The Business Awards Show

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Leading with resilience with Skye Deane and Alex Webb, is an inspirational episode of the Business Awards Show as we're joined by two powerhouse women. Skye and Alex are co-founders of the award winning Resilient Women Leaders, who took home a Silver award for Best Business at the 2025 Best Businesswomen Awards.

Their journeys could not be more different. Skye brings eighteen years of experience as a British Army officer and clinical physiotherapist, including deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, while Alex has a brilliantly 'squiggly' career spanning teaching, sports TV, events and entrepreneurship. Together they make quite the team.

In this episode they explore what resilience really means (and no, it is not just bouncing back). We reveal how to recognise where you are on the pressure to stress spectrum before you tip into burnout. And vitally, why asking for help is a superpower rather than a weakness.

There is also a brilliant conversation about the value of business awards, the magic that happens when you sit with strangers at an awards dinner, and the credibility they confer. Our guests also explain why consistency and knowing when to step up or step back are the foundations of a great working partnership.

If you have ever felt overwhelmed, overlooked or unsure whether you are leading well, this one is for you.

About Alex and Skye

As a former Army Officer, senior clinical healthcare professional, a leader, manager, military wife and mum, Skye has her own experiences that have enabled her to build her own resilience.

Skye is a qualified Resilient Leaders Consultant, a practising senior physiotherapist, and has a passion for developing resilience and leadership for all individuals irrelevant of sector or background. However, as a healthcare professional, she is particularly keen to help women in such a vital area.

Alex Webb, is a business and leadership behaviour consultant. She works with individuals and teams to optimise their performance, building organisational health, through self-awareness, leadership and resilience development.

Starting her career in education and teaching, Alex has had a mixed career within events, sports TV and media, entrepreneurship and technology.

With her roles as an Events Director and Programme Director (both commercial and corporate), Alex has created, designed and facilitated workshops, events and programmes for an array of ages including clients such as TfL, Sky, Vodafone, Coca Cola, Umbro, Lego, AXA, and GSK.

Alex and Skye met as qualified Resilient Leaders Elements consultants and co-founded Resilient Women Leaders™ in 2020. They are determined to use their skills and training to empower women to lead with confidence and resilience.

The pair also contributed to the bestselling Life Coach's Toolkit vol.3, published by Thin Leaf Press.

{2:48} Winning Silver at the 2025 BBWAs.

{3:53} How Skye went from an army career to running her own business.

{7:39} Alex's journey to becoming a businesswoman.

{11:50} How the two women met.

{13:08} What resilience really means.

{15:32} How to recognise when we're really under pressure.

{18:20} Are more leaders suffering from burnout?

{22:23} Why Skye and Alex started to enter awards.

{25:28} What has come out of entering awards.

{29:02} The women's business tips.

{31:58} Future plans.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Skye and Alex: https://resilientwomenleaders.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/resilient-women-leaders/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-webb1/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/skyedeaneleadershipconsultant/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/202318217695919/about

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

https://www.instagram.com/skyedeaneconsulting/

https://www.instagram.com/alex.webb.5454

The Lifecoach's Toolkit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Coachs-Tool-Vol-Ready-ebook/dp/B0DDJQ6314

Discover How Branding Can Help Purpose-Led SMEs Shine with Maylene Seah, award-winning brand strategist, founder of Studio Noor Anisa, and winner of a Special Recognition Award at the 2025 Best Business Women Awards.

Maylene's journey is a fascinating one, taking her from design agencies in London, through a thriving Islamic products business she built and sold, to now helping purpose driven women founders create brands that truly stand out.

In this episode we dig into what brand strategy actually means in practice, why 97% of purchasing decisions are made subconsciously, and how to find the thing that makes your business genuinely different. There is also a brilliant conversation about colour psychology and why breaking away from predictable industry colours can be such a powerful move.

We also delve into Maylene's response to winning the Special Recognition Award, discovering that she felt she was representing her whole community, and that doors were opening for women previously unseen as a result.

Maylene also shares some hard won business advice including why trusting yourself matters more than getting everything perfect, the importance of building your brand in public alongside your audience, and why boundaries are non negotiable if you want to avoid burnout.

A brilliant listen for any business owner who wants to be not just seen, but chosen.

About Maylene

Maylene Seah is a multi-award-winning brand strategist, mentor, and speaker helping values-led women founders, particularly Muslim women and women of colour, own their difference and build brands people recognise, remember, and choose.

