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.”
Mia Howard
Young Business Person of the Year nominee
Mia Howard is a Legal Services T-Level student who has demonstrated outstanding progress and achievement across both her academic studies and her workplace placement, rapidly evolving into a confident, capable and commercially impactful recruitment professional.
At just 19, Mia is in the second year of her T-Level at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG), while completing an industry placement with Newcastle-under-Lyme-based recruitment agency Recruitment Robin.
Selina Rudzik, Managing Director of Recruitment Robin, says Mia is set apart not just by her participation in the workplace but by the level of responsibility she has earned and the measurable impact she delivers.
She said: “Initially joining in a support capacity, Mia has quickly progressed to independently managing full recruitment cycles. She now leads on advertising vacancies, screening candidates, shortlisting and coordinating interviews, demonstrating a level of ownership, professionalism and accountability well beyond that expected at her stage.
“In a recent project she managed a pipeline of 12 candidates, coordinated the full interview process and successfully supported the placement of a candidate from her shortlist, evidencing her ability to deliver real recruitment outcomes.”
Mia’s contribution has extended beyond business benefit into meaningful community impact. She independently managed a full pro-bono recruitment project for the charity Emmaus North Staffs, overseeing candidate shortlisting and end-to-end coordination. Through her work,she saved the charity approximately 20 hours of administrative and screening time and several thousand pounds in recruitment fees, while still delivering a high-quality hiring outcome.
Selina said: “Alongside her technical and professional development, Mia’s personal journey highlights remarkable resilience and determination. Overcoming a challenging background, she has fully embraced education and workplace learning as a pathway to success, transforming from a reserved student into a confident professional who actively contributes to business outcomes.
“Mia’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and professional growth. She has evolved from a reserved student into a proactive team member who doesn’t just support our recruitment processes, she owns them. She has overcome significant personal and educational hurdles to become a vital part of our team, and we are incredibly proud to see her progressing to Aston University as a capable, confident professional.”
In addition to her studies and placement, Mia has independently launched and grown her own nail technician business into a profitable venture, demonstrating entrepreneurial drive, time management and commercial awareness alongside her academic and professional commitments.
Selina has nominated Mia in both the Young Business Person of the Year and Apprentice of the year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Ben Trickett
Young Business Person of the Year entrant
Finding the simplest, most efficient and environmentally friendly waste disposal solutions for companies and households has become a successful, sustainable business for entrepreneur Ben Trickett.
Now in its third year, Sixtowns Waste is innovating new ways to support people in Staffordshire, the Midlands and North West England.
The Barlaston-based business has successfully completed house clearances and refurbishments for landlords after Ben discovered a gap in the market.
A former maintenance manager at AstraZeneca, Ben always planned to run a business and turned his attention to the waste disposal sector.
Having recognised a gap in the market for holistic waste collection and disposal solutions, Ben founded Sixtowns Waste in April 2023.
When taking on a job, Sixtowns Waste plans a complete solution using a carefully chosen list of sub-contractors.
The sub-contractors work with Ben’s core team to ensure each job is completed without the customer having to get involved.
Examples of work completed last year include a site clearance for TCS John Huxley in Fenton including hazardous workshop waste, clearance of shipping containers and portacabins at Watermills School in Chell, largescale electrical waste disposal at North Manchester Hospital and work with Burslem-based document management experts Chaffinch to support waste clearance work for their clients.
Ben said: “I have put a lot of time into cultivating a strong network of contractors and that is paying off.
“I am committed to transparency and devote time through our social media channels each week to explaining how we work and the potential solutions that customers need.
“For example, how does a school go about disposing of computer towers and laptops, ensuring they remain compliant with data protection laws?
“We have available solutions which both keep you compliant and reduce harm to the environment. Along with compliant disposal, we ensure as much equipment as possible is sent to charity to help disadvantage people in developing countries.”
He added: “We source as many trusted local partners as we can. As a business owner I have forged relationships with companies across the building trades, especially through business networking with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, BNI Sir Stanley Matthews and the Grafters trades network.”
Ben Trickett has entered the Entrepreneur of the Year and Young Business Person of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards and has entered Sixtowns Waste in the Growth Award category.
Kirsty Nelms
Young Business Person of the Year entrant
Kirsty Nelms has helped strengthen the foundations of more than 100 Staffordshire businesses through expert, fully funded marketing support, all while building an agency of her own.
The former journalist launched Peacock Digital Marketing in 2020 at the age of 31 with no loans or investors, just her own personal savings. She has built a stable base of retained clients and a strong reputation within the Staffordshire business community, maintaining consistent turnover and almost doubling that in her business’ fifth year in 2025.
