The Business Awards Show

In this fascinating episode, we look at Transforming the World of Medical Diagnostics with Bronia Thomas, founder and CEO of Global Lab Expert Group (GLXG).

The Genesis Story

After experiencing burnout and chronic illness, Bronia found herself frustrated by the limitations of mainstream healthcare testing. When traditional systems couldn't diagnose her condition, she discovered a London doctor working with German laboratories who finally provided answers through specialised diagnostic tests. This personal journey revealed a massive gap in the healthcare market—patients desperately seeking answers but unable to connect with the right laboratories and practitioners.

Building a Global Network

GLXG operates in the space between patients, doctors, and laboratories worldwide. The company ships specialised test kits globally (covering everything from long COVID to microplastics testing) and connects patients with top-calibre diagnostic facilities. What makes it unique? Bronia applies her marketing expertise to solve a communication problem—helping brilliant labs and doctors find patients who need them, and vice versa.

Awards Impact

Winning Gold for Best New Business at the Best Business Women Awards was transformative. Despite initial doubts about being an "entrepreneur," the recognition validated Bronia's vision and boosted team confidence. The award provides crucial trust markers when building relationships in the highly-regulated healthcare space.

Key Advice for Entrepreneurs

• Stay flexible: Your business will evolve—embrace it
• Build your moat: Prioritize legal, financial, and technical infrastructure using external specialists, from day one
• Keep it personal: In an AI-driven world, authentic human connection matters more than ever
• Tell your story: Awards aren't just about winning—they're powerful storytelling opportunities

Bronia's journey proves that industry experience can transfer in unexpected ways, and that solving problems you've personally experienced can create meaningful business opportunities.

About Bronia

Bronia Thomas is an award-winning entrepreneur and marketing specialist with over 25 years' experience working with the world's top brands across diverse industries including travel, retail, finance, tech, healthcare, and luxury brands. Her expertise lies in understanding complex problems from the customer's perspective and creating commercially focused solutions that drive business growth.

In April 2024, Bronia founded Global Lab eXpert Group (GLXG) Ltd, a healthcare company connecting patients and professionals to advanced diagnostic services worldwide. In under 18 months, she has grown the company from packing test kits at her kitchen table to leading a nine-person team with hubs across the UK, Austria, Portugal, Germany, and support locations spanning five continents. This remarkable achievement earned her the UK's Best Businesswoman Award for Best New Business 2025.

Bronia also lectures in Business and Digital Marketing, bringing her unique blend of academic knowledge and real-world commercial experience to education.

{2:10} Why Bronia set up a medical diagnostics business despite coming from a marketing background.

{16:15} Ordering blood tests and operating in an unregulated market.

{20:35} Designing processes, selecting practitioners and laboratories.

{24:25} How AI is impacting the medical sector.

{33:54} What made Bronia enter the Best Businesswomen Awards, and her experience of doing so.

{42:14} Bronia's business challenges and her advice as a result.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Bronia: https://glxg.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-lab-expert-group/

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

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

How Awards Have Powered an Animator's Business with Emma Youell, investigates the rise of the creative force behind Emma Youell Design. In this edition of The Business Awards Show, we discuss Emma's rapid rise from freelancer to award-winning business owner.

As an introduction, Emma shares her fascinating journey, starting with her "accidental" entry into the world of motion graphics. Despite initially wanting to avoid the corporate world, she found her niche in the financial services sector, learning how to turn complex, "boring" subjects into engaging, spicy content. She also opens up about her passion for the heritage sector and how her hobby as a metal detectorist influences her creative work.

The heart of the conversation focuses on Emma's incredible success with business awards. In just under two years, she has navigated local, national, and even global award ceremonies. Emma discusses the "click moment" when she realised she needed to learn how to run a business, not just do the creative work. Furthermore, she got clarity on how entering awards could help her build vital trust in the marketplace.

Emma reveals the very real impact of being a finalist, including how a single networking event led to a whopping £12k contract—for an award she didn't even win! She also offers great advice on overcoming imposter syndrome, reminding listeners that they are the experts in their own fields.

Key Takeaways:

• How animation can solve business problems, from FAQ videos to event graphics.

• Why the "evidence" in your award entry is just as important as the creative work itself.

• The power of networking and "being in the room" with other high achievers.

