Growth Award 2025
Category criteria
-
This category is designed to recognise growth within businesses of any size and sector.
-
This could include relatively new businesses that have gone from a standing start right through to long-standing organisations that have been thriving over many years.
-
The judges will be looking for growth in areas such as revenue, recruitment or indeed trading territories. Importantly this growth strategy should be sustainable and the business should have the momentum and resources for this to continue.
-
The judges will also be interested to see the innovation that has helped to drive growth.
Astro Education
Growth Award entrant
Just a year after launching a one-man business from home Tim Howarth has moved to office premises and is about to become a team of three.
His business, Astro Education, specialises in recruitment and retention for the education sector including connecting schools with high-quality teaching and support staff.
In its first year of trading the Cheadle-based business has provided recruitment support to 30 schools across primary, secondary and SEN settings including working with Staffordshire University Academies Trust.
Tim and his team, which will soon include a compliance director, have successfully supported 65 individuals in securing employment opportunities.
They are also working with University of Staffordshire to help secure employment for education graduates.
Tim, who worked in the insurance industry before moving into recruitment, has ambitious growth plans for his business. He’s aiming for a team of up to 10 staff within the next three years to allow expansion from Staffordshire into neighbouring counties.
The 36-year-old said: “I’m quite ambitious and have always wanted to start my own business. It was a risk because we have two young children who just started school in September but I thought that if I don’t do it now I’ll look back and regret not doing it.
“Everything is self-funded by me directly with no loans, grants or investors.”
The business is growing so quickly that Tim’s wife left her job to become the second member of the team, something they hadn’t anticipated happening so early in the life of Astro Education.
Tim added: “While we are committed to growth, we will ensure our expansion remains controlled and sustainable, allowing us to maintain the quality and integrity that define Astro Education.”
Astro Education has entered the Start-up Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year and Growth categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards and Tim Howarth has entered the Young Business Person of the Year category.
Play@ Lower Drayton Farm
Growth Award entrant
In less than five years, PLAY@ Lower Drayton Farm has grown from an ambitious idea sparked during the uncertainty of a global pandemic into one of Staffordshire’s leading visitor attractions.
Its journey has been driven by adaptability, innovation and a strong sense of purpose—to create a space where families can learn about farming, food and nature while enjoying high-quality leisure experiences.
Today PLAY@, near Penkridge, is not only a thriving, multi-award-winning business, but a beacon of resilience and forward-thinking in the rural tourism and leisure sector.
Managing Director Richard Bower said: “When we launched PLAY@ in 2020 we did so in the middle of the most uncertain trading period in living memory. With COVID-19 restrictions in place we were forced to completely rethink our launch model - pivoting quickly from the original plan for a full indoor/outdoor attraction to a flexible, outdoor-only experience that complied with safety guidelines.
“This spirit of adaptability and creativity laid the foundations for everything that followed. As restrictions eased, we phased in more parts of the attraction, introduced safe and engaging seasonal events like Summer Unlocked and our first Drive-Thru farm experience, and steadily built trust with our growing audience.
“Far from stalling, the pandemic challenged us to do things differently and it’s a mindset we’ve kept ever since.”
Fast forward to 2025 and PLAY@ is now a multi-million-pound business with an ever-growing audience and national recognition. It was recently named runner-up in the 2025 NFAN Best Large Farm Attraction of the Year, standing shoulder to shoulder with long-established operators across the UK.
Visitor numbers have increased year-on-year, with a notable 25.8% rise from 2022 to 2023.
Richard added: “Behind our growth is a young, dynamic and diverse team, many of whom have grown with us. In the early days we had a small, multi-tasking team helping bring the concept to life. Today we employ a wide mix of permanent and seasonal staff, with structured training, clear roles and genuine investment in development.
“A key factor in our growth has been our commitment to continual innovation. We’ve not stood still or repeated the same event year-on-year, we’ve evolved. We listen, test, adapt and deliver.”
An additional indoor play space, deli café, sensory areas, party rooms and a Changing Places toilet to improve accessibility are due to open by autumn this year.
Play@ Lower Drayton Farm has entered the Growth, Team of the Year and Small Business of the Year categories of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Browns Distribution
Growth Award entrant
Despite a turbulent climate for its sector, Browns Distribution has grown its turnover from £14.1 million in 2020 to a projected £23.4 million in 2025.
The third-generation family-owned business, which launched in 1955 with a single van to transport Staffordshire pottery, serves some of the largest companies in the UK and its reach extends to more than 30 European countries.
In 2023 the company invested £9 million in a new headquarters and distribution centre in Stoke-on-Trent. It has invested £3.5 million in fleet renewal since 2023 – its average articulated fleet age is 2.1 years compared to the UK average of 8 years.
In a year when more than 500 hauliers have entered administration, Browns Distribution has stayed focused, financially sound and forward thinking.