Kirsty cultivated this growth while operating as a single director business, with an average net profit margin of around 51%, demonstrating strong operational efficiency.
Alongside commercial client work, Kirsty has made the most of new opportunities by successfully tendering for and delivering publicly funded programmes to the wider Staffordshire business community. This has also helped raise awareness of her business, based at Fulford, and led to new client wins and projects.
Through the Achieve & Grow programme, delivered on behalf of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub, Kirsty supported more than 100 businesses from the pilot phase through to the most recent round of delivery. In the latest round she worked with 32 businesses, each receiving up to six hours of fully funded, specialist website support. These businesses are typically established microbusinesses without in-house marketing expertise and without the budget to access professional support independently.
Kirsty was directly responsible for managing enquiries, engaging with businesses, diagnosing their challenges and delivering tailored, practical solutions within the funded hours. Support provided included SEO audits and content writing, website improvements and migrations, keyword research, competitor analysis, marketing strategy development and clear guidance to help business owners understand and manage their digital platforms with confidence.
Kirsty has also delivered marketing workshops and training on behalf of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, the Growth Hub and South Staffordshire Council. These opportunities have enabled Peacock Digital Marketing to strengthen its reputation as a trusted delivery partner and extend its impact beyond individual client relationships.
Kirsty Nelms has entered the Young Business Person of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Phil Warburton and Shaun Hollins
Young Business Person of the Year entry
NBe Brokers Ltd’s turnover has increased by 185% since its launch in 2023 and its net profit has risen by more than 2,000%.
The business was founded by co-directors Shaun Hollins and Phil Warburton who were initially the only members of the team. They now have 25 employees including a newly created business development role and have just move to larger premises at Lymedale Business Centre in Newcastle -under-Lyme.
Shaun and Phil have both previously worked at Autonet. They and their team have extensive experience of working within the insurance industry.
NBe Brokers is an insurance brokerage specialising in tailored commercial insurance solutions for businesses. It operates as an independent insurance intermediary, bridging the gap between insurance providers and business clients.
Its core focus is on simplifying the insurance process and delivering cost-effective, personalised coverage that meets the specific risk needs of its customers.
Offering a range of insurance products, including fleet insurance, HGV and taxi cover, courier insurance, motor trade solutions and other commercial insurance policies, NBe Brokers helps businesses protect their assets, operations and people.
Callum Rowley, business development manager at NBe Brokers Ltd, said: “Beyond commercial growth, NBe Brokers Ltd is committed to making a meaningful difference within the local community. As a growing business we believe success should be shared and we have actively supported local grassroots charities and community initiatives.
“We have contributed through direct financial donations, sponsorship of local events and practical support where it is needed most. By backing smaller, community-led causes we help ensure that funding reaches frontline initiatives that deliver immediate and tangible impact.
“Our support has focused on organisations working within our local area, reinforcing our commitment to the communities in which our clients and team members live and work. We have recently joined forces with Dougie Mac through their business club scheme.”
NBe Brokers Ltd has entered the Growth Award and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Sky Rowley
Young Business Person of the Year nominee
Sky Rowley is just 16 years old but she has already founded her own ceramics business, PetalPots, which she runs alongside studying at Stoke-on-Trent College.
She is on track to achieve a distinction in her Level 3 Art and Design course and has secured a place at study Ceramic Art at University of the Arts London, which she will begin in September.
At 13, Sky moved away from mainstream schooling and continued her education through home learning for 18 months.
At the age of 15 she joined Stoke-on-Trent College, where a work experience placement became a key turning point.
During a visit to Valentine Clays, Sky met Managing Director Hannah Ault and master potter John French while observing a professional pottery demonstration. This provided a clear example of how creative skills can translate into a career or business, directly influencing her decision to pursue pottery further.
Sky returned to Valentine Clays to complete a five-week course with her mum, developing her technical skills and confidence. With support from her family, she continued practising at home, with her dad converting her childhood wendy house into a dedicated studio space.
Sky launched PetalPots on Instagram at the age of 15. She built up the confidence to attend her first market exhibition at Stoke Pride. She gradually expanded her product range while developing her understanding of how to run a business. She has reinvested part of her earnings into materials and equipment, enabling her to produce more than 600 items to date.
The registered small business specialises in handmade pottery, with a particular focus on detailed and decorative pieces, including miniature ceramics, trinket dishes, personalised items, and small giftware. All products are individually designed and created by Sky, with options for custom and commissioned work.
The brand has developed a strong identity around affordable, handcrafted items, often featuring delicate designs and personalised elements. Products are sold through Instagram, direct enquiries and local markets, with a growing catalogue.
