The Business Awards Show

Middle managers need far more support to help them thrive in their roles and develop into effective senior executives. So Lisa Robyn Wood, owner of GRIP Coaching tells us.

Lisa was a successful middle manager at such major corporates as British Gas and Lucozade Ribena. She enjoyed her jobs but started to realise that coaching people was the thing she most loved. What sets her apart is she acted on it. Lisa put herself through a recognised coaching qualification, and began coaching as a side hustle in 2016.

In 2020, she left the corporate world, and joined her husband running a pub in Oxfordshire. Little did she know that COVID was just around the corner, bringing a set of challenges greater than any she had faced as an employee.

Despite the myriad issues she was faced with, Lisa navigated that period successfully and when her husband decided it was time to sell the pub she was ready for the next step in her journey. Having been growing her coaching business whilst working, Lisa became fully committed to GRIP Coaching in 2022, a business that is growing year by year. Her voice is also reaching many through the podcast she launched with her co-founder Suzy Hunt, The Coaching Cast. Lisa tells us all about the pod and the wide-ranging subjects the pair discuss.

Find out why coaching became so important to her and how she struggled with her own insecurities and lack of confidence as a manager.

Having worked for British Gas, she is passionate about the utilities sector and explains why the perception the public has is rather skewed by the media. It is why she has joined the Women in Utilities Network and became a judge for their inaugural awards, celebrating successful women working in energy and water.

She has also become a judge for this year's Best Businesswomen Awards, and compares her experience across the two programmes. Discover what she found so impressive about the entries for the BBWAs and why awards can have such an impact for female entrepreneurs.

Lisa is great company, and anyone listening will get lots of insight into coaching, and inspiration from someone who followed their dream despite the significant pressure it put on her. It is also a useful reference point for anyone thinking of entering awards because it is likely Lisa will convince you to just do it!

{3:53} Lisa's journey into coaching.

{10:11} Juggling a corporate role with a side hustle.

{14:36} Leaving the corporate world behind as COVID hit.

{16:57} The Coaching Cast Podcast.

{18:24} Subjects on the pod.

{21:48} Judging the Women in Utilities Awards.

{27:18} Comparing entrants in the WIU and BBWA Awards.

{30:25} What next for GRIP Coaching?

{33:19} Who Lisa would like to collaborate with.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Lisa: https://www.gripcoaching.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grip_coaching

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GRIPCoachingLtd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUOOvEicDjfgpC_V3CZz5EA

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grip-coaching-limited/

The Coaching Cast: https://www.thecoachingcast.co.uk/

Discover how to transform adversity into triumph as we chat with Beverley Densham, a renowned Mindfulness Pilates teacher and author of 26 years based in Dorset. She graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sports Science and had a successful Pilates Studio in Hertfordshire for 16 years, relocating to Dorset by the sea: her happy place.

She now teaches Mindfulness Pilates at her zoom studio with meditation, mindset, journalling & positive affirmations. Helping reduce back pain to feel good & to be stronger in body & mind.

She is host of the Mindfulness Pilates podcast & also teaches stress management workshops and programmes for lawyers, law firms, corporate, teachers and schools. Her latest books are the Stress to Calm series: Stress to Calm in 7 minutes for Lawyers, Stress to Calm in 7 minutes for Nurses and Stress to Calm in 7 minutes for Teachers.

Beverley opens up about her incredible journey from recovering from a catastrophic road accident in Australia to becoming the first qualified Pilates instructor in Hertfordshire. Her story is one of resilience and dedication, shedding light on how she embraced Pilates during her rehabilitation and turned it into a thriving business that now spans both in-person and online platforms.

Learn the secrets behind Beverley's successful transition to online Pilates classes, where she emphasizes the critical importance of proper alignment and safety. We discuss how mindfulness is seamlessly woven into Pilates, which led Beverley to rebrand her practice as "Mindfulness Pilates." Listen as she shares her experience integrating stress management techniques, benefiting a diverse clientele, and outlines the positive impact her methods have had on well-being and productivity.

Gain practical, actionable tips for maintaining well-being as a busy professional, straight from Beverley's repertoire. From avoiding poor posture and incorporating simple breathing exercises to improving sleep hygiene, Beverley offers a treasure trove of advice designed to help you find balance and enhance your overall health. We also dive into her accomplishments and personal milestones, including the creation of "Happy Kids Cards" and the significance of awards in raising awareness of her work. This episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical insights for anyone looking to boost their mental and physical well-being while excelling in business.

