Our Judges

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.”

Regional Manager | HSBC

Len is Regional Manager at HSBC, bringing deep expertise in business banking, international expansion, and relationship management. Focused on collaboration and customer outcomes, Len has led high-performing teams, strengthened strategic partnerships, and supported clients trading across global markets. Recognised for a thoughtful, approachable style, Len is committed to delivering outstanding service while advancing growth, innovation, and new opportunities across the banking sector, helping businesses navigate change and achieve sustainable success.

Regional Director | HSBC

Heeral Shah is a senior banking executive with 25+ years’ experience, joining the Graduate Programme in 1999. She has led teams across Corporate and Investment Banking, specialising in Global Loan syndication, Leveraged Finance for sponsor-backed buyouts, International Corporate Banking and the Financial Institutions Group. Most recently she headed UK Debt Structuring through Covid, shaping sustainable lending and ESG propositions. In 2025, she joined HSBC to lead SME Business Banking in the South East. She actively supports D&I and serves multiple organisations.

Local Director | HSBC

With 19 years’ experience in banking, including 12 at HSBC, I bring deep expertise across the SME and Mid-Corporate landscape. Having served as a Relationship Manager in SME Business Banking and a Relationship Director in Mid-Corp Banking, I’ve supported businesses from start-ups to large corporates across the South East of England. I have recently returned to the SME space, leading a team of 11 Relationship Managers across Sussex and Surrey.

Co-Founder and Creative Director | Soulspace at The Boathouse

Jessica Meins is Co-Founder and Creative Director of Soulspace at The Boathouse in Guildford. She leads the vision, brand and overall experience and direction of the business, shaping a space where work, creativity and community come together. With a background in comms for travel, wellbeing and luxury brands, Jessica is passionate about how spaces influence how people feel and perform. She works closely with brands, founders and teams to create meaningful, high-quality experiences within the Soulspace environment.

Co-Founder and Director | Soulspace at The Boathouse

Charlotte Meins is Co-Founder and Director of Soulspace at The Boathouse, where she oversees the operational development of the business. With a strong focus on growth and long-term sustainability, Charlotte plays a key role in shaping the direction of Soulspace. She works closely across all areas of the business to ensure a seamless experience for members and clients, supporting its continued evolution as a leading workspace and events destination.

General Manager of Hospitality and Events | Soulspace at The Boathouse

Justyna Cichocka is General Manager of Hospitality and Events at Soulspace at The Boathouse. She leads the delivery of all events and oversees the day-to-day running of the venue, ensuring a high standard of service across every touchpoint. With a background in hospitality and operations, Justyna brings a calm, detail-driven approach to creating seamless experiences for clients and guests, from corporate events and private hire to community-led gatherings.

Learning and Development Manager | South East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network

I have worked for Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust as a registered nurse for approximately 20 years, with the last 10 years focused on training, education, widening access and participation, and leading on apprenticeships. Passionate about supporting people to develop NHS careers, I have been an Apprenticeship Ambassador with the South East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, Enterprise M3 region, for approximately 6 years. I became Chair in 2021 and am now Deputy SE AAN Chair.

Director of Partnerships | Nescot (North East College of Technology)

Donna Harfield is the Director of Partnerships at Nescot and has been with the College since October 2025. With over 12 years’ experience in Further Education and Skills, she has held senior leadership roles across a broad range of provision, including apprenticeships, adult learning, sales, marketing, and careers education. Donna has also successfully led Ofsted inspections as the Skills Nominee.

Before moving into leadership, Donna taught Performing Arts in a variety of settings, including prisons, adult education, and stage schools. Outside of work, she is a keen musician who writes her own music, plays the piano, and performs as part of a band.

Donna is delighted to be a judge for the Employer of the Year Award and is passionate about recognising the vital role employers play in developing skills, nurturing talent, and creating opportunities for their workforce.

Business Development Officer | Surrey Business School

Betty is passionate about designing executive education programmes that help organisations develop talent with leadership skills while building resilience, growth, and strategy. She works with Surrey and international companies, aligning academic learning with real-world business challenges and ensuring students apply theory through live consultancy projects and case studies. She also supports the Surrey Hatchery, student-focussed business incubator at Surrey Business School, facilitating engagement with industry mentors to develop new products and services. She is an active member of Surrey Chambers of Commerce and Women in Business in Surrey (WBIS).

SBS Head of Enterprise, Associate Professor in Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Surrey Business School

Ekaterina has extensive experience supporting both start-ups and established businesses through entrepreneurship education, innovation, and collaboration. She actively connects businesses with students and academics through consultancy projects, research partnerships, social enterprise initiatives, and innovation activities that deliver tangible value. Her work focuses on helping organisations address challenges, identify growth opportunities, and access talent and expertise. She also supports entrepreneurs through mentoring, networking, and capability-building initiatives, with particular expertise in entrepreneurial finance and women’s entrepreneurship.

Co-founder of Business in Surrey, Co-founder of Connect South and founder of Surrey Event Professionals

Steve Page has a background in events and hospitality but now concentrates on business development and business support. He achieves this by running Surrey’s largest business event, The Surrey Business Expo, co-founding Business in Surrey, a collaborative network of leading Surrey business organisations, co-founding Connect South, a professional networking group across Surrey and Hampshire, and founding Surrey Event Professionals, an industry-specific network.

CEO

Helene is Chief Executive of Surrey Chambers of Commerce, bringing more than 17 years’ experience helping businesses grow across sectors including B2B, eCommerce, finance, pharma and travel. A founder and business leader herself, she has run a London digital agency and launched a start-up backed by angel investment. Passionate about innovation, Helene champions the use of AI, technology and strong business networks to drive productivity, growth and opportunity. She lives in Surrey with her two children and enjoys travelling, cars, salsa dancing and mentoring female founders.

Head of Membership

Sarah is Head of Membership at Surrey Chambers of Commerce, having joined the organisation in 2014 following a 12-year career at the University of Surrey. Passionate about helping businesses connect, grow and prosper, she works closely with Chamber members, Executive Partners and key stakeholders across Surrey. Sarah is also Chair of the Business Women in Surrey (BWiS) Steering Group. Outside work, she is an adventurous traveller, wellbeing enthusiast and foodie.

Founder

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.

Educator/Host/Model/ Pageant Director/ Writer

Daniella is a highly respected educator whose journey is a powerful testament to dedication, resilience, and excellence. As an entrant in the SME Surrey Awards, she achieved remarkable success, winning not only Gold in her category but also the prestigious title of Overall Surrey Winner. Her achievements continued to the national stage, where she was awarded a Gold national title at the iconic Wembley Stadium in 2023.
A passionate advocate for women and children, Daniella has devoted herself to creating meaningful change, championing empowerment, education, and opportunity. In recognition of her outstanding work supporting children both within education and beyond, she was recently honoured with an invitation to Buckingham Palace.
At the heart of Daniella’s mission is her unwavering belief that empowerment is the foundation of strength, confidence, and growth. Through her own platform, Miss Britannia, she inspires and uplifts women and children, creating a space where empowerment, purpose, and creativity flourish—while also championing sustainable fashion through innovative upcycling. She is also a contestant herself for the prestigious Beauty and Brains World.