hospices of Hope over six years ago, bringing with her more than a decade of experience in events and corporate hospitality. Today, she leads the charity’s fundraising and communications work, from supporter events and campaigns to publications and storytelling. She is passionate about connecting people with causes they care about and is delighted to support these awards, celebrating the individuals and businesses making a difference in their communities.

Executive Assistant to the CEO | Hospices of Hope

Alice joined Hospices of Hope in 2024 following a successful career in television production in London. As Executive Assistant to the CEO, she plays a key role in supporting the leadership and governance of the charity, working closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees. Her responsibilities span executive support, board administration, strategic coordination and fundraising activities, helping to ensure the smooth running of the organisation. Alice brings a wealth of experience, attention to detail and a calm, professional approach to everything she does.

Chief Executive | Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce

Justin has served as the CEO of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce since 2018. During his tenure, he has overseen growth in the membership network, led on numerous business support programs and represented local businesses on various boards and forums offering valuable insights into the current local business and economic landscape to help shape policy.

With a passion for fostering collaborative business networks, Justin is dedicated to providing a platform for local businesses to connect and build meaningful long-term relationships.

Working with start-ups through to multinational corporations, Justin ensures that businesses of all sizes have the opportunity to thrive and succeed within the dynamic Bedfordshire business community.

Business Development Director | London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Patrick is the Business Development Director at the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he leads the commercial strategy across the Chamber’s core membership services. His responsibilities span commercial teams, events, marketing, international trade, and stakeholder engagement. With a background in senior commercial roles across the business information, membership, and media sectors, Patrick brings expertise in business management, commercial development, and innovation. He has previously led teams through complex markets by championing a customer-centric mindset, a people-first approach, and a results-driven focus. Patrick holds an MBA in Strategy and Entrepreneurship from Kingston University. At LCCI, he is dedicated to shaping and evolving the Chamber’s commercial direction to enhance value to members and deliver sustainable income growth.

CEO | Watford and Three Rivers Trust

As CEO of Watford and Three Rivers Trust, I lead an organisation dedicated to strengthening communities and creating positive social impact through collaboration and partnership. My previous role as Operations Director at the Watford Chamber of Commerce gave me extensive experience working with SMEs, helping businesses navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth. As a SME National  Business Awards judge, I enjoy recognising organisations that demonstrate innovation, strong leadership, and a commitment to excellence.

Events Manager | Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland

Elle Young is an Events Manager at Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland, overseeing enquiries, sales, and event planning across five London properties. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, ranging from boutique hotels to larger venues, she brings a strong commercial and strategic perspective to event delivery, venue positioning, and brand growth. Previously working as a Marketing Manager, she combines creativity with a people-focused approach, building strong client relationships and delivering seamless events and memorable experiences.

Director | Network Engineering Services

Sarah is an experienced director and business development consultant with a proven track record of delivering impactful results. With over two decades of experience, she is passionate about collaborating with both private and public sector clients to help them achieve their strategic goals. Sarah brings expertise in driving success through innovation, partnerships and tailored solutions.

She is committed to enterprise and skills development and excels at building productive relationships across political, business and community spheres. Her work consistently empowers organisations and individuals to grow and thrive.

Associate Professor of Entrepreneurial Practice | Oxford Brookes Business School

Martin Spiller is a Chartered Accountant, CFO, twice exited entrepreneur, (non-practising) barrister (he claims he looks good in a wig) and serial NED with 30+ years’ experience spanning corporate finance, founding as well as growing businesses and early-stage investing for himself and a fund.  He now helps ambitious founders turn good ideas into businesses that actually grow by investing, advising or educating.

Co-founder & Director | Wiseup Networks

Graham Wood is a seasoned entrepreneur, management consultant, and angel investor with over 40 years’ experience across financial services, outsourcing, and large-scale transformation programmes. He has led global teams and delivered major contracts, earning a strong reputation for strategic leadership. He specialises in mentoring, negotiation, and business growth, and is co-founder of Wiseup Networks, empowering 16–21-year-olds through mentoring and real-world experience to build confidence and overcome social barriers.