{1:59} Bev's recovery from a major road traffic accident.

{4:05} Training in Pilates.

{5:55} Pilates for back issues.

{8:39} The Pilates code of conduct.

{9:41} How Bev delivers Pilates classes over Zoom.

{10:31} Combining mindfulness and Pilates.

{14:25} Managing overwhelm.

{15:15} The Mindfulness Pilates Podcast.

{19:03} Entering the Janey Loves Platinum Awards.

{21:24} The answers needed for entering the awards.

{22:18} The Awards Event.

{23:31} Starting over after many challenges.

{24:12} Happy Kids Cards.

{27:45} Bev's tips for stressed entrepreneurs.

{30:04} Developing better sleep.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Bev: Www.mindfulnesspilates.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beverley_densham/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pilateswithbeverley/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM1XI06JFrhoNFYu9vDlODw

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverley-densham/

The Mindfulness Pilates Podcast: https://www.pilatestofeelgood.com/podcasts-1/building-good-habits-of-consistency-and-accountability-to-a-better-happier-and-healthier-life-with-sally-pritchard

Sue Keogh is the Founder of Sookio, a communications consultancy in Cambridge. She joins us in this episode, From Award-Winner to Judge, to talk to us about her extensive awards experience from both sides.

Sue works with senior leadership teams who value an external perspective on their communications, bringing fresh energy and 25+ years of industry expertise to help them think beyond the structures of the organisation.

A recognised specialist in digital content, Sue has worked closely with institutions including the BBC, ITV, Government Digital Service and the University of Cambridge, and led Sookio as a highly successful digital marketing agency for 16 years.

Host of the Communication Untangled podcast, and Fellow of the RSA, Sue draws on her extensive industry and business experience to solve critical communications challenges now, and in the future.

Having won numerous awards for her business achievements, Sue is now a judge at the National Business Women's Awards. That's why she talks to us about how she became an award winner, and what she expects from entrants as a judge.

And to add even more value, she shares some of her expertise around social media and communications, an essential part of every business owner's toolkit.

{1:57} Sue's road to starting a business.

{5:36} How the business has expanded.

{8:45} To use or not to use X/Twitter.

{11:33} The effect of the X rebrand.

{12:30} Managing multiple social media channels despite the challenges.

{15:05} The best social media for the Best Businesswomen Awards.

{16:13} What put awards on Sue's radar?

{17:24} Becoming an award judge.

{19:33} What Sue looks for in award entries.

{21:57} Stick to your business, not sob stories.

{22:25} Sue's two tips for good award entries.

{27:36} Leveraging award wins.

{30:04} The advice Sue would have given herself sixteen years ago.

{33:58} Transitioning to a one-woman consultancy.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Sue: https://www.sookio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sookio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sookio

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sookio/

X: https://x.com/sookio

We have a first on this week's edition of the Business Awards Show. Enfys Maloney becomes the first guest to appear twice on the pod. You can listen again to her first appearance in episode 50, but she has so much more to tell us. Since that recording in 2022, Enfys has won five business awards, started her own awards, and set up hugely successful sales programmes and retreats. Oh, and she also relocated to her native Wales from Bedford. Enfys is a real ball of energy, setting up her business, Sales Training with Enfys, during the pandemic in 2020. She has taken a different approach to many sales trainers, choosing to create a community that supports each other, rather than focusing on one-to-one training. In this episode, she explains how she devised her programmes and why she chose the community route. She also has a unique reason for starting her sales retreats. Listen now to find out more! Enfys worked towards winning her awards having been on Debbie's masterclass. Unlike many, she put into practice everything she learnt. Within a year, she had put in place all the elements required of an award-winning business.

In addition, she discusses the importance of giving back, finding a suitable charity to partner with to power your business.

Enfys exudes electric energy, and will inspire any female entrepreneur who is trying to grow or thinking of starting a business. You will also get deep insights into what it takes to become a business award-winner.

{2:56} What's happened since 2022?

{4:09} Why Enfys created a sales community.

{7:36} The birthday that led to Enfys's sales retreats.

{11:06} The first sales programmes.

{12:29} The Golden Peacock Awards.

{16:20} Vibrant Connections - the new networking organisation.

{19:20} Managing so many new ideas.

{21:49} 2024 - the year of NOT entering awards.

{24:35} The impact of being an award-winner.

