Small Business of the Year 2026
Category criteria
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This category is open to businesses with a turnover not exceeding £5 million during the latest full trading year.
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Entrants must be able to demonstrate success and progression – this could be via a growth in profits, through research, new methods of working or bringing products or services to the market.
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The judges will welcome entries from businesses committed to corporate social responsibility.
Astro Education
Small Business of the Year entrant
Less than two years after it was set up as a one-man business Astro Education has expanded across two counties with a team of four staff and has ambitious plans to grow further.
The Stoke-on-Trent based business specialises in recruitment and retention for the education sector including connecting schools with high-quality teaching and support staff.
It works with primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and specialist SEN provisions across Staffordshire and Cheshire.
It provides both day-to-day supply staff and long-term placements covering a wide range of roles including qualified teachers, teaching assistants, SEN specialists, pastoral staff, cover supervisors and administrative professionals.
Founder Tim Howarth, who worked in the insurance industry before moving into recruitment, has added a former headteacher and teaching assistant into his team. They currently have a workforce of around 100 educational professionals.
Tim said: “From the outset, our mission has been to build a recruitment business that prioritises relationships, reliability and fairness. Schools rely heavily on agency support to maintain continuity for their pupils yet many report challenges around cost, inconsistent candidate quality and poor service from traditional recruitment providers.
“Astro Education was established specifically to address these issues. Our approach focuses on transparent pricing, high compliance standards and careful candidate matching to ensure that both schools and staff benefit from a supportive and professional recruitment experience.
“Although we are still a young business, our growth since launching has been significant. Within less than two years we have developed a strong and expanding client base across Staffordshire and have begun extending our reach into Cheshire.”
Wherever possible Tim tries to put back into the communities his business serves including sponsoring football kits for Excel Academy and sponsoring an early years practitioners event.
“I want people to want to work with us,” he said. "I’m creating a brand that is a transparent, responsive and ethical alternative that genuinely supports the education community.”
Astro Education has entered the Small Business of the Year, Start-up Business of the Year and Growth categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards and Tim Howarth has entered the Entrepreneur of the Year category.
JMT
Small Business of the Year
Fenton-based JMT set out to become more than an accountancy and business advisory firm by embedding itself into the heart of the community it serves.
Founded 15 years ago by Tomasz Putynkowski it has supported more than 170 small and medium-sized enterprises across Staffordshire.
This has often involved helping start-ups and small businesses in their journey to become established and then scale.
The business has a long-term commitment to sustained charitable involvement, educational engagement, inclusive leadership and measurable social contribution because of Tomasz’s belief that commercial success and community impact can and should go hand in hand.
He said: “What distinguishes JMT is its deliberate commitment to strengthening the wider community alongside growing its client base. Community engagement is not an occasional initiative for JMT, it is embedded in its everyday operations and leadership philosophy.”
Over the past three years the business has helped raise and donate more than £7,000 to local charities and community initiatives. JMT has organised and supported numerous fundraising events, contributed sponsorship to local causes and actively promoted charitable campaigns within the business network.
Rather than viewing charity as an obligation JMT integrates it into its culture — encouraging clients, partners and associates to participate and contribute.
Innovation has been central to JMT’s success. The business has embraced digital transformation, implementing cloud-based accounting systems and automation tools that streamline processes for clients and improve efficiency.
By moving clients onto modern accounting platforms and providing training and guidance, JMT has reduced administrative burdens, improved reporting accuracy and enabled real-time decision-making.
Tomasz added: “JMT’s performance is especially notable given the wider economic landscape in which it operates. Small businesses have faced unprecedented pressures in recent years from regulatory changes and tax reforms to economic uncertainty and rising operational costs.
“JMT has not only navigated these challenges successfully but has used them as opportunities to strengthen its client relationships. Through workshops, one-to-one advisory sessions and ongoing strategic support, the firm has helped businesses overcome obstacles, stabilise finances and plan for future growth.”
JMT has entered the Small Business of the Year and Business in the Community categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Tiny Toes Scan Studio
Small Business of the Year entrant
NHS sonographer Jenny Holt set up a private ultrasound clinic in March 2025 and has already moved to new premises to allow the business to grow.
The mum of three, who runs Tiny Toes Scan Studio alongside working part time at UHNM, says turnover at the Milton-based studio is on track to increase further over the coming year.
She launched the business after spotting an ultrasound machine for sale online at an irresistible price and then storing it in her kitchen at home until she had found the right premises and got CQC permission to open.