• Emma's top tip: Don't be afraid to rave about your own wins!

If you're looking to scale your business or want to see how animation can level up your brand, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

About Emma

Emma graduated from Ravensbourne in 2013 with a BA Hons in Motion Graphic Design. As a motion graphic designer, videographer, and editor , she has gained valuable experience across various industries. Her projects range from explainer videos to social media promotions, tracking and compositing for informational videos, and motion graphics for events, showcasing her adaptability and versatility.

In her spare time, Emma loves everything about history. She has been on TimeTeam, Great British History Hunters and Digging for Treasure: Tonight, and has been a metal detectorist and amateur archaeologist for 7+ years.

Emma's work has been featured on BBC News, ITV News and Sky News. She has also been published in the Evening Standard, The Bank Remembers: 100 years on, Alchemist Magazine.

In 2025, Emma won the Creative, Digital, and Innovation Award in the Kent Creative Awards.

{1:30} What made Emma so passionate about animation and why she started her own business.

{4:56} Is it better for a creative to work alone?

{6:18} How companies employ animation.

{7:32} Emma's favourite industries.

{8:12} The work Emma does in the heritage sector.

{8:49} How awards appeared on Emma's radar.

{11:16} Choosing which awards to enter.

{12:43} Applying for global, national, and local awards within twelve months.

{15:13} The impact Emma experienced by entering awards.

{16:37} The PR gained by by being an awards finalist and winner.

{18:51} Being a finalist at the Lloyds British Business Awards.

{21:50} Winning a local business award in Kent.

{22:44} Emma's plans for her business.

{28:05} Emma's business tips.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Emma: https://emmayouell.com/motion-reel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmayouell1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma.motion/

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

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

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/emmayouell

Behance: https://www.behance.net/emma-youell

How a Coach Can Transform Your Working Life with Kate Bishop is the latest episode of the Business Awards Podcast.

Kate shares her journey from burning out in the events industry to discovering coaching almost by accident. After attending a weekend coaching course on a colleague's recommendation (expecting just free coffee!), she found her calling and never looked back.

Now specialising in career change and presentation skills, Kate works with people who feel stuck, lacking confidence, or unsure of their next steps. Whether it's toxic work environments, redundancy, or just feeling invisible in hybrid working situations, Kate helps clients rediscover their value and find their voice. Her aim, to make her clients' Mondays as amazing as their Fridays!

Key Topics Covered

• The burnout wake-up call – How Kate's own experience shapes her empathic coaching approach
• Confidence myths – Why you don't need to be the loudest person in the room
• Public speaking fears – Kate's tips for getting visible without the terror (spoiler: it's just having a conversation!)
• The awards journey – How entering the Best Businesswomen Awards became a valuable reflection exercise
• Networking survival guide – Kate's golden rule: be curious about others
• Visibility struggles – Why so many business owners hide from social media and how to reframe it

Kate's Top Tip

Remember: it's not about you, it's about your business. When you're putting yourself out there on social media or at events, frame it as sharing your business message rather than putting a spotlight on yourself.

About Kate

Kate helps brilliant and but frustrated professionals and business owners rediscover their spark and reclaim their working week with bravery and courage.

Kate plots a strategy that ignites her clients' purpose and passions designed around their lives, to ensure the right balance.

She rebuilds confidence to allow her coachees to feel calm and in control, especially when having to make those big, hairy decisions!

Her goal - to make your Mondays as much fun as your Fridays!

{2:00} What motivated Kate to become a coach.

{5:38} Managing the transition from part-time to full-time coaching.

{7:41} The common reasons why people need Kate's coaching.

{11:01} Finding your purpose, and managing expectations of confidence.

{12:17} Improving presentation skills.

{15:17} The positive outcomes of being able to present yourself.

{16:29} Kate's radio show, The Confidence Collective.

{18:40} Kate's awards experience.

{22:02} Award plans for the future.

{22:40} Attending awards finals on your own.

{24:30} Getting the most from networking.

{28:05} Kate's business tip.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Kate: https://www.kate-bishop.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Kate-Bishop-Coaching/61559019519314/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_7T62rkgddO8au9crDFuQ

The Quietly Confident Business Summit: https://femalebusinessnetwork.co.uk/summit

Join Debbie Gilbert from The Business Awards Show as we discover How a Qualified Marketing Expert Can Transform Your Business with Dee Blick.