Her work is shaped by having lived every side of branding: from pulling shots as a Starbucks barista, to leading design teams for global brands like Unilever and P&G, to founding and selling her own faith-led children's brand, Poppetry. It was in building her own business (and working closely with women founders doing the same) that she noticed a recurring pattern: brands didn't stall because the work wasn't good, but because the woman behind it was still second-guessing herself.

Through her proprietary framework, The Brilliance Blueprint™, Maylene helps multi-passionate founders articulate what they stand behind, and the line they're no longer willing to blur, so their brand becomes coherent, irresistible, and the only choice.

Fresh from receiving a Special Recognition Award at the Best Business Women Awards 2025, Maylene is known for creating spaces where women feel seen, confident, and unapologetically themselves; proving that faith, identity, and belonging can walk hand in hand.

{2:01} Maylene's passion for branding and how she started her business.

{5:21} Where the Studio Noor Anisa originated from.

{6:18} The challenges for Muslim women in business.

{8:06} Assessing brand strategy for small businesses.

{12:43} Creating a brand strategy that stands out.

{15:05} The role awards played in maylene's journey.

{21:33} Winning a Special Recognition Award at the 2025 BBWAs.

{24:17} Maylene's business tips.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Maylene: https://nooranisa.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maylene-seah-a41wwwb3a23/?originalSubdomain=uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maylene.seah/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio.nooranisa/

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/mayleneseah/

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

Debbie Gilbert hosts our latest conversation, Fashion, Confidence, and Business Success with Catherine Grout, personal stylist and colour confidence expert. Catherine is founder of style consultancy What I Am Wearing, winner of a Silver Award for Best New Business at the 2025 Best Business Women Awards.

Catherine shares how a long career in tech led to redundancy, a lockdown fashion blog, and ultimately a thriving styling business built around helping professional women look and feel brilliant. She trained at the London College of Style and now teaches there too.

In this episode she covers the three fundamentals of personal styling: colour analysis, body shape, and style personality. Furthermore, she explains why understanding these can genuinely transform how you show up in business and in life.

There is also a brilliant story behind the showstopping teal gown Catherine wore to the awards (spoiler: it cost less than a tenner from a charity shop). Plus there are some brilliant tips on sustainable fashion shopping.

Catherine also gives us a sneak peek at her exciting plans for 2026. These include a new group programme called Style and Grow, more teaching, and possibly even a book.

About Catherine

Catherine is an award-winning Personal Stylist, Colour Analyst and educator, specialising in helping mid-life women feel confident, visible and empowered through personal style. Founder of a successful styling and colour analysis business, she is particularly known for her work with women navigating menopause, career shifts and business growth. Her approach blends practical wardrobe solutions with colour psychology, body confidence and personal branding, helping clients feel more like themselves rather than following trends. In 2025, she was proud to receive Silver for Best Business at the Best Business Women Awards, recognising both her impact and her values-led approach.

Alongside her client work, Catherine is a tutor for the London College of Style. Here she teaches colour analysis to adult students, supporting the next generation of stylists to build skill, confidence and professionalism. She also delivers talks, workshops and online sessions, being passionate about making style feel accessible, joyful and supportive, not intimidating. Catherine's mission is simple: to help women dress themselves happy, with clarity, confidence and intention at every stage of life.

{1:40} Why Catherine is so passionate about fashion.

{3:32} The thought process and experience that led to Catherine's business.

{5:09} THe challenges of leaving corporate life.

{6:11} The work Catherine does with her customers.

{11:54} Why feeling confident in what you're wearing is so important.

{13:57} The teal gown that was a showstopper at the 2025 BBWA Final.

{16:26} Entering the Best New Business category at the 2025 BBWAs.

{18:55} Catherine's sustainable fashion tips.

{23:00} Big plans for the next few years.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Catherine: https://www.whatiamwearing.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-am-wearing-personal-styling/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-grout/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/What-I-am-Wearing-107516851018881/

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

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/whatiamwearing/

This week we help you Ensure Your Business is SEO Visible with Emily Williams, founder of Content Clever and silver winner at the 2025 Best Business Women Awards.

She joins Debbie to talk all things content strategy, SEO, and why she's on a mission to help female-led businesses find their voice online.

