The Business Awards Show

Unlock the secrets of crafting winning award entries with Emma Hewitt, an expert Business Awards Advisor, on this episode of the Business Awards Show. Discover how Emma's background in managing international student recruitment and scholarships seamlessly translates into her current role organizing prestigious awards with Tessa Day at Clubhub. She has been a business awards adviser over recent years, successfully supporting clients to be shortlisted for and win business awards.

Emma shares invaluable insights on the importance of authenticity in award entries, urging businesses to tell their stories genuinely and effectively. Whether you're a seasoned applicant or just starting, you'll learn how to enhance your submissions with concrete evidence and examples, setting yourself up for success.

We also take a closer look at the recent ClubHub Awards event in Birmingham dedicated to the the children's activity sector. Emma emphasizes the need for detailed, proactive responses over last-minute submissions, and shares strategic tips to help you stand out. Emma discusses the challenges of organising such a diverse event filled with dynamic workshops and networking opportunities, showcasing the positive impact of winning awards on business publicity. and the energy those working in the industry bring.

This is the perfect event for anyone thinking of entering awards for the first time, or needing help with their application. Don't miss out on Emma's expert advice on leveraging accolades for local press coverage and elevating your business's credibility. And discover how you can maximise your strengths to develop your own business, doing the things you love.

{1:44} How Emma got into awards.

{2:53} How running a franchise led to ClubHub.

{3:55} The Mum2Mum Market community.

{5:16} Developing a relationship with Tessa at ClubHub.

{6:29} Crafting a winning award entry.

{8:09} Providing supporting evidence.

{9:42} Finding the right awards and providing the best responses.

{13:00} Avoiding voting awards.

{13:18} Emma's client profile.

{14:45} The pure energy of the ClubHub Awards.

{15:50} How the ClubHub event operates.

{19:12} The publicity gained from winning a ClubHub award.

{21:41} ClubHub's supportive community.

{22:35} Emma's future plans.

{25:20} Timetable for ClubHub Awards 2025.

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

Connect with Emma: https://linktr.ee/emmahewittawards

Instagram: https://bit.ly/4coWFDL

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3W5XfjS

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-hewitt-16a4b714/overlay/contact-info/

The Joy of Performing Arts is the latest epsiode of the Business Awards Show, featuring award-winning Fiona da Silva Adams.

Fiona set up Revolution Performing Arts seventeen years, and has made a huge contribution to the cultural life of Swindon's young people ever since. That contribution won her a Great British Business Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community

She tells us how she came to running her own business later in life having had a successful corporate career in her twenties. But her passion for dance and performing arts saw her go to drama school, creating her own performing arts business. She also does much to support her community, a huge advocate of Swindon as a town, ensuring kids suffering from domestic abuse can enjoy the release of performing arts free of charge, and providing hot meals to under-privileged children.

Fiona demonstrates how following your passion can transform your life. She is firmly among the schoool of thought that argues if you do what you're passionate about, you'll never work a day in your life. But she has also transformed the lives of hundreds of children who have loved the freedom dance and drama offers.

This is a great episode for anyone thinking of moving away from a corporate career, at a crossroads in life. She explains the impact of awards, and the benefits of PR on building a business. Her energy and enthusiasm shine through as she takes us on her inspiring journey.

{2:15} How Fiona moved into performing arts.

{5:35} Why Fiona set up her own business.

{6:40} Publicising Revolution Performing Arts.

{7:12} What makes RPA different?

{8:09} How classes are set up.

{8:56} Expanding the business.

{10:02} The challenges Fiona has faced.

{11:19} Business recovery after COVID.

{12:21} Keeping kids engaged.

{13:50} Developing young people's lifeskills.

{15:14} Dancing as an adult.

{16:32} Winning a Great British Business Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community..

{19:20} The therapeutic effects of performing arts.

{20:44} Why it took Fiona so long to enter business awards.

{21:57} Positive PR for RPA.

{23:11} Helping under-privileged kids access the arts and hot food.

{24:10} Fiona's advice for people at a career crossroads.

{26:00} Finding other women who will support you.

{27:07} Fiona's plans for the next twelve months.