CEO/Founder | Evenbreak

Jane is a disabled social entrepreneur, TEDx Speaker and author. She is the founder and CEO of Evenbreak, a social enterprise run by and for disabled people. Her books include “A Dozen Brilliant Reasons to Employ Disabled People” and “A Dozen Great Ways to Recruit Disabled People”, and she has appeared on the Shaw Trust Power 100 ‘Britain’s Most Influential Disabled People’ list three times, being placed 7^th in 2019.

Head of Customer and Culture | Vetsure

Angeline is Head of Customer and Culture at Vetsure Pet Insurance, where she champions a people-first approach to building high-performing, purpose-driven teams. Deeply passionate about coaching and mentoring, she is dedicated to helping others unlock their full potential and thrive. Angeline fosters a values-led culture that fuels collaboration, innovation, and lasting success.. Outside of work, Angeline is a qualified England Athletics Coach, marathon runner, triathlete, and proud mum to her 17-year-old daughter, sharing life with their much-loved cat.

Senior Accountant and Acting General Manager | Beany

Kate Eastman is a triple-qualified chartered accountant and tax adviser dedicated to the growth of the SME sector. With over 15 years of experience, the latest 3 with Beany, Kate specialises in helping business owners navigate the complexities and tax and accounting. By turning financial information into actionable insights, she empowers business owners to make smarter decisions that balance business scaling with personal goals.

Founder and Managing Director | Silent View Windows, SVW Commercial & Thame Builders

Enis Evlat is founder and managing director of Silent View Windows Ltd, alongside SVW Commercial and Thame Builders Ltd. He started the business at 21 and has grown it into a 25-strong team working across glazing and construction throughout Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and the South East. As demand evolved, he expanded into commercial projects and building works, creating a group that supports projects from initial build through to final installation. Enis is known for his hands-on leadership and his commitment to creating opportunities for young people to learn, develop and build long-term careers within the industry.

Chief Executive Officer | Sunnyside Rural Trust

Keely is CEO of the awarding winning Sunnyside Rural Trust, a charity supporting young people and adults with learning disabilities and neurodiversity. She has been instrumental in transforming charities into thriving, sustainable and innovative social enterprises whilst ensuring they stay rooted to their values. Sunnyside’s work is largely focussed on horticulture, green social prescribing and nurture through nature. Shis is also a consultant for Community stewardship schemes and the school of school entrepreneurs.

Head of Retail | Mobility Solutions

Caitlin Barrett is Head of Retail at Mobility Solutions, part of the Allied Vehicles group, where she leads growth and customer-first strategy. Formerly Managing Director at Marco Paul, she scaled the brand from a seven to an eight-figure business while expanding internationally through bold, commercial thinking. Caitlin is the 2025 SME Nationals Business Leader of the Year won via public vote and listed in The Times LDC Top 50 One to Watch. When she’s not scaling businesses, she’s exploring Scotland by motorbike with her wife.

Managing Director | Meeko Teams

Claudia DeFabio is Managing Director of Meeko Teams, supporting SMEs to build and manage high‑performing remote teams. For over seven years, she has worked closely with founders and growing teams, supporting leaders through hiring, leadership, and people decisions. DiSC‑certified and commercially driven, Claudia brings a values‑led approach that balances people, performance, and sustainable growth. She was the 2025 Gold winner of both the SME London and SME National Business Awards for Young Business Person of the Year.

Managing Director | Southbourne Rubber

Stephen Wilde is Managing Director of Southbourne Rubber, an award-winning UK manufacturer serving aerospace, defence and industrial markets. Over the past decade, he has led a full business turnaround, growing the company from a small operation into a high-performing SME with strong financial discipline, advanced manufacturing capability and a nationally recognised apprenticeship programme. Stephen is passionate about sustainable growth, skills development and supporting the wider UK manufacturing community.