After burning out three times by age 27 whilst working in healthcare, Emily took her marketing degree, her husband's encouragement, and a healthy dose of determination - and built a thriving content business from the ground up.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• SEO basics still matter: Fresh, quality content updated regularly, proper indexing, and filling in your SEO plugin fields (title, meta description) correctly can make a significant difference to how Google ranks you
• AI has its place — but it's not a shortcut: Use it for ideas and research, but never publish unedited AI content on your site
• Consistency beats volume: One well-written blog post a month beats six that fizzle out. Aim for 800-1,000 words and repurpose each post across up to eight pieces of social content
• Keyword research doesn't have to be scary: Free tools like Answer the Public and Ubersuggest are a great starting points
• On entering awards: Even copywriters find writing about themselves hard — but the process (and the shortlisting email) was absolutely worth it

Coming up for Emily in 2026: A 12-week course for female entrepreneurs who want to master their own content strategy, plus a first entry into the Best SME Awards.

About Emily

Emily Williams is the founder of Content Clever, an SEO and content consultancy helping female founders, SMEs and agencies give their businesses consistent visibility. With over five years' experience running her own agency, Emily specialises in SEO-led content strategies, GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation), and content systems that actually work in the real world.

She has a background in healthcare marketing and now works across a wide range of industries, combining strategic thinking with practical execution. Emily is passionate about making SEO feel accessible, sustainable, and free from fluff—focusing on content that supports long-term growth, not just quick wins.

{1:40} How Emily came to start Content Clever.

{2:57} Juggling her business with a toddler.

{3:20} Why working with female-led businesses really matters to Emily.

{4:23} Current things to consider regarding SEO.

{5:50} The impact of AI generated content on SEO.

{6:40} More common content mistakes.

{7:52} The importance of repurposing content.

{8:44} The scary world of keyword research.

{10:07} Emily's experience in entering the BBWAs in 2025.

{12:36} The main challenges for a woman running a business in 2026.

{13:51} Networking and growing the client base.

{16:42} How Emily works with clients.

{19:43} Plans for Content Clever's future.

{21:36} Expanding the business by recruiting freelance copywriters.

{22:19} Emily's business tips.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Trudie: https://content-clever.co.uk/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/content-clever/

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

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

Turning Tragedy into Transformation with Patricia Muirhead is a truly inspirational episode of the Business Awards Show. When Patricia lost her daughter Ashdon to suicide in 2014, she made a decision that would change hundreds of young lives — she channelled her grief into action. Consequently, she became founder and CEO of the Ashdon Jazz Academy, a South London charity supporting young women aged 11–21 with their mental health and personal development.

Patricia shares the deeply personal story behind the charity's founding, and how her background as an assistant headteacher shaped her belief that schools alone can't meet young people's emotional needs. She walks us through the programmes the Academy delivers — from one-to-one mentoring and weekly "Girls Night" drop-ins, to school workshops covering everything from journaling and meditation to entrepreneurship and life skills.

We also hear about the funding realities of running a grassroots charity. She explains why corporate partnerships could be a game-changer, and reveals her big dream: a dedicated Academy hub that's truly a safe space for the young women they serve.

Patricia also reflects on winning the Gold Award for Charity Champion at the 2025 Best Business Women Awards. Essentially, it proved what third-party recognition really means when you're doing important, often invisible work. It also gives her a fantastic platform to be Charity of the Year at this Year's Awards Gala Evening.

If you'd like to donate, volunteer as a mentor, or explore a corporate partnership with the Ashdon Jazz Academy, details are in the links below.

About Patricia

Patricia Muirhead is an author, speaker, and transformational mentor dedicated to empowering women to rise beyond adversity and step confidently into their purpose.

As the CEO of Ashdon Jazz Academy, Patricia leads impactful mentoring and development programmes designed to support young women through personal growth, leadership development, and emotional resilience. Her work addresses real-life challenges facing young women today, including identity, self-worth, healthy relationships, and vulnerability to exploitation and violence.

Patricia also provides dedicated support for parents grieving the loss of a child. Having experienced profound personal loss herself, she offers compassionate mentoring to help bereaved parents process grief, rediscover strength, and find hope beyond devastating adversity.

She is the author of two books, including a deeply moving account of losing her daughter and navigating the painful yet transformative road to healing.

{1:57} How Patricia came to start Ashdon Jazz Academy and the work it does.

{4:10} Understanding the challenges faced by young women as a teacher.

{6:27} The programmes the Academy delivers.