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

Connect with Fiona: https://revolutionpa.co.uk/

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

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

LinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-da-silva-adams-rpa

X: https://x.com/revolutionpa

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@revolutionpa?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Our latest episode discovers why networking builds award-winning businesses. Louise Yexley is someone who knows. She runs nine Women In Business Network (WIBN) groups across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, setting up her first group in 2009. I've known Louise for sixteen years, and I cannot think of anyone better qualified to tell us about the power of networking, and why awards are so important in developing the network. Louise has won awards for Best Franchisee, Best e-Business, and Best Networking Group. She tells us how this has had such a dramatic impact on the credibility and attractiveness of her networking business. In addition, it boosted her self-confidence and drive. Louise was the perfect candidate to be part of the Best Businesswomen Awards judging panel. She tells us how this transformed her view of awards, seeing things from the other side. It also emphasises how a robust judging process is so essential to a successful awards programme. Like many networking organisations, Louise had to take the business online during the pandemic. She explains the differences between the physical and the virtual world, and why WIBN is moving increasingly back to a face-to-face model. There are some vital tips in our discussion that will help anyone entering the world of business networking or struggling to get the most from their groups. Anyone simply passing business cards around as they enter a room may need to rethink!

The latest episode of The Business Awards Show once again offers plenty of advice and information for any female entrepreneur. If you are new to networking or awards, want to know how to get more from both, or just want to know more about how the two impact each other, take a listen.

{2:09} How Louise came to run a WIBN franchise.

{3:00} Buying and developing the franchise.

{4:28} Winning two Herts SME Awards.

{6:38} What motivated Louise to enter awards.

{7:56} The impact of winning awards on the networking business.

{9:29} Bringing networking and awards together.

{11:14} The most common networking mistakes.

{12:55} The number one thing to do when networking.

{14:22} The difference between physical and virtual networking.

{19:12} Debbie's advice for effective networking.

{20:39} Finding the right networking group.

{23:05} Creating advocates from networking colleagues.

{24:07} Being a Best Businesswomen Awards judge.

{28:04} Louise's top tip in business.

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

Connect with Louise: https://wibn.co.uk/page/Louise_Yexley

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

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

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

X: https://x.com/WIBN_Beds_Herts

The Animal Behaviourist with Lisa Sinnott plots the journey of a woman passionate about animals, becoming a leading animal behaviourist. The latest edition of the Business Awards Show explains why understanding the way your dog or cat behaves is so important for any pet owner. Lisa won a silver award in the Animal Services category of the Best Businesswomen Awards in 2022 and has won more awards on her journey as an animal behaviourist. She set up Albany Pet Services in 2016 with the help of a grant from the Princes Trust. Having qualified from University of Edinburgh in clinical animal behaviour, she set up a new business, St Paws Academy, to focus on dogs' behavioural needs. St Claws Academy followed, working with cats and their owners. Entering awards has proven a significant benefit. She tells us about her first entry into the Best Businesswomen Awards, and being a finalist in the Everywoman Awards. Entries have given her business increased visibility and credibility and she aims to continue the process. During our conversation, Lisa urges entrepreneurs to follow their passions. She has done just that, and created a successful and growing business. She makes clear she hasn't done it alone. She talks about the help she has been able to get from The Prince's Trust, the St Albans Enterprise Agency, and other business people who have learnt from their mistakes.

If you are an animal lover, you will love this episode, but for any young entrepreneur there are some valuable nuggets to help you think again about your business, and a clear call to engage with business awards.

{1:36} Becky's back story.

{2:35} Getting help from The Prince's Trust.

{5:31} Lisa's first pet business.

{6:07} The impact of Covid.

{8:05} Qualifying in animal behvaiour.

{9:45} The consequences of not training dogs properly.

{13:08} There are no bad dogs; only bad owners. True?

{14:00} Focusing on cat behaviour.

{15:05} Working with pet owners online.

{15:23} Lisa's podcast - The Contented CatCast

{17:32} When awards hit Lisa's radar.

{19:29} Entering the SME National and Everywoman Awards.

{20:33} Taking inspiration from other award finalists.

{21:00} Navigating bad times in business.

