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.
Jade Reynolds
Sales Manager | Mercure Northampton
A passionate and highly-driven professional, with a strong background in recruitment and sales, Jade works with businesses across Northamptonshire and beyond to meet their requirements for meetings, events and conferences. Her energy and ‘can-do’ attitude means challenges are overcome efficiently and effectively, leaving clients free to concentrate on planning and enjoying their event, safe in the knowledge that everything is in hand.
James Simpson
General Manager | Mercure Northampton
An experienced hospitality leader, James is the figurehead of the Mercure team – overseeing all aspects of the day-to-day running of the hotel. He is a keen advocate of Northamptonshire, forging links with local businesses and networking groups and championing the county at every opportunity. James is a member of the Northamptonshire Tourism Business Network and the Northamptonshire Hoteliers Forum and sits on the board of Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District.
Amy Edwards
Partner (Employment Law Team) | Tollers
Amy is a Partner in Tollers employment team with over 16 years’ experience in providing practical and commercial advice to business both small and large on all areas of HR and employment law. She particularly enjoys getting to know her clients so her advice is tailored to meet their individual needs. Amy has 2 children and much of her spare time is taken up acting at their taxi driver and managing their social calendars.
Will Grisley
Senior Associate, Commercial Property Department | Tollers
Will Grisley is a Senior Associate in the Commercial Property team at Tollers. Having grown up in Northamptonshire, Will offers commercial and practical advice to his clients across a range of matters including buying and selling land and buildings, reviewing and negotiating leases and dealing with mortgages and other secured borrowing. Will is a recent convert to the sport of padel and is a keen supporter of Northampton Saints.
Adrian Richings
New Business Director/Founder | EquiTech Group
Adrian Richings is Business Development Director at EquiTech Group, a Northampton based managed IT and cybersecurity provider. With extensive industry experience, he specialises in building long-term client partnerships and aligning technology strategies with business growth. Adrian is known for his customer first approach, combining commercial insight with a strong focus on security and operational efficiency. He plays a key role in driving EquiTech’s expansion and delivering outcome led solutions for SMEs across the UK and beyond
Simon Portwain
MD/Founder | EquiTech Group
Simon Portwain is Managing Director of EquiTech Group, a Northampton based IT managed services provider. He specialises in helping SMEs align technology with business outcomes, focusing on practical, value driven solutions rather than sales led approaches. With a background in sales leadership and a degree in Mathematics with Management Studies, he combines analytical thinking with commercial insight. Simon is also an author and mentor in sales, known for refining repeatable success frameworks and developing high performing teams
Joe Gilbert
Founder | GatherCRM
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.
David Rees
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.
Samantha Hunter
Partnerships & Events Manager | South Midlands Growth Hub
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.
Patrick Kitson
Marketing Lead | South Midlands Growth Hub
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.