{7:45} How young women access their services.

{8:54} Services outside mentoring.

{10:57} A typical success story.

{12:37} The challenges of running a charity.

{15:09} How the Best Businesswomen Awards appeared on the radar.

{16:50} The Academy's tenth birthday last year.

{18:10} Winning local community awards.

{19:38} The number of volunteers in the charity.

{20:04} How Patricia built support from the outset.

{21:46} How the services needed were defined at the beginning.

{25:19} The number of young women the Academy has helped over the last decade.

{28:06} The pressures young women experience today.

{29:28} The mentor selection process.

{30:18} Plans for the next 12 months.

{32:02} Patricia's aims for the future.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Patricia: https://www.ashdonjazzacademy.org.uk/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashdonjazzacademy431

Patricia's Book 'Rise From the Valley': https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rise-Valley-Patricia-Muirhead/dp/B0F5QF8W8M?s=books

In this episode, host Debbie Gilbert traces the Rise of the Logolady with Trudie Avery, award-winning branding and design specialist.

With over 25 years in graphic design, Trudie shares how she left an 11-year partnership to start afresh with just her Mac and lots of determination. She reveals the networking strategy that built her business and how the "Logolady" nickname became her trademarked brand.

Key Highlights:

• How Trudie uncovers her clients' authentic identities through strategic questioning
• Her refreshingly positive take on AI as a creative collaborator
• The awards journey that began in 2019, culminating in a 2025 Best Business Women silver award
• Why awards matter for solo entrepreneurs who lack traditional performance reviews
• Her evolution from designer to published author (Amazon bestseller "Empowering Women to Rise")
• Building a speaking career, including Smantha Cameron's Elevate to Success event

Trudie discusses her upcoming September event in Milton Keynes with fellow branding specialists and shares invaluable insights about creating logos that truly reflect a business's values and personality—sometimes with uncannily intuitive results.

A conversation filled with practical wisdom about visibility, validation, and the power of authentic branding.

About Trudie

Trudie studied graphic design at college and has been a designer for nearly 30 years. Consequently, she says she has never worked a day in her life!

Professionally, she has worked with global brands like Virgin Holidays and Coca Cola but she is equally delighted helping startups get off the ground. Trudie's mission is to rid the world of pointless logos and brands that die on their feet because business owners cannot create brands that attract customers.

She turns half-formed ideas, tangled thoughts, and "I'll know it when I see it" briefs into brands that are clear, confident, and commercially powerful. Her work helps customers connect emotionally, attract the right clients, and support real growth. And this is a designer known for straight-talking, anti-cliché branding, asking the questions others don't, and creating identities that feel like a perfect fit, not a costume.

Trudie is committed to her values when working with customers - creativity, fun, and kindness. As she says, "Our values are easy for us to live by because this is not just what we are, it's who we are".

{2:00} 2025 - an immense year for Trudie.

{2:49} How Trudie came to starting her business.

{4:33} Trudie's career before going it alone.

{6:15} Getting clients in the early days.

{7:22} How Trudie became known as the "Logolady".

{8:47} Avery Creative's range of services.

{9:45} The positive impact of AI on Trudie's work.

{12:06} What are the key things to consider when designing a logo?

{14:23} The role of intuition in Trudie's designs.

{15:28} The SME Northampton Awards 2018.

{17:04} The validation from winning awards.

{18:42} Trudie's business awards strategy.

{20:30} Making the most of being a finalist.

{21:43} Trudie's plans for the next few years.

{25:56} Contributing to an Amazon bestseller - "Empowering Women to Rise".

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Trudie: http://www.logolady.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trudie.avery/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trudie-avery/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logolady.co.uk/

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/trudied11/

Empowering Women to Rise: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Empowering-Women-Rise-Dreams-Joyful/dp/1068237473

The Power of the Peer Group with John Acton, CEO of Peer2Peer, discusses his incredible journey from 30 years in corporate to becoming an award-winning business leader.

John shares how he transformed DPD from fifth to first in Europe in its sector, before leaving to help other businesses develop more effective strategies. He discusses Peer2Peer, a network of advisory boards where business owners meet monthly to work on their businesses together in a supportive, non-competing environment.

Discover John's newly launched book "Pies and Pie Charts," a practical guide to business strategy, critical thinking, and growth. The book QR codes linking to video explanations of each chapter. Learn about the difference between strategic thinking and planning, and why asking the right questions in the right sequence matters.