{22:07} Executing a strong business idea.

{23:08} The benefits of entering business awards.

{25:05} Lisa's advice for new entrepreneurs.

{26:20} Taking advantage of business help.

{27:02} Lisa's plans for the next twelve months.

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

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/St-Paws-Training-Academy/100086687074668/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-sinnott/

The Toilet Queen with Becky Wall is the latest episode of the Business Awards Show featuring a female entrepreneur who is steeped in business awards. Although hers are rather more unconventional than most! Becky has been passionate about toilets since her mother used to check them before allowing her family into any establishment. This led her to run her own business, A Plush Flush, started in 2006, providing luxury toilets for all sorts of events. Having won a platinum award at the Loo of the Year Awards in 2017, she was offered the opportunity to take over the awards programme in 2021. Running for 37 years, Becky proudly tells us why the Loo of the Year Awards are important to all of us; toilets are, after all, something we all use. She also explains her campaigning work around the Changing Places programme, a project fighting to significantly increase the number of public toilets available to disabled people, to allow them the facilities they need. You may not have given much thought to toilets, but all of us have stories about soaking, filthy floors, overflowing sinks, toilets that don't seem to have been cleaned for days, and much more. Becky fights every day to ensure that we all have access to the best washroom facilities possible across the UK and tells us why it matters. You may not run a business that involves providing toilets to the public, but this episode will offer deep insights into what is important to customers, why toilets are so important in any business, and the power of following your passion, no matter how leftfield it may seem.

{1:42} Becky's back story.

{7:13} How running the Loo of the Year Awards helped Becky's business.

{8:20} We're all toilet inspectors!

{9:45} Joining the board of the British Toilet Association.

{11:25} A high profile in the toilet industry makes a difference.

{12:42} The Loo of the Year Awards.

{14:54} Making public toilets more accessible for the disabled.

{17:50} Addressing people's personal toilet issues.

{18:31} The Loo of the Year Awards categorisation process.

{20:00} Becky's advice for new entrepreneurs.

{23:53} The necessity of attending to toilets.

{26:47} Becoming a Best Businesswomen Awards sponsor.

{25:05} How to enter the Loo of the Year Awards.

{28:30} Why toilet standards are so fundamental to small, independent businesses.

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

Connect with Becky: https://www.aplushflush.com/home.html

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Loo-of-the-Year-Awards/100054340339487/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-wall-bem-a69b7a7b/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@loooftheyearawards822

X: https://x.com/LoooftheYear

The Power of Networking with Stefan Thomas is the latest episode of the Business Awards Show, designed to help you get the most from your business networking. Stefan went from working as an estate agent for eighteen years to becoming one of the country's premier business networkers and speakers. He is such an expert, he wrote the bestselling Business Networking for Dummies, a go-to volume for many entrepreneurs starting their networking journey. He is now a leading professional speaker, delivering keynotes around the world. He also provides communications and leadership skills training for blue chip corporates while his business The Connect Network helps SMEs and solopreneurs build their networks with his help. In our discussion you'll find plenty of fabulous advice to help you improve your networking, choosing the right group, how to follow up your conversations and so much more. I am also delighted to say that Stefan has decided to sponsor the Best Networker category of the Best Businesswomen Awards this year. He tells us why this is such a good fit for him and his business. If you struggle to maximise the opportunities available to you when you go to networking meetings, this is the perfect episode for you. And find out why Stefan thinks women having space to shine is so important.

{1:53} Stefan's networking journey.

{5:45} How networking became Stefan's path.

{7:55} Why speaking opportunities are so valuable.

{9:09} How to prepare before a networking meeting.

{10:26} To use or not to use business cards?

{11:42} The number 1 thing to do after a networking event.

{13:45} What makes a great networking group.

{15:51} The fors and againsts of professional lockout.

{17:43} Why women-only groups are a safe space for female entrepreneurs.

{22:31} Men and imposter syndrome.

{24:56} The growth and diversity of networking groups.

{26:47} Becoming a Best Businesswomen Awards sponsor.

{28:53} Stephan's top business tip.

{30:22} The Connect Event Live in September.