As the founder, Sky manages all aspects of the business, including design, production, marketing, and sales. Her work demonstrates attention to detail and a willingness to experiment with different styles and products, allowing her to respond to customer demand and refine her offering over time.
Sky dedicates time outside of college to producing and preparing stock. She works in her studio most evenings and has expanded into using the garage as a storage and packing area.
She has been nominated in the Young Business Person of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by the team at Stoke-on-Trent College.
Richard Bower
Young Business Person of the Year entrant
Richard Bower has helped transform a traditional Staffordshire family farm into one of the region’s most successful and innovative rural diversification businesses.
Through determination, creativity and a clear understanding of changing consumer markets, Richard has played a leading role in turning Lower Drayton Farm from a volatile agricultural enterprise into a thriving year-round destination business built around farming, education, tourism and hospitality.
Richard represents a new generation of farmers who are commercially minded, forward-thinking and passionate about reconnecting the public with agriculture.
Lower Drayton Farm has been in the Bower family for generations, operating as a beef and arable farm. Like many farming businesses, it faced increasing pressure from volatile commodity prices, rising costs and changing agricultural policy. Rather than accepting decline as inevitable, Richard saw opportunity.
After studying Agri-Food Marketing at Harper Adams University Richard, now aged 40, gained valuable commercial experience working within the flower industry, developing a strong understanding of branding, consumer trends, events and customer engagement. Instead of pursuing a corporate career away from farming, he chose to bring that knowledge back home to help secure the future of the family business.
That decision has transformed Lower Drayton Farm.
Richard recognised that modern consumers increasingly wanted authentic experiences, meaningful family time and stronger connections with food, farming and the countryside. He also saw an opportunity to create a more resilient business model through carefully planned diversification.
Working alongside his father, farmer Ray Bower, Richard helped launch PLAY@ Lower Drayton Farm in 2020 — a family visitor attraction combining indoor and outdoor play with authentic farming experiences. The vision was never simply to create another play centre, but to build a destination that celebrated farming while creating sustainable income streams for the future.
Under his direction, the diversification business has expanded rapidly and now welcomes approximately 130,000 visitors annually, while complementing the farm’s traditional agricultural income. The wider business now employs around 70 staff, creating substantial local employment opportunities and supporting the rural economy.
Richard Bower has entered the Young Business Person of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Beth Galletely
Young Business Person entrant
A 32 year old woman is transforming the way bathrooms are designed after launching a plumbing and heating company that uses 4D technology.
Beth Galletely set up Action Bathrooms, which she owns and runs with her husband Andy. Operating from their design studio in Blythe Bridge – customers can step into a virtual world to see exactly what their brand-new bathroom could look like in their interactive design theatre.
Using 4D technology similar to that seen in TV programmes like Grand Designs, customers wear virtual headsets to see their design first-hand. Beth was the driving force behind introducing the technology which allows customers to move around the room, turn taps on, open drawers and even stand in the shower.
Beth who says herself that she is working in what is traditionally seen as a man’s world, is always on hand to go the extra mile for customers by suggesting colour schemes and accessories as well as expert advice. She also ensures customers can visit the studio at a time to suit them, including offering appointments outside of working hours.
Action Heat Group, which Action Bathrooms is part of, was founded by the Meir Heath couple seven years ago. Predominantly focusing on plumbing, heating and boiler installation, the company now has a team of 18 subcontractors who work all over the country.
As well as overcoming the challenge of a flood which temporarily closed their Uttoxeter Road design study last year, Beth has overseen and led the repairs and refurbishment, relaunching the design studio this year.
Under Beth’s leadership and guidance, over the last year Action Bathrooms has also fully diversified into full luxury home renovations, including kitchen and bedrooms.
She said: “We pride ourselves on going the extra mile for our customers and providing enhanced levels of customer service – the design studio helps us do that. We’re doing very well and word has travelled fast but it’s important to us, that no matter how much we grow, we stay true to ourselves, keep our feet on the ground and continue to deliver a quality service that our customers know they can trust.
“We have seen real growth since opening the design studio and we find that, once someone has a bathroom done by us, when they need other work doing they automatically come to us for kitchen, bedroom and often full house renovations.
“Over the last 12 months we have been focussing on offering so much more than bathroom design and installation and with the fantastic team of tradespeople we work with Action Bathrooms is going from strength to strength.”
Andy said: “ I am a plumber by trade and much of my time is working on jobs with our other contractors. Beth’s leadership and businesses decisions are the driving force behind our success. She manages the team, coordinates jobs, leads our design function and our customer experience, which is second to none. Without her the business wouldn’t be as successful.
“The flood we had was a challenge but Beth took it in her stride and ensured that despite the difficult times we were facing, the business continued to grow, to the extent that we no longer just offer bathrooms but full house refurbishments and that is testament to her and our team.”