John also reveals plans to expand Peer2Peer nationwide and introduces Surge, an affordable program for solopreneurs and micro businesses. John's "never leave a member behind" philosophy sets his business apart, and proves highly attractive to business coaches who can more easily recruit clients into a Board than on a one-to-one basis.

This is the perfect episode for any business owner who wants to understand more about business strategy, and, how a peer group could be a great solution.

About John

John spent thirty years in multinational corporations, with seventeen years at DPD. He rose to become Executive Vice-President based in Paris. Having steered the business from fifth to first in the sector, more than doubling revenue, John decided the time was right to return to England. The move led him to starting his own business, acquiring the European license for DPI International. As a result, he helped hundreds of businesses create better strategies, delivering improved results and growth.

In 2017, he became a Co-Founder of peer2peer, a CEO peer Board designed to provide support, accountability, and business focus half a day a month. It is now the fastest growing peer Board in the country, and aims to help business leaders turn business journeys into shared adventures.

{2:13} John's corporate career and why he started his own business.

{9:08} The benefits of peer2peer and who it's aimed at.

{15:30} Winning the Best Business Leader at the Herts SME and National SME Awards.

{19:40} Launching his book "Pie or Pie Charts", and what it provides to readers.

{24:53} John's next book - "Rock Your Cradle".

{26:20} John's plans for 2026/7.

{29:10} The Surge offering from peer2peer.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with John: https://peer2peer.global/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peer-2-peer-boards/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peer2peerboards

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peer2peerboards

"Pies or Pie Charts": https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pies-Pie-Charts-Astonishingly-outmanoeuvre/dp/1914151577

Coaching for Neurodivergents with Talia Zamora discusses her journey building a coaching business that specializes in supporting neurodivergent entrepreneurs and families.

Talia's Story

After struggling to find flexible work that fit around her two autistic sons, Talia decided to start her own coaching business about six years ago. What began as general business coaching naturally evolved into a neurodivergent focus when she realized she kept attracting clients who were either neurodivergent themselves or had neurodivergent children.

Key Challenges for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs

Talia explains that many neurodivergent business owners struggle with:

• Setting realistic boundaries and time management
• Comparing themselves to others and risking burnout
• Being organized and prioritizing effectively
• Knowing when to outsource tasks that drain their energy

Her top tip? Look at your diary realistically—you might think you have eight hours to work, but actually only have five. Build your ideal week from there.

The Power of Networking and Awards

After working in isolation for about a year, Talia discovered the value of networking—particularly smaller, intimate events. She's won multiple awards, including a silver in the Best of Business Women Awards, which helped combat imposter syndrome and brought valuable local recognition.

Growing Through Referrals

Much of Talia's business comes from referrals—through networking connections, partnerships with agencies, and her work with the Advanced ADHD and Autism Trust charity. It's a sustainable approach that works perfectly for someone who admits they're "not great at marketing."

About Talia

Talia Zamora is a Neurodivergent Business and Family Coach supporting neurodivergent individuals and families through lived experience—growing up in and raising a neurodivergent family. She helps clients navigate overwhelm, self-doubt, and masking while building on strengths and self-compassion. Her intuitive, practical approach addresses burnout recovery, executive function, sensory sensitivities, business boundaries, and identity discovery. All tailored to understanding how neurodivergent brains work. Talia creates a safe space where clients feel seen and equipped to thrive in their own beautifully different way.

{1:35} Why Talia started started her own business.

{3:32} Identifying a need for neurodivergent coaching.

{4:46} The challenges of neurodivergency.

{5:36} The importance of prioritisation and organisation.

{6:02} Talia's coaching work.

{7:08} How neurodivergent entrepreneurs can create calm.

{8:51} How Talia sources and retains clients.

{11:36} How networking broadened Talia's world.

{12:57} The events Talia enjoys.

{13:45} Networking for neurodivergents.

{14:56} Talia's experience getting involved in business awards.

{16:38} PR wins from being an award finalist.

{18:36} Talia's business tip.

{19:42} How Talia organises herself.

{20:25} Plans for 2026.

{21:54} How to spot the signs of neurodivergency.

{22:22} Where to get help.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Talia: https://www.taliazamora.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliazamora/

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

Talia's Neurodivergent Traits download: https://taliazamora.com/#101-neurodivergent-traits

This week we discuss Holiday Clubs with a Difference with Amy Cunningham, founder of The Strings Club. Amy outlines how she built a successful childcare business centred around music and wellbeing.

