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.
The Inspirational Learning Group
Small Business of the Year entrant
Founded by University of Staffordshire alumni, The Inspirational Learning Group has become one of the UK’s leading careers, enterprise and employability education providers.
From its base in Stafford it works with schools, colleges, employers and international partners to create meaningful opportunities for young people.
With projected turnover now exceeding £1.5 million and strong recurring revenues across education and corporate partnerships, the business has continued to grow despite challenging economic conditions and increasing pressure across the education sector.
Stoke-on-Trent born cousins Ben and Michael Dyer founded the business in 2013 while they were both still studying at University of Staffordshire.
From humble beginnings, working from a rented office on the University of Staffordshire campus, TILG has become a market-leader in the careers education sector, with its flagship The National Careers Challenge now the largest school enterprise competition in the UK.
The team supports thousands of students, teachers and employers each year through initiatives such as The National Careers Challenge, which has now reached more than 750,000 young people across the UK and internationally.
Ben said: “The team’s ability to deliver at this scale while maintaining quality, energy and strong customer relationships is what makes them exceptional. They work across live events, national finals, in-school delivery, digital platform management and employer partnerships, often balancing multiple major projects at once. Their commitment to customer service, innovation and educational impact consistently goes beyond expectation.
“Entrepreneurship sits at the centre of TILG’s story. Founded with a vision to transform careers education and bridge the gap between education and employment, the business has grown from a start-up into a nationally recognised organisation working with some of the biggest employers in the UK, including NatWest, British Airways, Air Products, Wickes, GE Vernova and AtkinsRéalis.
“This entrepreneurial journey has required resilience, risk-taking and constant innovation. From building The National Careers Challenge into the UK’s largest enterprise competition, to launching the Lightbulb platform and leading new work around Equalex and Modern Work Experience, TILG has consistently stayed ahead of policy change and market demand rather than reacting to it.
“The business is now helping shape how schools and employers approach the Government’s 10-day work experience guarantee, positioning itself as a true market leader in this space.”
He added: “Most importantly, TILG creates genuine change. It helps young people build confidence, develop employability skills and connect with real employers and real opportunities. It supports schools in delivering meaningful careers education at scale and helps employers engage with future talent in a way that creates measurable social value.
“What makes TILG stand out is the combination of exceptional teamwork, entrepreneurial leadership, commercial resilience and long-term purpose. It is not simply a successful business it is a business making a meaningful difference.”
The Inspirational Learning Group has entered the Team of the Year and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards. Ben and Michael Dyer have entered the Entrepreneur of the Year, Alumni Business Person of the Year and Young Business Person of the Year categories.
The Pottery Cave
Small Business of the Year entrant
What started as a hobby has become a successful, scalable business for University of Staffordshire alumna Caroline Farnell-Smith.
The Pottery Cave began as a few workshops in a village hall. In April 2025 it was formally established as a limited company and it now has premises, a team of 12 staff and an ambitious but sustainable growth plan.
Financially, the business has achieved a 100%+ increase in turnover over the past 12 months, highlighting both commercial success and the scalability of its offering. Growth has been driven by diversified services, high customer demand and strong repeat business. Customer engagement has been equally impressive.
In the last year alone The Pottery Cave, based at Curborough Craft Centre in Lichfield, has delivered ceramics sessions to more than 10,000 customers, establishing itself as a leading creative experience provider in the region.
The Pottery Cave is a creative pottery studio and community hub offering pottery classes, workshops and bespoke ceramic products. Originally established as a grassroots community initiative operating from village halls, the studio was created to make ceramics accessible, social and enjoyable for everyone.
The business has seen rapid growth in bookings, repeat customers and external events. Its appeal extends beyond the local area, attracting international visitors from countries including China, New Zealand, Spain, the Netherlands and India. A commemorative ceramic plate created at the studio was taken to the United States for Thanksgiving celebrations.
The Pottery Cave offers a diverse and expanding range of ceramics experiences, including handbuilding lessons, wheel-throwing sessions, weekly wellbeing workshops and private parties. These are delivered across two dedicated studio spaces—one focused on clay experiences and the other specialising in paint-a-pot sessions.
Demand for classes and workshops has exceeded initial expectations, leading to the introduction of additional sessions, extended opening hours and availability across evenings and weekends. The business has also introduced structured beginner-to-advanced courses, corporate team-building workshops and bespoke commissions for both individuals and organisations
The long-term vision is for The Pottery Cave to become a recognised regional centre for ceramics, creativity and wellbeing—contributing meaningfully to the local creative economy while enhancing community connection and mental wellbeing.
The Pottery Cave has entered the Start-up Business of the Year and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Christopher Leslie Bespoke
Small Business of the Year entrant
A bespoke furniture company’s social media accounts went viral after it exhibited at Grand Designs Live London.
Christopher Leslie Bespoke, run by Hayley Gee and Chris Ansell from Newcastle-under-Lyme, had millions of interactions from around the UK and further afield.