Dee is a multi-award-winning marketing expert, and author of six bestselling books. Crucially, she is one of only 3% of marketers globally to hold Fellowship status with the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

With 41 years in marketing, Dee evolved from working in "big glossy businesses" to becoming a passionate advocate for SMEs. A natural writer who "tumbled into marketing," she continues writing for magazines, as well as her books, combining her twin passions seamlessly.

Key insights from this episode:

• Why "marketer" has become misappropriated: web designers to promotional gift sellers claim the title without proper training or understanding of marketing fundamentals

• You have to put in the hard yards to become a Fellow: Dee submitted a rigorous dossier proving decades of grassroots work

• Unregulated industries are a problem: many businesses have spendt £20,000+ with "marketers" (actually web developers) pushing expensive websites without the right marketing analysis

• Good marketing advice is unbiased: it should prioritize client success over selling schemes, memberships, or specific services

Book Awards vs Business Awards:

Unlike business awards, book awards often nominate works independently. Dee won awards from independent review sites, Guardian Top 10 Reads for Entrepreneurs, and magazine writing awards; all without entering. The Business Book Awards, however, requires a written entry but features rigorous judging where every book is read and assessed on content quality, not sales figures or publisher prestige.

"You're The Best!" - Dee's Latest Book:

Born from a dream (literally!), this personal branding guide distills Dee's 40-year template for moving from "seeker of opportunity" to "sought after." Written against the backdrop of AI "bleaching" authentic brands, it celebrates authenticity and provides a step-by-step roadmap to building your brand without selling expensive schemes.

Dee's Essential Marketing Tips:

Strip back to basics: identify your target audience, overcome barriers to sale, and create wow moments throughout your client journey. Additionally, review marketing spend: small amounts add up to thousands when misaligned with your target audience. And if you don't have time to do marketing, bring in a specialist, even for 10-15 hours a week. It will pay dividends.

About Dee

Dee is a multi-award-winning Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. She is also a #1 bestselling marketing author of books including, The 15 Essential Marketing Masterclasses for Your Small Business (Wiley), winner of the Bookbag non-fiction award. Her previous book, The Ultimate Small Business Marketing Book, hit the Amazon charts at 150 before remaining a top 10 category bestseller for 5 years. It was even translated into Chinese after Dee was offered a publishing deal by CITIC Publishing.

She has just launched her fifth marketing book, You're the Best! How to Build an Authentic and Magnetic Personal Brand. It offers 13 chapters of theory-free wisdom and experience so you can move from "seeker" to "sought after". On Amazon pre-release it was #1 in 6 categories. It is essential reading for any founder wanting to be a magnet for clients, introducers, and influencers on a shoestring budget.

Throughout a 40-year career, Dee has worked with clients from all sectors,helping each one to build their personal brand and become a key person of influence. Consistently, she has followed the same process, delivering considerable success.

{2:20} Dee's business journey.

{3:22} What made Dee go into marketing.

{4:33} Working with a diverse range of customers.

{6:05} Why the Chartered Institute of Marketing is so essential.

{9:58} The worrying growth of unqualified marketeers.

{13:20} Dee's experience of book awards.

{20:27} You're the Best! The book to build your personal brand.

{28:37} How awards and personal branding align.

{29:36} The Boutique - Dee's work of fiction.

{32:28} Dee's top marketing tips.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Dee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativemarketer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dee.blick

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blick.dee/

You're the Best!: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Youre-Best-Authentic-Magnetic-Personal/dp/1917534078

15 Essential Marketing Masterclasses for Your Small Business: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Essential-Marketing-Masterclasses-Small-Business/dp/0857084402

This week's Business Awards Show looks at Bringing Awards to the Isle of Man with Louise Wheeler, founder of L C Consultancy and the Elevate You Awards. Originally from Essex, Louise ended up in the Isle of Man almost by accident. In her words it was because she and her now husband were offered a free lift from Guernsey!

Louise's Journey:

After 15 years in L&D, including four years in the gaming industry, Louise took the leap to establish LC Consulting. Starting with basic challenges like setting up professional email addresses and websites, she built a thriving consultancy specializing in leadership training, executive coaching, and organizational culture development.