About The Strings Club

Amy launched her business in 2012 after hosting a small holiday camp for six children in Camden. Today, The Strings Club operates in 22 locations across London and the Midlands. Each one offers holiday camps where children learn musical instruments, enjoy creative workshops, and participate in activities like yoga and dance. The week culminates in a Friday afternoon concert where children showcase what they've learned.

Key Business Insights

Amy discusses the importance of slow, steady growth to maintain quality standards. She limits camp sizes to maximum 48 children and requires all team members to attend paid pre-holiday training sessions. Uniquely, free childcare for all staff members is provided, helping parents return to work without prohibitive childcare costs.

The business maintains a strict no-screens policy, which has become a major selling point for parents concerned about children's screen time.

Awards and Recognition

Amy has won multiple awards including Female Entrepreneur of the Year (No Fear Awards), Birmingham Businesswoman of the Year, and silver at the Best Business Women Awards. She encourages entrepreneurs to enter awards for the validation, networking opportunities, and confidence boost they provide.

Lessons Learned

Amy candidly shares her experience with burnout and emphasises the importance of entrepreneur wellbeing, advocating for regular breaks and sustainable business practices over the traditional "no pain, no gain" approach.

About Amy

Amy founded The Strings Club in 2012, transforming a £1,000 Prince's Trust loan and a six-child Camden holiday camp into a multi-award-winning music education company now operating across 22 locations and inspiring nearly half a million children. A former violin teacher driven by music's power to build confidence and creativity, she's grown the business without external investment while championing flexible working and providing free childcare for staff. Her leadership has earned recognition including Start Up Business of the Year, Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year, and Female Entrepreneur of the Year. Amy continues expanding The Strings Club's reach, bringing music's transformative benefits to children UK-wide.

{3:08} Why Amy started The Strings Club.

{5:13} How Amy has grown The Strings Club to what it is today.

{7:08} The facilities The Strings Club offers.

{8:46} A typical day for a child at The Strings Club.

{11:44} Transitioning from teaching music to running a business.

{12:03} Help and support in the early days from the Prince's Trust.

{13:05} Support with marketing.

{14:27} The need to look after yourself.

{15:54} Scaling the business.

{18:31} The profile of a typical holiday camp manager.

{20:01} The challenges of growing the business.

{20:55} Dealing with burnout.

{22:30} Amy's experience with business awards.

{23:36} The impact of the Nectar Awards.

{24:13} Winning the Birmingham Awards.

{25:08} Winning the Female Entrepreneur of the Year.

{27:22} Amy's business tips.

{30:56} The Strings Club no-screens policy.

{34:10} Future plans.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Amy: https://www.thestringsclub.org/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-strings-club-limited/

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

Create Your Gameplan with Ceylan Boyce sees the return of the founder of the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs to talk about her live planning event in March.

In this bonus episode of the Business Awards Show, Ceylan explains why planning is essential for business success. She shares why "winging it" leads to working harder for smaller results, and how proper planning gives you the freedom and flexibility to grow.

Discover how Ceylan's quarterly planning events bring together 50-60 business owners in a safe, supportive environment where you can actually think strategically about your business. Unlike typical networking events, these are full-day workshops where you leave with a concrete action plan, not just a buzz from being in a room full of people.

She also discusses the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs membership, monthly breakfast clubs, and new online workshops for those who can't make it to London in person.

The next "Create Your Game Plan" event is on March 16th in London, featuring speakers on visibility, PR, personal branding, and awards strategy. Find the link in the show notes to get your ticket. And use the promo code to get a 30% discount!

{2:30} Why businesses must plan to succeed.

{4:00} Bringing business owners together to plan.

{6:32} How Ceylan's events work.

{11:13} Ceylan's online events.

{12:43} Ceylan's breakfast events.

{14:10} The benefits of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs.

{15:34} The Academy's success stories.

{16:43} Speakers at the Create Your Gameplan event in London.

Connect with Ceylan: https://academyforwomenentrepreneurs.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/academy-for-women-entrepreneurs/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@academyforwomenentrepreneurs/videos

Create Your Gameplan Live Event: https://academywe.ac-page.com/cygp-mar26

Discount code for Business Awards Show Listeners: BBWA30