It has strengthened its senior team with strategic appointments to support growth, digital innovation and service expansion.
The company has been actively involved in shaping the industry through engagement with the industry bodies, sharing insight on driver shortages, supply chain developments and sustainability.
An eCommerce division, PalletOnline, addresses a market need for business-to-consumer pallet delivery across the UK and Europe and established the company as a key player in eCommerce logistics.
Browns is also a shareholder of Palletline, the UK’s leading palletised distribution network, and is the largest inputter of freight into its network.
Browns Distribution has entered the Business of the Year and Growth categories of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
The QUARTER at Potbank
Growth Award entrant
From five staff and a £285,628 turnover in its first year, The QUARTER at Potbank has grown to employ 45 people and have a projected £2 million turnover.
Founded by Annmarie and Josef Bailey, The QUARTER at Potbank is a vibrant cultural and culinary hub based within the historic Spode site in Stoke town centre.
Since its inception the business has transformed the local high street by blending heritage preservation with contemporary hospitality, fostering community engagement and stimulating economic growth.
The venue’s distinctive character attracts both locals and tourists, contributing to the area’s cultural renaissance.
By day The QUARTER serves homemade meals in a family-friendly café setting. By night it transforms into a vibrant restaurant. This dual identity not only broadens its appeal but also encourages repeat visits, enhancing foot traffic on the high street.
The Factory Floor, its dedicated live entertainment space, hosts events including live music, comedy nights and tarot readings. These events provide a platform for local artists and performers, foster a vibrant arts scene and draw diverse audiences to the area.
The QUARTER offers venue hire for weddings, christenings, baby showers and other community gatherings, reinforcing its role as a communal gathering place.
Annmarie Bailey said: “Being based at the iconic Spode heritage site is more than just a location for us – it’s a privilege. This historic setting has given us the opportunity to blend Stoke-on-Trent’s rich cultural legacy with a vibrant, modern space that supports creativity, community and independent enterprise.
“From hosting weddings and live music, to championing local artists and makers, we’ve worked hard to create a venue that not only brings people together but breathes new life into a treasured part of our city’s history.
“We’re proud to be part of the regeneration of this site and even prouder to play a role in the ongoing evolution of Stoke’s high street and cultural scene.”
The QUARTER at Potbank has entered the High Street Impact, Growth, Team of the Year and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Ellina Pollitt
Growth Award entrant
What began as a solo project for Ellina Pollitt during her time as a student at University of Staffordshire has turned into an award-winning, internationally-recognised jewellery brand.
Ellina, who co-designed the University’s mace, has had her designs featured in Vogue magazine, The Jeweller and recently had a multi-page feature about her work and career in the glossy French magazine Moevir.
Originally from Russia and now living in Biddulph, Ellina has exhibited at major national and international events such as Munich Jewellery Week, the Goldsmiths Fair and the Cluster Contemporary Jewellery Fair in London.
Her shortlisting for the 2024 NAJ Rising Star of the Year Award is a testament to the growing industry recognition her business is receiving.
She blends traditional jewellery-making techniques with cutting-edge technologies such as fibre laser cutting and powder coating.
Ellina joined University of Staffordshire in 2016 for a foundation year followed by a BA (Hons) in 3D Design (Jewellery) which she completed with First-Class Honours. She later returned to join the Peter Coates MSc in Entrepreneurship, which supported the development of her business.
She is a strong advocate of the transformational power of education and says she owes much of her current success to the support she has received during her time at University of Staffordshire.
“I appreciate so much everything that the University has done for me,” she said. “I wouldn’t have done it without all of the people at the University. I never thought I’d be where I am today with my own business, but the University has helped me.
“University of Staffordshire played a critical role in laying the foundation for the growth of my business. Through access to mentors, equipment, entrepreneurial guidance and a strong creative network I was able to go from student to award-winning business owner in a few short years.
“The skills, resilience and confidence I gained during my academic journey continue to drive me forward as I scale my brand and explore new avenues for growth.”
Ellina Pollitt has entered the Alumni Business Person of the Year, Growth, Entrepreneur of the Year and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
We Buy Any Motorcaravan
Growth Award entrant
We Buy Any Motorcaravan has gone from a two-person business to having 35 staff and a £25.5 million annual turnover.
The Burton upon Trent business is now owned and run by husband and wife team Shane Malpass and Victoria Malpass after being launched by Shane and his dad Neil.
The journey began in 2007 when Shane, aged just 19 at the time, teamed up with his father, Neil. Neil had decades of industry experience and Shane brought ambition and entrepreneurial drive.
They started by sourcing motorhomes for a dealership where Neil worked. When the 2008 recession hit they pivoted to launch their own business — Caravan and Motorhome Sales — and in the first year they generated £309,877 in sales. By 2012 they had an annual turnover of more than £1 million.