Key insights from this episode:

• Why bite-size learning works - Louise delivers impactful half-day sessions (3-3.5 hours) rather than full-day programs that sap attention and effectiveness

• The power of differentiation - Louise strategically gained qualifications and licenses to offer services competitors weren't providing, making her the go-to expert on the Isle of Man

• Awards awakening - From collecting a corporate award without personal attachment to discovering the transformative power of business awards through a virtual course speaker

• Strategic award planning - After winning Director of the Year (Institute of Directors) and Woman Who Solopreneur, Louise now focuses on industry-specific awards in L&D, coaching, and culture

Creating the Elevate You Awards:

Inspired by Sandra Garlick's Woman Who awards, Louise founded Elevate You to recognize women leaders, entrepreneurs, and solo-preneurs on the Isle of Man. What started as an expectation of 30 attendees exploded into 100+ guests at an afternoon event designed for working mums.

Louise's innovative approach included afternoon timing (finishing by 3:30pm for school runs), no childcare barriers, elegant afternoon tea, and intimate celebration - deliberately different from traditional evening galas. The overwhelming feedback? "Do this every year!"

Louise's wisdom: "Say yes and do it scared" - embracing opportunities despite fear leads to unexpected success and growth.

About Louise

After leaving her senior corporate role in 2021, Lou took the leap to build a consultancy that brings together her qualifications and 15+ years of experience across leadership development, coaching, and culture transformation. Today, she specialises in helping leaders and managers grow into confident, capable, resilient, people leaders.

Alongside this work, Lou created Elevate You, a brand devoted to recognising, supporting, and empowering women in business. In 2025, she launched the Isle of Man's first-ever awards event dedicated to celebrating women, an entire platform she built from scratch while running her consuiltancy. Elevate You has grown into a community platform that champions achievement, sparks confidence, and brings ambitious women together.

Away from work, Lou is a mum and wife living in a very lively, boy-filled house. Their two Cockapoos insist on being her "worjk colleagues" and she admits they are adorable but major distractions!

{2:15} Why Louise left the gaming industry to set up an L&D company and an Awards programme.

{4:23} Why Louise came to live in the Isle of Man.

{7:30} The challenges running a consultancy business.

{10:34} Finding her first clients.

{14:00} The types of projects Louise works on.

{17:16} When awards first came on the radar.

{22:27} Winning an Institute of Directors' Award.

{24:05} How the Elevate You Awards were created.

{27:47} The inaugural Elevate You event in September 2025.

{28:49} The judging process.

{30:28} The number of finalists and winners.

{35:40} Turning Elevate You into a community platform.

{37:09} Louise's one nugget of wisdom.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Louise: https://lcconsultancy.im/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l-c-consultancy-limited/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089246773652

https://www.facebook.com/p/Elevate-You-61573836203920/

Join Debbie Gilbert from The Business Awards Show to find out How to Win at Awards with Stephanie Brown. Stef is an expert awards consultant with an impressive 88% success rate across 500+ award entries.

She shares her unique journey from professional dancer in Montreal to becoming a sought-after awards specialist in the UK. After working in creative agencies for 15 years, she discovered her talent for crafting winning award entries that combine creative storytelling with analytical thinking.

Key insights from this episode:

• Why award strategy matters more than simply entering awards; align entries with your business objectives (business development, recruitment, or investment readiness)
• The importance of context in award entries - big numbers mean nothing without proper framing and comparison
• How to identify when you're not "award ready" and why waiting can save money and credibility
• Red flags to avoid in pay-to-play awards: mandatory expensive winner packages, charging judges to participate, unclear judging criteria, forcing attendance, and public voting systems
• Why you should announce being shortlisted, not just winning - it's valuable PR at every stage
• The dreaded "oh sh*t moment" - why last-minute entries rarely succeed and how to create an awards schedule instead

Stephanie emphasizes that winning isn't the end goal - it's about creating valuable content you can leverage across your marketing channels. Furthermore, with her marketing background, she helps clients maximize their award investment beyond just winning a trophy.

Whether you're considering entering awards or want to improve your success rate, this episode provides invaluable guidance on navigating the awards landscape ethically and strategically.

About Stephanie

Stephanie became an independent awards and case study consultant in 2009, after 15 years as an in-house marketer at various creative agencies. She works with clients to define their awards strategy, identify what to enter, and to write copy/provide advice for winning entries. She has over 500 entries under her belt and an 88% shortlist success rate. Stef also helps to review entries written by her clients.

