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.
Ben and Michael Dyer
Young Business Person 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.
George Lowe
Young Business Person of the Year entrant
At just 33-years-old, George Lowe has transformed an empty high street unit in his hometown of Uttoxeter into one of Staffordshire’s most celebrated hospitality businesses.
George founded Lowe’s on Carter Street in April 2023 with a bold ambition, to bring high-quality, casual fine dining to the market town he grew up in.
Having built his career in Michelin-starred kitchens, luxury hotels and international private chef roles, he chose to invest his experience, skills and personal savings into his own community.
In just three years Lowe’s has become one of the Top 100 Restaurants in the UK for 2025, as recognised by OpenTable – placing it in the top 0.2% nationwide based on analysis of more than 780,000 diner reviews and performance metrics. It is the only restaurant in Staffordshire to make the list.
In March, Lowe’s was also named as one of the: Top 100 Brunch and Lunch Restaurants in the UK for 2026 based on OpenTable diner reviews and metrics.
Lowe’s which is proud to be an independent restaurant and wine bar rooted in its community, also holds more than 400 five-star Google reviews with a perfect 5.0 rating, a real rarity in the hospitality industry.
With the support of a team, including his wife Jemma, George is directly responsible for this success. As founder and head chef he leads on concept, menu development, operational structure, team culture and growth.
Under George’s leadership Lowe’s champions the best of Staffordshire suppliers including Dunwood Butchers, Green Door Bakery, Sam’s Eggs and Staffordshire Coffee.
By embedding local sourcing at the heart of the business, George ensures that Lowe’s supports the wider regional economy while delivering outstanding quality to his customers.
His leadership style is hands-on and values-driven. One of his favourite sayings is “Life is black and white, hospitality is colour.”
For George and the Lowe’s team, hospitality is about connection. In his words: “It’s breaking bread with family. It’s enjoying life, first dates, conversation and family Sunday dinners.”
Unless service is at its busiest, he visits tables personally, explains dishes, recommends wines and thanks guests. That personal touch has driven loyalty, with repeat business sitting standing at about 45% of business - the national average is around 25%.
Under George’s leadership, the Lowes team has a ‘family meal’ consisting of all team members on a regular basis to discuss the business and actively involve staff in business success and planning for the future.
George has also demonstrated sharp commercial instinct. In 2025, recognising consistent full bookings and demand, he invested £15,000 to expand into the vacant unit next door. This increased covers by 25% and floorspace by a third, adding a new bar area and additional space for 12 diners.
Behind the scenes, he has restructured prep systems and rotas, reducing labour costs to 25–27%, (the national average is 40%), around 10% lower than the previous year, without compromising standards, staff wellbeing or customer service. In an industry facing recruitment and retention challenges, George employs eight local staff, pays at least the living wage, and operates a four-day working week.
Three years ago, he launched Lowe’s Christmas Community meals. In that time the restaurant has delivered more than 600 free three-course Christmas dinners across Uttoxeter. The initiative operates on a no-questions-asked basis, supporting individuals and families who may be isolated, elderly or struggling. Meals are prepared and delivered on Christmas Eve by George, his wife Jemma and the team.
Lowe’s also hosts charity events, supports a men’s mental health group, provides space for business networking, collaborates with independent retailers and showcases local artists. It has become an anchor business on the high street, attracting visitors from across Staffordshire and strengthening the local economy.
George is planning a number of other business ventures, including the launch of a bespoke review data platform, his own brand of olive oil and a bespoke Lowe’s candle brand.
He also has plans to open a second Staffordshire restaurant further down the line with ambitious to plans to share his love of food, cooking and hospitality on a national scale.
George Lowe has entered the Young Business Person of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
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.”