The true growth story began in 2015 when Shane spotted a gap in the market. He launched We Buy Any Motorcaravan, invested in a user-friendly website and began running targeted Google Ads. The shift from trade-only to direct-to-consumer sourcing allowed the business to scale dramatically.
From a £1.5 million turnover in 2016, the company grew to £2.28 million in 2017. It remained steady through 2018 and 2019 while Shane invested in tools, training and team infrastructure. Then came the turning point — the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where many companies paused, Shane adapted. He introduced video walkaround appraisals, sent condition reports to buyers and moved operations online almost overnight. It kept the business moving at a time when face-to-face contact was impossible. That year turnover nearly doubled to £4.58 million.
In 2021 turnover grew to £12.4 million. In 2022, £19.8 million in 2022 and in 2023 it reached £25.5 million. Even in 2024, as the average purchase price of motorhomes dropped and the market cooled, the business remained strong with £21.4 million in turnover.
To support continued expansion the company is developing an AI-powered motorhome pricing tool, enabling staff to generate accurate quotes instantly.
We Buy Any Motorcaravan has been nominated in the Business of the Year and Growth categories of the University of Staffordshire Business awards by staff member Paul Anthony Holmes.
He said: “From a father-and-son startup to a national leader in the motorhome industry, We Buy Any Motorcaravan is an incredible example of what can be achieved when vision, innovation and values come together. And with Shane at the helm, this is only the beginning.”
Heywoods Estate Agents
Growth Award entrant
In October 2022, at the age of just 26, Alistair Trippett bought an estate and lettings agency that had gone into administration. Two years later he has transformed the fortunes of Heywoods Estate Agents and doubled the team from nine to 18 staff.
The Newcastle-under-Lyme based business, which was founded more than a century ago, is now thriving in an industry where many estate and lettings agencies have faced insolvency.
Heywoods’ lettings portfolio has grown by 33% in managed properties over two years, solidifying its position as a leading agency in the region. This growth has complemented its dominance in the ST5 sales market where it has nearly 15% of the market share compared to its nearest competitor’s 9% share.
The lettings team was presented with a Gold Award at the British Property Awards, a national accolade that celebrates outstanding customer service in the property sector.
The Heywoods team was also recognised with a Gold Award for Sales at the EA Masters and has been included in the Best Estate Agent Guide for 2025.
Alistair said: “In 2024, we were proud to help a total of 283 families and individuals in finding their perfect homes, marking our busiest year on record. This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to our clients and our ability to deliver results even in a competitive market.
“Despite operating in an industry fraught with challenges, our strategic vision, innovative practices and community-focused initiatives position us as a leading example of sustainable growth and excellence in the property sector. We remain committed to continuous improvement, client satisfaction and contributing positively to our community.”
New operating procedures have been introduced to streamline processes and to increase efficiency and client satisfaction.
Heywoods Maintenance has been launched to offer property care for homeowners and landlords. Led by Phil Harrison, who joined in a newly-formed maintenance operative role, this initiative ensures property issues are addressed swiftly.
Community engagement is a cornerstone of the company’s ethos. In 2024 it donated £10,000 to various charitable causes including donating £25 to the Peter Pan Centre for every house completion and tenant move-in during December 2024 and February 2025.
Alistair Trippett has entered the Entrepreneur of the Year and Young Business Person of the Year categories of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards and Heywoods Estate Agents has been entered into the Growth Award category.
Next2IT
Growth Award entrant
Founded in a bedroom just before the UK went into its first lockdown, tech company Next2IT now has a £3.5 million annual turnover and a team of 14 staff.
Based at Stafford Technology Park, the IT managed service provider specialises in digital transformation, cybersecurity and enterprise IT solutions.
It was founded by 34-year-old Deklan van de Laarschot with a mission to simplify technology while delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance business efficiency, security and scalability.
The company’s expertise spans cloud services, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity and managed support, providing businesses with the technical capability to grow and thrive in a digital-first world.
It supports a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from SMEs to enterprise organisations including Churchill China, CVS Group, ABP Group, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and LoneStar Fasteners Europe.
Founder and CEO Deklan van de Laarschot said: “At Next2IT we believe in building a strong, highly skilled team. Over the past year our workforce has grown to 14 IT professionals, each bringing expertise in cloud computing, networking, cybersecurity and digital transformation.
“Next2IT exemplifies what it means to be a high-growth, innovative and customer-focused small business. Our ability to scale rapidly, secure major clients and invest in people and technology demonstrates our commitment to excellence.
“As a Staffordshire-based business, we are not only growing but driving digital transformation across multiple industries. Winning a University of Staffordshire Business Award would recognise the dedication, hard work and strategic vision that have propelled Next2IT to where it is today.”
Deklan launched a software development company 18 months ago which now has three members of staff. It sits alongside Next2IT and enhances its capabilities.
Next2IT has entered the Growth Award and Small Business of the Year categories of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.