{26:46} Attending Debbie's Awards Masterclass.

{27:50} Thinking ahead to become an award-winner.

{29:00} The need for businesses to give back.

{30:12} Aligning with the right charity.

{32:50} The support Enfys has enjoyed since 2022.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Enfys: https://www.salestrainingwithenfys.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salestraining_with_enfys/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salestrainingwithenfys

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sales-training-with-enfys/

In the latest episode of the Business Awards Show, Karen Davies explains the Power of Online Courses. Discover how they can drive business growth whilst giving entrepreneurs back so much time.

Karen is the Founder of Pink Lemon Ltd; a multi-award-winning creative studio based in the heart of Kent. The agency supports female entrepreneurs to build strength in their business by creating online courses and digital products. Furthermore, Karen provides an holistic approach that gently guides her clients through the process of planning, creating, marketing and launching their online product.

In addition, Karen also provides effective integrations such as building effective sales and marketing funnels using a variety of applications to secure an effective launch. From there, she helps clients build an ongoing sales strategy.

Not surprisingly, she is extremely passionate about the work she does because she feels that many businesses have an incredible vision but don't know how to articulate it. However, once they are able to create a tangible set of goals and put measures in place to reach those goals, their businesses just fly!

As if that's not enough, she is a passive profit mentor, and runs her own podcast, Digitally She Does It.

In this edition, Karen explains why online courses work. And she has just launched a new membership to help you design, craft, and launch your own course. Additionally, she provides great insights into avoiding common mistakes and understanding what works. Winner of several Kent Women in Business Awards, Karen explains why they are so inspiring to be a part of. As a result, she is an advocate of awards to gain recognition, but also to network with other entrepreneurs, sharing stories, and being inspired by their achievements.

If you have never thought of creating an online course for your business, or have been thinking about it but not had the confidence or knowledge to take it further, this is an episode that will be truly enlightening.

{2:12} Karen's business journey.

{6:00} Helping entrepreneurs set up their online courses.

{7:43} Creating the personal touch.

{8:47} Karen's new membership.

{11:57} The Kent Women in Business Awards.

{13:32} What Karen gains from entering awards.

{15:44} Looking at National Awards.

{16:56} The common mistakes with online courses.

{17:59} What makes the best online courses.

{18:40} Building a sustainable and scalable business.

{19:49} How Karen's membership helps you market your courses.

{20:55} Karen's long term plans.

{21:50} The advice Karen would give herself when starting out.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Karen: https://www.pink-lemondigital.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen_digitalcoach/?hl=en

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karendaviesco/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwKFkbSKdDuPfUBLk6pkpww

Pinterest: https://ph.pinterest.com/karen_pinklemon/_created/

Selling the Education Sector is the latest episode of the Business Awards Show with Nicola Lutz. Nicola is a sales coach in the education sector. She focuses on empowering teams to maximise B2B and direct enrolments in an ethical way, and an efficient yet fun manner. Sales and education appear to be at odds, but Nicola blends commercial sales techniques and processes with the integrity and ethical approach appropriate when dealing with the learning sector and life-altering investment. Nearly thirty years ago, Nicola founded Study Travel to help schools and study travel agencies increase their number of international students and improve the experience for all stakeholders. The business has a leading platform and produces a regular magazine. As if that wasn't enough, she also founded No Fluff, a sales consultancy dedicated to organisations working with international students. Her love of the education sector led her to create her own awards, the inaugural ST Star Awards being held in 2022. Nicola tells us about the Awards weekend that also includes a Conference for attendees. As an expert salesperson Nicola provides some insightful advice to all entrepreneurs on improving their sales process and increasing impact by picking up the phone. Therefore, anyone interested in increasing sales in their business should listen to this episode, and if you run a school or study travel agency it is a must-listen.

{1:31} How Nicola came to the education sector as a sales coach.

{3:03} The work of Study Travel.

{4:10} Launching awards in the education sector.

{5:06} The Awards categories and judges.

{7:34} The Conference and Awards weekend.

{8:18} The final as a networking opportunity.

{9:09} What Nicola looks for in award entries.

{11:55} Why awards matter.

{13:14} The impact of being an award finalist.

{14:00} Nicola's sales tips.

{16:25} Is telephone selling a dying art?

{17:58} How to create a sales process.

{19:42} Nicola's book - 'Spend Less, Sell More'

{21:20} Nicola's speaking events.