What has she learned over the years? Everyone loves to win awards. It's bright and shiny recognition you can feel good about. But entering (and winning) awards should be more than that. People decide they need to enter awards, they don't actually think about why they should do so. That's where they can go wrong – and potentially waste a lot of time and money. It's all about defining the exact reasons why to enter awards, how they support business/brand objectives, and what you hope to achieve if and when you win them.

Prior to her marketing and awards career, she was a professional dancer, choreographer and lighting designer. Originally from Canada, she's lived in the UK since 1992. Outside of work, her passions include dancing Argentine Tango and cultivating exotic orchid genera.

{1:30} Stef's journey into award-writing.

{7:23} Applying strategy to entering awards.

{8:58} Identifying the right awards and collating information that will increase your chances of winning.

{12:18} How to manage clients who aren't award ready.

{13:59} Unethical award programmes.

{14:44} How to spot the red flags of poor awards.

{17:41} Justifying entry fees but why judges should not be paying for the privilege.

{20:54} Charging extortionate fees for winning is not right!

{22:51} Publicising being a finalist, not just a winner.

{25:05} The problem with awards based on public votes.

{26:36} Stef's key awards tips.

{29:29} Deadline extensions are wrong!

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefbrown/

The Joy of Real Indian Food is this week's brilliant discussion on the Business Awards Show. Founder of Tikka and Tadka, Roshni talks about her journey from NHS worker to award-winning Indian catering entrepreneur.

Roshni's Journey:

After years in the NHS, Roshni launched her authentic Indian home-style cooking business in April 2020 - right as lockdown hit. Instead of postponing, she pivoted to local curry nights in her village, which became so popular they evolved into her signature curry box service.

The Mission:

Roshni's passion is educating people about authentic Indian cuisine versus the Bangladeshi-influenced "Indian" food commonly served in UK restaurants. She uses family recipes passed down through four generations, techniques learned from her mother in Kolkata, and dishes collected from friends across different regions of India.

Business Model:

• Curry Boxes: Pre-ordered weekly meal boxes with five different curries, delivered fresh and chilled on Thursdays across Oxfordshire
• Weddings: 3-4 weddings annually (already booked three for next year)
• Corporate Catering: Specializing in Indian street food, not traditional curry
• Supper Clubs: Quarterly events showcasing Bengali cuisine, including fusion menus like English pub classics with Bengali spices

Award Success:

Roshni won silver at The Best Businesswomen Awards after being encouraged to apply by others - the recognition provided crucial local exposure and customer trust.

Future Plans:

Roshni aims to expand the catering business while opening her own café serving diverse authentic Indian dishes beyond curry.

About Roshni:

Roshni is the founder and chef behind Tikka & Tadka, an Oxfordshire-based Indian catering business. She brings homestyle, regional Indian cooking to local homes and events, specialising in weekly curry boxes, private catering, pop-ups, and supper clubs. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and authentic flavours, Roshni combines traditional techniques with a modern approach to delivering memorable dining experiences.

{2:14} The journey from the NHS to Indian cooking.

{4:36} The drive to start a food business.

{6:48} The difference between Indian and Bangladeshi food.

{9:24} The challenge of catering for weddings.

{9:50} Indian food is not just curry.

{10:46} Roshni's curry boxes.

{13:10} Running supper clubs.

{14:03} Turning supper club clients into curry box customers.

{14:53} How awards came on the radar.

{16:43} The challenges of building Tikka and Tadka.

{19:10} Roshni's marketing strategy.

{20:06} Longer term plans.

{21:54} Meeting Prue Leith.

{22:27} Roshni's approach to networking.

{23:46} Advice for setting up a food business.

{25:08} The challenge of running a business while having young children.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Roshni: https://www.tikkaandtadka.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshni-ray-8172342b/

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

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

Where's Your Social Proof? with Shehnaaz Latif is the latest edition of the Business Awards Show. We talked to Shehnaaz, the founder of TOOT Services Limited, about the critical importance of social proof for businesses and award entries. She also told us about her annual event in December, The Impact Showcase.