Jenny said: “I took the plunge and set up my own business to provide exceptional care for patients - allowing them to share their pregnancy journey with loved ones with the hope to reduce the stigma attached to private ultrasound clinics.
“I started the business with nothing. I saw an ultrasound machine for sale on Facebook marketplace and decided it was now or never. We travelled to Liverpool to collect the machine and the next day we were driving past a shop in Milton available to let.
“After nearly 12 months of a rigorous CQC application- we got the go ahead to open in March 2025. Since then we have invested in a new ultrasound machine and moved to a larger shop enabling us to hire reception staff.
“So far we have scanned 1056 patients and continue to grow each month. We started with one member of staff. Now we have four. We are delivering high quality services to our local area, a service which is well trusted and highly reputable.”
Jenny and her team share moments of joy with many of their patients but they are also trained to work with people who have pregnancy complications and can provide treasured keepsakes such as heartbeat bears, videos and photos. They have also identified five ectopic pregnancies.
Tiny Toes Scan Studio has entered the Start-up Business of the Year and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards
V.S.S. Maintenance Ltd
Small Business of the Year entrant
A Staffordshire building and maintenance company is on track to more than double its turnover year on year.
V.S.S. Maintenance Ltd, based at Woodseaves near Eccleshall, was set up in 2022 by husband and wife team Maria and Adam Swierk.
Along with their team of one permanent member of staff and four contractors they work on the likes of extensions, garage conversions and full-house renovations as well as routine maintenance.
Clients across Staffordshire include private individuals as well as organisations with property portfolios.
Contracts director Maria has more than 16 years’ experience of working as a HR business partner for a large retail company, giving her an ideal background to tackle office-based work for the company as well as health and safety site visits.
Adam has more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry and has a level seven diploma in construction and senior management.
Maria said: “V.S.S. Maintenance Ltd stands out through its unwavering commitment to quality, reliability and professionalism in every aspect of its work. We are not just a construction company, we are a trusted partner to our clients.
“Our reputation has been built on consistently delivering high standards, meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations. We approach every project, whether large or small, with the same level of care, precision and accountability.
“Attention to detail is at the core of what we do, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and to an exceptional standard.
“Health and safety is central to our operations. We maintain strict compliance with regulations and proactively promote safe working practices across all sites. This gives our customers confidence and peace of mind, knowing they are working with a responsible and professional contractor.
“What truly differentiates V.S.S. Maintenance Ltd is our personal approach. We pride ourselves on strong communication, transparency,and responsiveness. Our customers value that we are approachable, solution-focused and always willing to go the extra mile.
“We understand that no two clients are the same, which is why we tailor our services to meet individual needs rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.
“As a growing business we have demonstrated resilience, adaptability and a strong work ethic. We continuously look for ways to improve our processes, invest in best practices and strengthen relationships within our industry.
“Above all, our success is measured by customer satisfaction, repeat business and positive referrals. The trust our clients place in us reflects our dedication to excellence and our commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality service.”
V.S.S. Maintenance Ltd has entered the Growth Award and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Chillington Playbarn Ltd
Small Business of the Year entrant
A farm diversification business was launched less than two years ago but is already award-winning and employing 26 members of staff.
Chillington Playbarn Ltd, operating as Hockerhill Playbarn in Brewood, opened for business in March 2024 and has just won a national award for Best Food and Beverage at the NFAN Awards 2026.
It was launched by farmers Tessa and Charlie Giffard, of the Chillington Hall Estate, who quickly brought on board a head chef and a general manager, Sophie Galantini, who is University of Staffordshire alumna.
The all-weather indoor and outdoor attraction has a large, themed play area with a central great oak structure, a café, pedal go-karts, ziplines and a sensory den.
The business set out to include the surrounding villages as much as possible, with a loyalty scheme for local residents.
Local villagers have got behind the project and research has shown that 46% of visitors are returning customers, highlighting the positive impact it is having on the local community.
The team pride themselves in supporting local events, schools and charities by offering vouchers and family visits. Hockerhill ensures that all children regardless of their background or ability can have access to a fun and safe environment. Monthly SEN sessions have proved popular and they have made the space as wheelchair friendly as possible.
Chillington Playbarn Ltd has been nominated in the Start-up Business of the Year and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by General Manager Sophie Galantini.