An Instagram post about one of its bespoke creations was viewed 1.5 million times with another viewed 1.2 million times.
The business, which initially worked in North Staffordshire, now has enquires nationally and internationally, is booked for work months in advance and is being called on for full-room or multi-room transformations.
Hayley said: “We have always been a busy business, often booking projects months in advance, but over the past year something has shifted quite significantly. What was once mainly local work has grown into consistent enquiries from across the UK and now internationally, with clients discovering us purely through our online presence.
“A major turning point for us was exhibiting at Grand Designs Live London. It pushed us beyond our local audience and introduced our work to a completely different level of client.
“Since then, the scale and quality of enquiries has noticeably changed, with more clients approaching us for full-room and multi-room projects rather than single pieces.
“Our growth has also been driven heavily by social media, which has become one of the biggest drivers of our enquiries. We’ve built a strong following by showing not just finished projects, but the process, the detail and the level of craftsmanship involved.
“One of our media wall designs in particular has gained significant traction and has become something we are recognised for, bringing in a consistent stream of enquiries and helping establish a clear identity for the brand.
“What makes this growth even more significant is that we are based in an area where high-end bespoke furniture isn’t always the norm. Rather than competing on price, we made a conscious decision to position ourselves within the premium market, focusing on quality, detail and the overall client experience.
“That decision has allowed us to attract clients who value design and craftsmanship, and who see what we create as a long-term investment.”
An interior designer and a cabinet maker/project manager, partners Hayley Gee and Chris Ansell used their 28 years of combined industry knowledge to set up Christopher Leslie Bespoke.
Set up as a limited company in August 2022, Chris had previously worked as a sole trader.
Christopher Leslie Bespoke has entered the Small Business of the Year and Growth Award categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
BusinessLodge
Small Business of the Year entrant
BusinessLodge is a long-established, independently owned flexible workspace provider celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and the opening of its second, £1.5 million Stoke-on-Trent site.
Supporting companies at every stage of growth, from start-ups and sole traders to national and international businesses, it delivers high-quality serviced offices, coworking spaces and business support services across Stoke-on-Trent and the North West.
This year,BusinessLodge made a huge investment in its new flagship site, Heron House, transforming a former NHS and Midlands Electricity Board building into a modern 20,000 sq ft serviced office centre in Heron Cross.
Operating from two Stoke-on-Trent sites, Trent House in Fenton which opened in 2019 and now Heron House, BusinessLodge provides ready-to-use offices, coworking spaces, hot-desking, meeting rooms, and virtual office solutions.
Clients benefit from high-speed internet, advanced telephony, professional reception services, secure access and 24/7 entry. Additional amenities include breakout areas, on-site gyms, secure parking with EV charging and dog-friendly offices, enabling businesses to focus entirely on their growth.
Phase one of Heron House has already welcomed 10 businesses across 21 offices. Future phases will introduce additional offices, coworking spaces and meeting rooms with ClickShare technology. Once complete Heron House will support around 50 businesses and provide approximately 300 workstations, further strengthening the organisation’s offering.
Across all sites (including two expanding sites in the North West), BusinessLodge directly supports 35 jobs and maintains high occupancy levels, reflecting sustained demand for contemporary, flexible workspaces.
Innovation underpins the BusinessLodge approach. Investment in IT infrastructure ensures clients benefit from secure, resilient networks, dedicated connections, backup systems and seamless communication across multiple platforms. Office layouts are designed for flexibility, allowing businesses to scale as they grow, with spaces reconfigured or expanded to meet evolving needs.
BusinessLodge prides itself on creating a business community, not just a place to work, where clients share expertise, services and business opportunities to work together, which many of its clients already do. Networking events, wellness activities, seasonal celebrations and pop-up visits from local sellers create a vibrant feel, giving businesses the chance to showcase their products, helping boost the local economy.
BusinessLodge has entered the Small Business of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
The QUARTER at Potbank
Small Business of the Year entrant
A food and events business based on a site that’s about to have a multi-million-pound regeneration is successfully combining heritage, innovation and community impact.
The Quarter at Potbank, based on the Spode site in Stoke, will celebrate its sixth anniversary in September.
Owners Annmarie and Josef Bailey are constantly innovating and looking to expand their offer, including a current increased focus on weddings and staging larger events.
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: “There are lots of things happening at Spode right now, lots of investment, so it’s a very good place for us to be based right now.
“The developers Capital and Centric are going to be taking over a lot of the site and redeveloping much of the space which is all very exciting.”
The QUARTER at Potbank has entered the High Street Impact, Business in the Community and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Lowe's on Carter Street
Small Business of the Year entrant
Opened by Head Chef George Lowe in April 2023, Lowe’s on Carter Street has become one of Uttoxeter’s most significant high street success stories.