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

Connect with Stefan: https://www.stefanthomas.biz/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefanthomas.biz

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

Connect Live Event: https://www.connecteventlive.co.uk/

The Women's Weight Loss Coach with Amruti Choudhury is the latest edition of the Business Awards Show. Amruti is a former GP who trained to become an accomplished health coach. She has learnt from her own experiences, struggling with ADHD, mental health challenges and being significantly overweight. Through deep learning and determination to improve her life, Amruti began to understand the triggers that were causing her to eat and to respond to her family in negative ways. By putting new habits into place, controlling her own neural pathways, she has become a highly successful coach as she helps others to achieve the lifechanging results she has. Personally, she believes she has become a better wife, mother, and daughter-in-law,

In 2023, Amruti won a Silver Award in the Best Coach category of the Best Businesswomen Awards. She had already won several coaching awards, but was particularly delighted to win one for business. She has also won awards for her podcast 'Weight Loss for Women' which now lists over 100 episodes.

Amruti explains how these awards have conferred validation and given her the confidence to set up new programmes like the one she has introduced to help women improve relationships with their mothers-in-law. We hear how Dr Choudhury transitioned from a GP to become a coach, investing in her own learning as well as becoming part of several mastermind groups to provide the support she desperately needed. Her transition happened to coincide with the pandemic, something she managed with great resilience. This episode will be of real interest to people struggling with their own health or weight issues, considering or having just started a coaching business, or who may not think they are good enough to enter awards. Amruti proves incontrovertibly, that you are!

{1:47} Amruti's weight loss journey.

{5:42} Typical clients.

{7:05} The transition from GP to health coach.

{9:06} Life as a GP.

{11:22} Negotiating the pandemic.

{13:06} How Amruti enlisted help for her new business.

{14:27} Recruiting support staff.

{14:44} Awards appear on the radar.

{16:40} Attending the Best Businesswomen Awards Final.

{18:35} How awards brought self-belief.

{19:54} Amruti's other awards successes.

{20:57} The Podcast - Weight Loss for Women.

{23:40} Amruti's advice for potential entrepreneurs.

{25:10} Future plans.

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

Connect with Amruti: https://www.amruticoaching.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amruti.coaching/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Amruti123

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-amruti-choudhry-123918224/

Weight Loss for Women Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/weight-loss-for-women-professionals-podcast/id1572674144

The Brand Strategist with Aarti Parmar is the latest episode of The Business Awards Show. Listen as Aarti explains how she came to recognise branding was her speciality, and how she has built a business helping others find their purpose and create strategies to fulfill their goals.

In our conversation, we discuss the process Aarti implements to help her clients form their brand and drive their business forward. She has become a respected adviser for the revered business support network Enterprise Nation. She even won one of their awards!

Aarti began entering awards in 2016, has won a SHE award and recognised how essential they are for brand-building. To confirm her support for business awards, she became a judge of the Best Businesswomen Awards in 2022 and tells us why this means so much to her. Anyone thinking of entering awards will find this conversation fascinating, because Aarti provides crucial advice about what a judge looks for in a strong entry, and how to make it easy for them to review your application.

Aarti continues to develop her own business and tells us about some of her plans for the coming months, including the launch of a group branding programme.

This is an inspiring edition of the Business Awards Show, highlighting brand as the foundation of any business, and why awards can contribute so much to that process. For any entrepreneur struggling with their brand or thinking of entering awards for the first time, this is a wonderful starting place.

{1:24} Why Aarti became a branding specialist.

{4:08} Aarti's client branding process.

{6:22} It's more than just a logo!

{7:22} Building a brand.

{9:53} Becoming an Enterprise Nation adviser.

{10:25} Winning an Enterprise Nation award.

{11:25} Why Aarti began to enter awards in 2016.

{13:26} Winning a SHE award.

{15:26} The effect of being an awards judge.

{17:30} Becoming a Best Businesswomen Awards judge.

{21:58} Why recognition matters to awards finalists.

{23:07} Elevating your brand throiugh awards.

{24:36} What a judge looks for in an awards entry.

{26:13} What frustrates Aarti in applications.

{27:15} How to provide evidence in an easy way.