Shehnaaz's Journey: Despite being naturally shy, Shehnaaz built a 22-year career helping charities and businesses gather evidence of their impact. The name "TOOT" stands for "Tell Others Out There" - encouraging people to celebrate their successes rather than hiding their achievements.

Key Distinctions: Shehnaaz clarifies the differences between testimonials, reviews, and case studies:

• Reviews can be positive, negative, or neutral
• Testimonials are "mini stories with happy endings" - always positive
• Case studies are deeper, longer-term narratives tracking experiences over time with ripple effects

Best Practices:

• Ask the right questions at the right time in the right format
• Avoid leading questions like "How happy are you with my service?"
• Gather evidence throughout the client journey, not just at the end
• Follow up with clients 6-12 months later for case studies
• Use composite case studies when dealing with sensitive topics
• Ensure proper consent, especially for vulnerable clients

The Impact Showcase: Shehnaaz hosts an annual event (first Wednesday in December) where business owners celebrate their impact through client success stories.

Her Takeaway: Focus on service over sales - when motivated by genuine impact, the money follows naturally. Build authentic relationships with clients to gather meaningful testimonials that demonstrate real transformation.

About Shehnaaz

Shehnaaz Latif is an Impact Expert and Wellbeing Advocate with over 22 years' experience helping charities, commuinities and purpose-led businesses collect evidence of the difference their work makes and feedback to learn from. A trauma-informed social researcher and independent evaluation consultant, she's worked with leading funders and grassroots changemakers to design frameworks, capture outcomes, and celebrate real stories of change.

Through her business TOOT services, Shehnaaz now trains organisations and speakers to build ethical, independent social proof that turns quiet impact into visible influence. She is the founder of The Impact Showcase which is an annual event allowing changemakers to connect and share their impact, with heart.

{1:59} Shehnaaz's road to starting TOOT and where the name came from.

{5:30} How Shehnaaz works with clients.

{7:48} The difference between reviews, testimonials, and case studies.

{11:10} How to create a case study.

{13:55} Getting reviews in sensitive situations.

{17:42} Tailoring testimonial requests to get the right responses.

{22:00} Working with charities, corporates, solopreneurs, and SMEs.

{23:35} The Impact Showcase Event.

{25:45} What's next for Shehnaaz?

{31:20} Advice for other entrepreneurs.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Shehnaaz: https://tootservices.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toot-services-ltd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shehnaaz.latif

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

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

The Impact Showcase: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-impact-showcase-registration-881249961357?aff=oddtdtcreator

"Yes - Your Business Can Make a Corporate Film" with Natalie Scarsbrook is this week's chat on The Business Awards Show. Natalie, co-founder of Blatella Films, discusses her fascinating 12-year journey in corporate filmmaking and documentary production.

She shares how she became an "accidental business owner" after graduating with a film studies degree in 2010 during the recession. Unable to find traditional employment, she and her fiancé (now husband) Ben started Blatella Films in their home borough of Thurrock in Essex, armed with just a second-hand camera and determination.

The big news? Their documentary "Our Journey to Pride" has won an incredible 27 awards at film festivals worldwide, screening everywhere from America and Canada to India, Dubai, and Serbia. The film chronicles Thurrock's first-ever Pride Festival and has become a powerful message about LGBTQ+ acceptance and community celebration.

Natalie reveals how corporate filmmaking doesn't have to be boring - Blatella Films brings cinematic techniques to business videos, working with clients from one-man bands to major organizations like C2C rail services and NHS trusts across Essex. Furthermore, she recently won a Silver Award for Best Creative Business at the Best Businesswomen Awards.

Looking ahead, Natalie's directing her next documentary "Witchcraft and Stilettos: Redefining the Essex Girl Narrative," exploring stereotypes from the 1600s witch trials to modern-day Towie culture.

Plus, get insider tips on working with your spouse, creating engaging business videos, and why film content is fundamental for modern businesses.

About Blatella

Blatella Films lives and breathes film. Combining experience in the industry and training in both film theory and production, they work closely with clients to interpret and bring their ideas to life. Their hands on approach and multi-disciplined team of camera operators, editors, sound engineers, and concept artists, with 40 years combined experience, gives Blatella near unrivalled facilities to craft the best films for clients.

Blatella pride themselves on excellent customer service and honesty with every client and on top of their top-of-the-line 4K cinema cameras and the most up to date editing facilities, offer truly cost effective and efficient film services.