She said: “Hockerhill is committed to excellence in everything they do. From the design of their facilities to customer service, they put their heart and soul into ensuring a top-quality experience for every visitor. These values reflect Hockerhill’s desire to create a positive and lasting impact on families, communities and the development of children.
“Through their commitment to the local community, they listen to customer feedback and strive to increase customer demands and expectations. With the increase in revenue, they hope to expand the site to be able to offer more in the coming months and years.
“This family run business will hopefully continue for generations to come, with the Giffards’ own children often popping in to say hello to the staff or help with washing up, hopefully instilling a good work ethic and passion for their family business.”
Ultra Clean Canines
Small Business of the Year entrant
It’s been a year of development and innovation for the owners of Weston Coyney-based Ultra Clean Canines, who are about to launch an own-brand product.
They have been working with a manufacturer and packaging experts to bring to the market a dog hygiene product which was the brainchild of company founder Emma Cartlich.
The core business is a training academy set up by Emma in 2020 to combine her teaching qualifications with her expertise with an ultrasonic toothbrush for pets.
Emma and husband Adrian both completed emmi®-pet face-to-face training, bought an emmi®-pet ultrasonic toothbrush and started to deliver an emmi®-pet teeth cleaning, oral care and maintenance service in the Staffordshire and Cheshire area.
They then decided to create and deliver emmi®-pet seminars to teach and support pet care professionals, especially dog groomers, how to successfully implement the emmi®-pet into their business. Emma’s dream of running her own training academy was born.
Emma created a Zoom seminar for pet care professionals and offers the same course in an online pre-recorded version which is hosted on her own, one-of-a-kind learning management system.
E-learning has now overtaken Zoom seminars as people are able to complete the training at a time, location and pace that suits them. Over the past year Emma has also started to meet a demand for in-person training sessions.
All courses are officially endorsed by the manufacturer of the equipment and include certification.
Word spread and Emma was approached by a dog grooming college to deliver training to their students and course tutors. She now works with a number of colleges around the UK, has her training included in City and Guilds dog grooming courses and is currently creating a mini course for another dog grooming academy.
2025 saw Ultra Clean Canines become Supplier of the Year finalists in the Pet Industry Federation Awards, develop a partnership with Micropet Franchise Network and have editorial articles in Edition Dog and Edition Dog Professionals magazines.
They are now looking to launch a podcast with guests speakers to spread the message about canine oral health.
Ultra Clean Canines has entered the Skills for the Future and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Precious Pets Weddings
Small Business of the Year entrant
When rival businesses entered their sector the owners of Precious Pets Weddings didn’t see it as a threat, they saw it as a business opportunity.
Launched in 2018 and featured on TV’s The One Show, This Morning and Dragons’ Den, their business was among the first in the UK to offer a professional service for people who want their pet dog at their wedding.
Weston Coyney based owners Emma and Adrian Cartlich have now launched a training arm to their business to upskill the likes of dog groomers and professional dog walkers who want to expand into the wedding market.
“We were one of the first in the UK to offer this service,” said Emma. “Now we have other people turning up at weddings calling themselves dog chaperones but without the experience which could potentially damage the reputation of the dog chaperone service.”
Emma, who has a background in training, has created a CPD accredited wedding dog chaperone course which she says is designed to put the welfare of dogs first.
“People are going to be setting themselves up in business anyway but if they have been properly trained and had guidance from one of the first businesses in that field in the UK then it will be better for everyone.”
Emma has already had interest in the course from Australia and the US as well as the UK.
The training is currently being delivered over Zoom but Emma plans to move it onto a learning management system so that people can access it at their own pace.
Emms and Adrian recently invested in new custom crates and have had their chaperone vehicle revamped.
They caught the eye of Theo Paphitis when they appeared on Dragons’ Den and he has invited them to attend his small business event for the fourth year in a row.
Emma and Adrian plan, co-ordinate and take away stress for the happy couple so that their dog can be a big part of their wedding day.
They enable dogs to be ring bearers, meet and greeters, the best man, a bridesmaid or simply to attend for an hour to be part of the photographs.
Emma and Adrian even have a Wedding Wheels dog van and a Mini Cooper decorated with paw print weddingsribbons and bows so that pets can arrive in style.
Every dog chaperone package is bespoke and can include full day pet care if needed.
They work at weddings around the region and are increasingly recommended by wedding venues. They recently worked at their biggest wedding to date, chaperoning six dogs.
Precious Pets Weddings has entered the Small Business of the Year and Skills for the Future categories of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.