George, whose career spans Michelin-starred kitchens, luxury hotels and international private chef work, wanted to bring a new dining experience to Uttoxeter.
Lowe’s is a casual fine dining restaurant and wine bar that prides itself on an ever-evolving menu using the very best Staffordshire produce and working with suppliers including Dunwood Butchers and Staffordshire Coffee.
It has created jobs, attracted thousands of visitors, gained 400 five-star reviews and given back to the town that George grew up in.
George and the team believe a great restaurant should be about more than just excellent food. They want it to set a standard in the town and to give guests an experience they never forget. In the three years they’ve been operating they’ve built a restaurant that is attracting visitors from across Staffordshire and is rooted in the community.
Thanks to the quality of their food, hard work of their team, personal touch and approach to customer service repeat business stands at 34.73% above the industry average. One customer, a widower, visits Lowe’s every Sunday without fail. She has a children’s meal and talks to the team - the restaurant is her social lifeline.
Employing a team of eight local staff, Lowe’s is a proud living wage employer and operates a four-day working week.
The restaurant’s popularity led George to launch ambitious expansion plans last year, snapping up the empty unit next door, and helping revitalise one of Uttoxeter’s main streets in the process. A £15,000 investment created a new bar area and increased their covers by 12, a rise of 25% and increasing their floorspace by a third.
Over the past three years, the restaurant has delivered at least 600 three-course Christmas dinners completely free of charge, no questions asked, to residents across Uttoxeter. Meals are delivered on Christmas Eve, ensuring people who may be isolated, elderly or financially struggling can enjoy a festive meal without the worry.
As a passionate supporter and positive voice for the hospitality sector George is also heavily involved in Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce’s new hospitality forum, where he wants to rally support for the industry.
Looking ahead, George aims to replicate this model elsewhere in Staffordshire by opening a second restaurant - extending the positive high street impact they have already delivered in Uttoxeter.
Lowe’s on Carter Street has entered the High Street Impact, Business in the Community and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
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.
Auto Star Garage
Small Business of the Year entrant
Qualified welder and former train builder Gregory Jamrozik has brought together a team of freelance experts to offer a full automotive service.
The team of five, who work out of Auto Star Garage in Fenton, includes a camper van expert, a bodywork expert, two mechanics and Gregory’s own welding skills.
“Everybody does something different,” said Gregory. “I’m the owner of the unit but I’m also a fully coded welder. I repair vehicles but I can also weld pretty much anything that comes my way such as fences and radiators.
“I used to build trains but wanted to have my own business. I already have plenty of customers but I’m open to other businesses bringing in large scale welding projects.”
Gregory opened Auto Star Garage in June 2022 after moving from smaller premises.
Alongside standard automotive services Auto Star Garage offers custom fabrication work, including building recovery trucks from scratch and custom alloy repairs.
The garage can take on van work of any size and can provide bespoke solutions for customers.
Auto Star Garage works alongside a local MOT Centre so that customers can have their vehicles serviced, repaired and MOT-tested through one business.
Auto Star Garage has entered the Small Business of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Studio Effect
Small Business of the Year entrant
Hairdresser Magdalena Jermakow has clients ranging in age from one to 80-something, including some who have been with her for decades.
She opened her own salon, Studio Effect, in Queen’s Parade, Newcastle-under-Lyme, 19 years ago and still has some of the customers who had been with her previously when she worked as a mobile hairdresser.
“I have clients of all ages and types,” said Magdalena who has a team of two hairdressing staff who work alongside a two-person beauty team.
“Some of my clients are Polish, some of my clients are English, they’re all different nationalities really. Some clients have been with us from the very beginning and some were already clients when I opened. We have a good base of loyal customers. A lot of our customers have become our friends over the years.”
Studio Effect has entered the Small Business of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Jones's Cheesecakes and Bakes/Jones's Kitchen
Small Business of the Year entrant
A charity bake sale has turned into a business idea for Sarah Jones and her partner Andy.
The couple made cheesecakes to sell at a fundraiser which went down so well their friends and colleagues encouraged them to make and sell more.
The kitchen of their Abbey Hulton home is now the hub of registered business Jones’s Cheesecakes and Bakes, which they launched at the end of 2023.
They have also launched Jones’s Kitchen, a food catering service for weddings and other celebrations. They are now able to serve hot food at events and are working with a Community Interest Company in Tunstall to help provide affordable, nutritious food for its café.
They have stalls including at Castle Artisan Market, World of Wedgwood, Port Vale Football Club and as far afield as Warrington.
The couple work on the business at weekends and in the evening and hope to reach the stage where they could work on it fulltime.
Sarah said: “This started off as a hobby but has now become much more than that. Andy still works full time in a different job, but it would be nice to get this to the stage where we can both dedicate ourselves to it.
“We still make the cheesecakes wo started with and we still make everything at home from scratch.”
Jones’s Cheesecakes and Bakes/Jones’s Kitchen has entered the Small Business of the Year categories of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.