At the core of the company is a drive and passion to make engaging, high-quality films that tell compelling stories. Blatella firmly believes that corporate filmmaking can and should be interesting, well-made and be able to grab audiences.

As a company they have garnered multiple award nominations and wins since setting up in 2012. They can adapt film to any industry or business. In that time, they have made 2045 films and have 238 unique clients (figs Jan 2025). They have worked with everyone from small one-man-band businesses to large regional stalwarts and even internationally renowned brands. As a result, Blatella produces on average, three hundred projects a year.

{1:30} Natalie's journey to starting Blatella Films.

{4:22} A documentary that won 27 awards!.

{7:10} Getting the film distributed at festivals.

{8:35} The impact and developing purpose of the film.

{9:52} Leaving a lasting legacy.

{11:47} The benefit of winning 27 awards in pitching for a new documentary.

{13:15} Why Natalie entered a business awards.

{15:57} Making corporate films more interesting.

{20:26} Why it's essential to have video on your website.

{22:05} The power of repurposing video.

{23:05} The typical Blatella client profile.

{25:15} Brainstorming ideas for your film with a professional film-maker.

{27:47} Tips for working with your life partner.

{32:00} What the future looks like for Blatella.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Natalie: https://blatella.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blatellafilms/

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Welcome to the latest episode of The Business Awards Show, 'Why Numbers Count with the FD Consultant Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam'.

Romesh is a finance expert, podcast host and a long-time judge for the Best Business Women Awards. The conversation blends business wisdom, personal stories, and a good dose of humour about life as an accountant who once turned up to a barefoot office in a suit!

Romesh shares how, after a successful corporate career in FTSE 100 companies, he transitioned to working with start-ups and SMEs. He eventually launched The FD Consultant, which offers part-time "fractional" finance director services. His mission? To make top-level financial expertise accessible and affordable for growing businesses that can't yet justify a full-time FD.

Romesh's passion is helping business owners turn data into clear, simple insights that drive smarter decisions. He explains this is a much better alternative than getting lost in technical accounting jargon. As he puts it, "Numbers don't lie—they tell your story."

Additionally, the discussion dives into common financial pitfalls—like how SMEs can manage cash flow effectively and failing to spot profit opportunities. Throughout, Romesh manages to make numbers sound fun!

He also chats about his experience as a judge for the Best Businesswomen Awards. Initially unsure what to expect, Romesh says he was impressed by the integrity, robust process, and sense of community the awards foster. His insights illuminate the benefits of entering business awards and how to make your entry stand out.

Moving on, the conversation turns to Romesh's own business podcast, "Strive and Thrive," co-hosted with innovation expert Mike Oliver. The show explores all things entrepreneurship—from networking and leadership to time management and innovation—featuring guests who share lessons from their own business journeys.

It's an inspiring, warm, and practical conversation about the realities of running and scaling a business—with plenty of laughs, and some insightful learnings for entrepreneurs looking to scale or enter awards.

About Romesh

Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam brings warmth and clarity to the often intimidating world of business finance. As the founder of The FD Consultant, a collective of part-time finance directors, Romesh has spent over 15 years transforming how growing businesses approach financial leadership. With his engaging personality and deep expertise, Romesh bridges the gap between corporate financial best practices and the practical needs of SMEs, start-ups, and scale-ups. His journey from qualifying at a Top 4 accounting firm and working in senior finance roles at FTSE 100 companies to supporting high-growth ventures gives him a unique perspective that resonates with business owners seeking both financial rigour and practical, commercial guidance.

{1:45} Why Romesh started The FD Consultant five years ago.

{5:30} Essential advice to owners about their numbers.

{7:48} The difference between The FD Consultant and an accountant.

{12:15} The service that Romesh delivers to clients.

{14:42} The point clients need Romesh's help.

{19:45} Being a judge of the Best Businesswomen Awards.

{26:34} The Strive and Thrive podcast.

{30:41} Romesh's one big tip.

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

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Romesh: https://www.thefdconsultant.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rfjconsultingservices/

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

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

X: https://x.com/ConsultantFd

Strive and Thrive podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@StriveAndThriveSeries

https://open.spotify.com/show/1aOiYxnQxaLnOWWIc2YAEE