{21:33} No Fluff Fest.

{24:03} Nicola's future plans.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Nicola: https://www.nofluff.biz/

https://studytravel.network/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nofluff.biz

https://www.instagram.com/studytravelltd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/simplesalesgrowth

https://www.facebook.com/StudyTravelLimited

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-fluff/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studytravel-ltd/

ST Star Awards: https://studytravel.network/star-awards/awards

Alex Standley is an award winning Personal Stylist with an impressive 19-year career in the world of fashion. With an unwavering passion for sustainability, dopamine dressing, and the power of style to create positive impact. Alex is THE STYLE EXPERT for busy women, seeking to rediscover their inner confidence through style.

With a 1st class honours degree from London College of Fashion, and 15 years as a Fashion Buyer for industry giants like Marks & Spencer and Amazon, Alex brings a wealth of experience to her styling clients.

Alex's pivot in her career 5 years ago, was driven by a passion to create a more positive impact through her work. And her own experience of the power of personal styling in her reinvention after becoming a mum. Consequently she became a sustainable personal stylist, helping women to move away from the fast fashion culture, and buying too many clothes. Luxe Leopard Lifestyle was born.

The latest episode of the Business Awards Show follows Alex's journey from fashion buyer to sustainable stylist. She also tells us about the importance of business networking and how it has powered her rise. Even better, she has become an award-winner, and is nominated for more. Find out what impact this has had on her business.

So successful has Alex become in the sustainable fashion world, she has become involved in organising The Good Clothes Show at the NEC in Birmingham in September. In addition, she is aiming to give a Tedx talk, so things are moving quickly in her world. The Sustainable Personal Stylist is the perfect episode for women looking for advice on how to be more mindful about their fashion choices. You will also learn why sustainability in fashion is so essential, and how following your values is so fundamental to running your business.

{1:30} Why Alex started her business.

{3:35} Alex's sustainable fashion ethos.

{5:17} Why frequent clothes buying is a problem.

{7:23} How to change your shopping habits.

{8:27} Alex's personal styling approach.

{9:47} The impact of buying the right clothes.

{10:22} Alex's role in the St Albans Sustainability Festival.

{13:07} How networking has helped Alex's business.

{15:12} Winning a Shing Star Award.

{16:15} A Rising Star nomination at The St Albans Chamber Awards.

{17:50} Alex's advice for starting a business.

{18:53} Future plans.

{19:11} Being part of the Good Clothes Show at the NEC.

{21:59} Donating the right clothes to charity.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Alex: https://www.luxeleopardlifestyle.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxeleopardlifestyle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luxeleopardloves

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/luxe-leopard-lifestyle/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/luxeleopardlifestyle/

X: https://x.com/luxeleopardlife

The Good Clothes Show: https://thegoodclothesshow.com/

Donna Jackson is truly the champion of the care sector. She set up her business Carebusiness Bootcamp to help companies struggling with challenges in the industry. During our discussion she expands on these challenges. She tells us how she is trying to ensure her clients get the support and recognition they need to thrive.

Donna is an award-winner, having been named Woman of the Year. Consequently, she held the inaugural Carebusiness Millionaire Circle Awards in March 2024. Her determination to recognise the great efforts of all those running and working in care businesses comes across palpably. That's why she believes awards are particularly important in the care sector for all stakeholders.

Carebusiness Bootcamp was set up in 1990 so Donna could look after her daughter as a young child with learning difficulties. As a result, she has grown her business impressively. In addition, she has helped other businesses grow and deal with the regulatory frameworks in the industry. If you're thinking of setting up a business so you can take a more hands-on approach as a mother, this episode may well convince you that it is the right thing to do.

This edition is a clear illustration of why awards can have such a significant impact on any business. It illustrates how motivating they can be for your employees. Furthermore, discover why recognition can make a such a difference to the confidence your customers have in your organisation. Finally, if you have a family member living in a care home, it will offer you deeper insights. And hopefully, restore faith in the businesses who deliver those vital services.

{2:08} Donna's journey into the care sector.

{7:10} The challenges of running a care home.

{11:25} The inaugural Carebusiness Millionaire Circle Awards.

{13:13} How awards give customers more confidence.

{15:02} Donna's personal award wins.

{16:42} Awards in the care sector.

{17:40} The characteristics of an outstanding care home.

{20:35} Other recognition initiatives.

{21:09} The next phase of Donna's business.