{28:53} The elements judges review in an entry.

{29:21} Aarti's plans for the next twelve months.

{33:34} Encouraging Asian women to enter more awards.

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

Connect with Aarti: https://www.aartiparmar.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aarti.parmar/

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

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

The Personal Financial Planner with Naomi Haynes is the latest episode of The Business Awards Show. Join us as we welcome Naomi, an acclaimed financial planner and winner of the Best Consumer Business in the Best Business Women Awards 2023, for an enlightening discussion about her audacious leap from a secure corporate position to launching her own business amidst the global lockdown. Naomi's tale is not just one of bravery but also of her dedication to closing the gender pension gap and empowering financial wellness. Her journey is punctuated by the hurdles she overcame and the unique pressure that fueled her drive during those uncertain times.

In our conversation, we touch on the essence of trust-building in the financial sector, with Naomi underscoring the personalized touch she brings to client relationships. She shares how small gestures, like birthday cards, and an open line for varied concerns have fostered deep client trust and engagement. Moreover, Naomi reflects on her first foray into business awards, revealing the challenges of crafting an application that celebrated personal milestones alongside business acumen, and how this experience has shaped her professional narrative.

Rounding out our discussion, Naomi recounts the nerve-wracking yet triumphant experience of her last-minute submission to the Best Business Women Awards. The recognition she received not only validated her efforts but also set a clear trajectory for her business's future, leading to strategic hiring and growth planning. For any entrepreneur, Naomi offers sage advice on the stability that an emergency fund can provide, both for personal and business contingencies. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, networking, and the courage to put oneself out there, and we're excited to share her inspirational journey with you.

{2:03} Why Naomi became a financial planner.

{5:22} Working for yourself is scary!

{6:13} Starting a business as a global pandemic develops.

{9:25} Common client issues.

{10:30} Why you need to seek professional advice.

{11:57} Pension benefits for a business owner.

{13:45} Use a specialist; don't do finances yourself.

{14:50} Naomi's approach to outstanding customer service.

{18:05} Applying for a Shining Stars Award in 2021.

{19:40} Going national - entering The Best Businesswomen Awards.

{21:45} Winning an award.

{22:36} How winning powered Naomi's business forward.

{24:10} Advice for entrepreneurs (especially in the early years).

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

Connect with Naomi: https://www.naomihaynes.co.uk/

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

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

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-haynes/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjNzjbl6_YMzNHoFp-XVswQ

The Podcast Guru with Lynsay Gould is a very special Business Awards Show podcast - because it's our 100th edition!

Lynsay set up The Podcast Boutique to help people just like me to start their own podcast. And she got me to do just that in 2021 when I stopped procrastinating and launched the Business Awards Show.

We talked about starting my podcast, but also the challenges of and reasons for starting your own podcast. Lynsay has helped create hundreds of podcast over recent years and has great advice for anyone contemplating their own show.

She explains how to monetise your podcast, and how it can prove to be far more effective to build your audience than social media.

We were so excited that Lynsay joined our panel of sponsors for the Best Businesswomen Awards for 2024. We talk about podcasting awards and her openness to applying for awards in the future.

This is the perfect episode for anyone considering their own podcast, who wants to understand what a podcast can do for their business, or how to overcome the initial hurdles that may deter people from starting.

{3:28} Setting up the Business Awards Show.

{4:23} The first episode.

{6:23} Lynsay's journey into podcasting.

{10:41} How to start a podcast.

{14:07} Choosing the right guests for your podcast.

{16:02} Monetising your podcast.

{19:35} The effectiveness of a podcast v social media.

{21:04} Persevering with your podcast.

{21:40} Planning a new podcast.

{22:35} Creating a website to support a podcast.

{22:56} Choosing the right name.

{24:25} Interviewing competitors.

{25:28} Building relationships through a podcast.

{26:17} Lynsay and business awards.

{29:05} Podcasting awards.

{30:52} Celebrating milestones.

{32:58} Balancing family and business.

{35:14} The next twelve months.

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

Connect with Lynsay: https://www.thepodcastboutique.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1812987755694279

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynsay-gould-72610415/