Young Business Person of the Year 2026
Category criteria
- Entrants for this category must be aged 40 or under on September 3, 2026.
- Entrants could be employed or self-employed but should be directly responsible for the success of their enterprise.
- The judges will be looking for evidence of the entrants’ determination to make the most of new opportunities to help fuel their company’s success.
Adam Swierk
Young Business Person of the Year nominee
Adam Swierk founded V.S.S. Maintenance Ltd in 2022 with a simple but clear goal - to build a construction company people could genuinely trust.
Four years later the business is thriving, on track to double its turnover year on year and Adam’s wife, Maria, has been able to leave her previous job to join the family firm.
The couple now have one permanent member of staff and four contractors who work on the likes of extensions, garage conversions and full-house renovations as well as routine maintenance around Staffordshire.
Maria said: “Starting from nothing, Adam took on every responsibility himself. He secured the work, managed the finances, built relationships with suppliers and delivered projects on site.
“In the early days it meant long hours, personal risk and complete accountability — but it also laid strong foundations.
“Through determination, consistency and a hands-on approach he has grown the business into a respected contractor across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent that is on track to more than double its turnover year on year.”
Adam has more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry, a Level 7 Diploma in Construction and Senior Management and an understanding of both the practical and commercial sides of the sector.
The 39-year-old has built the company steadily and sustainably, expanding from a sole founder to a structured team supported by trusted contractors.
Adam believes success should also benefit others. He actively encourages and supports other tradespeople who are considering starting their own businesses, sharing advice from his own journey and leading by example.
He is also committed to supporting the local community, working closely with local suppliers and tradespeople and donating Christmas presents each year to the children’s ward at Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Adam has been nominated for the Entrepreneur of the Year and Young Business Person of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Sophie Galantini
Young Business Person of the Year nominee
University of Staffordshire alumna Sophie Galantini has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year and Young Business Person of the Year categories of the Business Awards.
Sophie, who graduated in Media Production in 2011, is now the General Manager at Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn in Brewood. She was previously Operations Manager at the independent coffee shop chain BEAR.
Sophie said: “It’s amazing to be nominated for the University of Staffordshire Business Awards. I really appreciate it. It’s amazing even to be considered. I’d love to be up for an award.
“I had a really good rapport with the tutor who has put me forward. She really supported me throughout my degree. I graduated with first class honours. I wouldn’t have that without her.”
Sophie has been nominated by Victoria Rosamond, her tutor on the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship at University of Derby.
Victoria said: “Supported by her workplace mentor and driven by her own proactive engagement, Sophie has developed into a highly capable, thoughtful and professionally confident manager. Her portfolio demonstrates strong business acumen, creativity, operational competence, and reflective depth.
“Sophie embodies the values and impact of the CMDA programme. Her academic excellence, professional achievement across two organisational contexts, leadership maturity and reflective capability make her a truly deserving candidate for Apprentice of the Year.”