Guest Judge

Keith was previously a partner in George Hay for over 20 years and  during his time he was instrumental in establishing their Letchworth office when it opened in 1982 which is still prospering today. Keith built his reputation upon providing personal tailored sound and thorough advice to a substantial and diverse portfolio of businesses , including family owned companies and start ups . He specialised in advising clients in the leisure and hospitality industries and still today acts as a financial consultant to some old clients and friends who are clients of George Hay. He is currently chair of Letchworth Housing Investments Ltd and long standing treasurer of an investment club which has been trading for over 30 years . In his spare time he plays the occasional golf and a keen green bowls player when the 5 grandchildren permit

Guest Judge

Whether new to business or someone who has been in business along time, being in business is a learning process that goes on and on.

I have been a business owner since the mid 80’s having diversified several times, from employing over 100 staff with several warehouses to owning and running business parks.  All have their challenges

I have represented SME businesses for many years and continue to speak out when necessary.

Commercial Director and Management Consultant

Jason is a Commercial Director and Management Consultant with a background in HR and Talent 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 Inclusion and other initiatives designed to give all the chance of success! Delighted to support several organisations on Organisational Design, Talent, Active Inclusion and People strategies to support growth, and working as a NED, Strategic Advisor and Vice Chair in different sectors.

Guest Judge

Despite claiming to have retired 9 years ago from his Planning/Architectural practice Ian continues to play a significant role in his three family businesses with the focus being on Wellness utilising frequency technology and supplementation.

Current collaborations include a Ukrainian/Bulgarian company and a Malaysian cellular nutrition producer both a far cry from his business practice of 34 years.

So called ‘spare time’ is absorbed with traveling and enjoying time with his wife and the 15 that know him as Grandad.

Founder | Blue Soul Shoes

As an outgoing, comfortable, loud, business owning confident man, Ashley Riley started experiencing low mood and had a brief panic attack. Before long he was suffering from bone crushing anxiety, deep dark depression and ended up in psychiatric care.

As part of his middle-aged mental health journey, Ashley set up Blue Soul Shoes, an online community, to support men and their families on managing their mental health.

He is regularly asked to share his story with businesses, organisations and in the national media. He has published his story, now available on Amazon, called ‘I’m really struggling … the story of a middle-aged mental health crisis.’

www.bluesoulshoes.co.uk

Cabinet Member for Finance | London Borough of Merton

A former lobbyist in the private arena, having represented SMEs at the Federation of Small Businesses. Influenced Parliament to ease regulation on SME’s. Also experienced in the public sector when leader of the council at the London Borough of Merton, overseeing the effective management of the authority. This was recognised when Merton was named the best achieving council and the most small business friendly. Currently the cabinet member for finance at Merton.

Founder | Lou Morris Photography

Louise is a photographer and the founder of Lou Morris Photography, working in a wide range of genres of photography, from music, dance and theatre, to events, brands and business. Her focus is on a meaningful connection between the photographer, subject and viewer. Louise decided to pursue her love of creativity and photography following a career as a Spanish and Italian teacher, but between shoots she works as a University Mentor for trainee teachers, and tutors teenagers and adults in Spanish, Italian and Photography.

Director of Client Services and Engagement | Wenta

Jennifer is Wenta’s Director of Client Services and Engagement and leads on Wenta’s business advice and support services, its centres, digital services as well as Wenta’s communications and engagement strategy. Jennifer joined Wenta in 2012, and has extensive experience in leadership, programme and project management, communications and marketing strategy, copywriting, website creation, public relations, press and media, social media strategy and management.  Jennifer is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, with qualifications in Law, Music and Media Business Management and Artificial Intelligence.  She is certified carbon literate and enjoys songwriting and time with her young family in her spare time

Senior Business 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.