Beth Galletely has entered the Young Business Person of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Callum Beattie
Young Business Person of the Year entrant
A business that 21-year-old Callum Beattie set up less than a year ago has already tripled its monthly turnover and expanded to the point where he’s been able to employ a member of staff.
The former BMW car salesman set up Stoke-on-Trent based Crawford & Beattie in January 2026 with no loans, grants or investors.
Callum is building the strategic creative and content agency from scratch and says that every client, system and result the company is involved with is something he has been directly responsible for delivering.
He said: “I started with the conviction that most agencies sell activity, not outcomes. I set out to build one that proves its value in numbers. In my first year of trading I’ve signed and retained clients across completely different industries, from garden buildings and exterior cleaning to the food sector and automotive, and delivered measurable commercial results for each of them.
“What I’m proudest of is how I got there. When I needed lead generation infrastructure I couldn’t yet afford to buy in, I taught myself to build it. I reverse engineered the systems used by far larger competitor agencies and built my own from scratch, automated qualification bots, conversion funnels and SMS follow up infrastructure, so my clients get the kind of systems much larger agencies charge a premium for at a boutique price.
“Every new client problem has become an opportunity to add a capability the agency didn’t have the week before. That instinct, turning a gap into a new strength rather than a reason to say no, is how I’ve grown the company.
“I run Crawford & Beattie on a retainer model by design with a small number of clients, high standards, high margins and direct access to me as the founder rather than being handed to a junior. It’s the opposite of how most agencies operate and it works.
“Within my first year I’ve created my first employee role, issued my first employment contract and built the company to the point of being named a Finalist in the UK Small Business Awards 2026.
“I came into this with everything to prove and plenty to lose. I’ve proved the model, the results and the reason I left a comfortable job to chase this. I’d be proud to represent what’s possible for a young business owner in Staffordshire and I’m only just getting started.”
Callum registered the business in November 2025 and left his job with BMW in January 2026 to work on Crawford and Beattie fulltime.
Most of his clients are Staffordshire based but are as far afield as London. He proudly says that he has retained every client he has won.
He added: “My ambition is for Crawford & Beattie to be a recognised name across the UK and for people to know what it does just by hearing the name. I’m 100% driven to make it happen.”
Callum Beattie has entered the Young Business Person of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards and has entered Crawford & Beattie into the Start-up Business of the Year category.
Eleanor Young
Young Business Person of the Year entrant
Eleanor Young has a first class law degree but turned her back on her legal career to pursue a dream of working with dogs.
She worked in wills and probate and then the civil service after graduating but, after being made redundant, decided to take the opportunity to start her own business.
The Pooch Pad, in Eccleshall, offers members only doggy day care and luxury boarding with home comforts including a flat screen TV, air conditioning, sofas and a ball pool.
Eleanor, now aged 28, has purposefully positioned The Pooch Pad at the luxury end of the market. She specifically caters for small dogs and has a waiting list of pet owners who are queueing up to become a member.
She said: “Entrepreneurship is often associated with disruption, innovation and taking calculated risks. My entrepreneurial journey began with one of the biggest risks of my life, leaving the security of a legal career at 26 years old to build a business from scratch in an industry I believed could offer more.
“I created The Pooch Pad after identifying an opportunity within the pet care market that I felt had been overlooked. While pet ownership had evolved significantly and owners increasingly viewed their dogs as family members, many day care environments had remained largely functional and volume driven. I believed there was space for something different.
“My vision was to create a premium, boutique experience dedicated specifically to small dogs, one that prioritised quality, trust and customer experience over scale.
“Launching the business required calculated risk taking. I moved away from a traditional professional career path to pursue a completely different industry, investing not only financially but personally into building something that reflected my own values and standards.
“The early stages required learning new disciplines quickly: operations, licensing, customer acquisition, marketing, finance, service design and brand building, whilst continuing to deliver day-to-day services personally.
“Rather than replicating existing models, I designed The Pooch Pad around a membership structure. This decision became one of the most important innovations within the business.
“The membership approach allowed attendance to remain intentionally controlled, creating carefully matched groups of dogs, stronger customer relationships and a more consistent experience. Instead of focusing on volume, the business was designed to maintain exclusivity and quality.
“This model challenged expectations of what dog day care could be. The result has been sustained demand, high levels of customer loyalty and waiting lists for memberships.
“What makes this growth particularly meaningful is that it has been achieved independently and intentionally. Every decision has been made with long-term sustainability in mind rather than rapid expansion.”
Eleanor Young has entered the Young Business Person of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards and has entered The Pooch Pad into the Start-up Business of the Year, Growth and Small Business of the Year categories.