On Wednesday 22nd March 2023, nearly 300 people gathered at Dallas Consulting’s inaugural The Good Small Business Awards ceremony held in The Hilton Hotel, London city centre. Local businesswoman Becky Wright won for her Visionary Leadership with New Leaf Life Design and the wider business community.
A great variety of different sectors and industries from all over the UK were represented. The diversity on display – both in terms of geographical origin and working sphere – demonstrated fantastically a growing dedication to responsible business practices.
Becky Wright said, “It was amazing to be surrounded by other companies who believe in profit for purpose and want to be a force for good in the world, I felt part of a movement worth being part of, winning was an incredible recognition of how we balance our mental health work alongside creating a positive impact in our local environment. “
These are the UK’s first business sustainability awards with entry exclusively reserved for small businesses. The judges were looking for small businesses that have been shown progress of embedding sustainability strategies across the four awards pillars, Purpose-People-Planet-Profit, with applications backed up by verifiable evidence.
The shortlisting criteria focussed on identifying evidence of responsible business practices that take conscious and ongoing steps to ensure that, not only do they reduce harmful impacts, but that their impact is good – for people, for communities, for the planet.
The distinguished judging panel all applauded the numerous ways in which the entries demonstrated the strategic importance of sustainability to their business or organisational activities. Jill Poet, CEO of CEO of the Organisation for Responsible Businesses (ORB) and member of the judging panel said, “It was an honour to be a judge for the inaugural The Good Small Business Awards and an absolute delight to attend this event and meet so many like-minded people. Well done Dallas Consulting for launching these very important awards and for organising such a brilliant event. It was worth travelling to Liverpool for the occasion – and to meet you both, of course.”
The awards were founded by Garth and Claire Dallas, owners of Dallas Consulting. Garth Dallas said “I would like to congratulate everyone on the shortlist, and especially our winners. You will note we have also produced framed plaques for the finalists who did not win the category in which they were shortlisted, as we felt they also deserved the recognition. You all show true innovation and leadership in driving Good Business. We hope you will share your experience far and wide and look forward to reading follow-up actions next year!”
Claire Dallas said, “You, as small businesses, are never too small to make your purpose happen. Remember an oak tree begins as an acorn. Progress by being cheerleaders for each other recognising sustainability as a community which is absolutely fundamental to overcome barriers for all businesses in society. Let’s all be on a mission to unite in sustainability!”
Entertainment was provided by gymnasts, singers and saxophonists. An attendee commented, “This is the best awards I’ve been to in years. There was nonstop entertainment and a room full of sustainable businesses with outstanding innovative business practices. They are all passionate about
sustainability and making our world a better place.”
The ceremony was hosted by the lively, impassioned and award-winning broadcasting duo of Roy Basnett and Carol-Ann Whitehead, and the awards were distributed as follows:
1. Tech Innovator of the Year – EnviroTech Energy Solutions
2. Disrupting Markets – Be Ethical
3. Circular Economy – Changing Streams CIC
4. People Centred – Sherrington Associates
5. Low Emissions Ambassador – Hydrogen Vehicle Systems
6. Community Enterprise of the Year – RISE Construction Framework
7. Visionary Leadership – New Leaf Life Design
8. Manufacturing Industry Champion – Evolve MH Development Engineering
9. Construction & the Built Environment Industry Champion – Sensicon
10. Digital & Creative Industry Champion – Agent Academy
11. Hospitality & Leisure Industry Champion – The Wellbeing Farm
12. Administrative & Support Services Industry Champion – Adding Value Consultancy 13. Retail & Wholesale Activities Industry Champion – The Refill Shop of Ikigai
14. Personal Services Industry Champion – BlueSphere
15. Good Small Business of the Year 2023 – Evolve MH Development Engineering
Contact
Becky Wright 07590 684888 becky@newleaf.uk.com www.newleaf.uk.com
Organisers awards@goodsmallbusinessawards.co.uk