{23:07} The impact of a change of government.

{23:56} The essential support community Donna has built.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Donna: https://carebusinessbootcamp.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carebusinessbootcamp/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carebusinessbootcamp

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carebusinessbootcamp/

Natalie Murray is an award winning graphic designer with 20 years experience. She runs two design agencies Acknowledge and The Edge Brands and has clients around the world. Within the Edge Brands she loves working on not just the visuals of a brand, but all the strategy and essence of who they are as a company. Within Acknowledge she helps people to celebrate their success with awards in the M&A industry.

Natalie has been an active networker to grow her business and tells us what has worked well for her. As she says, the best way to get a business off the ground is to go out there and meet people.

Having been an award designer for over ten years, it is not surprising that awards have been on her radar from the early stages of her business. She has a clear awards strategy, having applied for local and national recognition. It's obviously working as she just won Exporter of the Year at the SME Beds Awards.

There is some fascinating advice on branding your business during our discussion, and a series of pitfalls that many business owners fall into. Find out how you can avoid them.

With three children to manage as well as her businesses, Natalie explains how she balances the needs of both without going crazy!

If you are interested in branding, are starting to think about an awards strategy, or simply enjoy hearing about the journey of successful businesswomen, this episode will keep you engaged throughout.

{2:04} Natalie's business journey.

{3:28} Why Natalie started her own business.

{4:15} Running two businesses.

{5:15} What makes an aesthetically pleasing award.

{6:41} Building the branding business.

{8:02} Natalie's networking approach.

{11:28} The successes and failures of running a new business.

{13:05} The common mistakes of business branding.

{14:21} How Natalie starts a branding project.

{15:50} Rebranding the Best Businesswomen Awards.

{17:50} Working collaboratively with a branding specialist.

{19:03} Natalie's award strategy.

{20:26} Natalie is shortlisted for three categories at the SME Beds Awards.

{23:12} Natalie's business tips.

{24:07} Juggling children and business.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Natalie: https://www.the-edge-brands.co.uk/

https://www.acknowledgedesigns.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theedgebrands/

https://www.instagram.com/acknowledgedealtombstones/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theedgebrands

https://www.facebook.com/acknowledgedealtombstones

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theedgebrands/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/acknowledgedealtombstones/

Anita Jaynes has become the South West's business ambassador with her publishing and events company, The Business Exchange South West. Hers is an organisation that truly champions the best of business in Bath and Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

She set up her independent publishing business in 2013 and has gone from strength to strength, organising this year's inaugural TBE Awards. She runs business shows, conferences and expos, and works tirelessly to bring together businesses in her region.

Anita tells us about her career working in magazines before redundancy provoked her to start her own business. She has learnt what works and what doesn't in the world of PR and business news, and shares some penetrataing tips that any entrepreneur will benefit from.

Debbie and Anita have a fascinating discussion about entering awards, what makes a successful entry, how to communicate clearly the best of your business, and the major pitfalls to avoid.

This edition is a must if you are thinking of entering business awards or looking to raise your profile through the local or national press. You'll learn a lot about how the media operates, and you may start to think about your business in a different way. And if you're based in the south west, don't miss it!

{1:15} The Business Exchange and its activities.

{4:05} What led Anita to The Business Exchange.

{9:45} The changes in content marketing over the years.

{12:10} The Business Exchange print magazine.

{13:00} Distributing the magazine online.

{13:59} The Business Exchange website.

{14:30} The TBE Show.

{15:11} The TBE Awards.

{17:45} The TBE Awards categories.

{20:30} The Awards closing date.

{21:32} The awards entry questions and criteria.

{22:40} Debbie is a judge!

{24:00} Ensuring quality award entries.

{26:20} The Charity Expo.

{27:08} How to get your business into the press.

{29:03} How to make your press release email stand out.

{30:32} Anita's parting tips.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Anita: https://www.tbebathandsomerset.co.uk/

https://www.tbeswindonandwilts.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessexchangesw/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tbebathandsomerset/

https://www.facebook.com/tbeswindonandwilts

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-business-exchange-swindon-wiltshire/

X: https://x.com/TBESW

The TBE Show: https://www.tbebathandsomerset.co.uk/event/tbe-show/

The TBE Awards: https://www.tbeswindonandwilts.co.uk/business-events-news/inaugural-tbe-awards-now-open-for-entries/

TBE Talks Podcast: https://tbetalks.buzzsprout.com