THE 2023 WINNERS & FINALISTS
Winners were announced at the Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards ceremony on Friday, May 26, 2023 at The Engine Shed in Lincoln. The evening was hosted by Emma Jesson for Stonebow Media, MyLocal and The Lincolnite.
SME of the Year — Fox (Owmby)
Sponsored by University of Lincoln Research & Enterprise
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Advanced Virtual Assistants
Core Architects
Fox (Owmby)
Neil Dowlman Architecture
Social Change
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Fox (Owmby) Limited has won the SME of the Year for their remarkable growth, dedication to sustainability, and commitment to their workforce. A local company for over 90 years, they have grown into one of the UK's largest privately-owned contractors, showcasing enduring resilience and an unwavering commitment to progress. The past year saw them investing over £5 million in business growth, infrastructure, and low-carbon technologies, illustrating their innovative and responsible approach. Additionally, their commitment to employee training and mental health support demonstrates a comprehensive approach to workforce welfare. Their future plans promise further expansion and investment in new energy technologies, affirming their readiness to adapt in an evolving world. This combination of consistent growth, innovation, environmental responsibility, and people-focus makes Fox (Owmby) Limited a deserving winner of the SME of the Year category.
Business Innovator of the Year — Crop Intellect
Sponsored by Lincoln Science & Innovation Park
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Crop Intellect
HubGem Marketing
Pocket Sergeant
Systemise Fulfilment
Tok Agency
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Crop Intellect, recipient of the Business Innovator of the Year award, led by Apostolos Papadopoulos, has made remarkable strides in agri-tech and environmental sustainability since its inception in 2011. Their patented technologies, including one enhancing crop productivity and another extending fresh produce shelf-life, are adopted worldwide, contributing significantly to food security and sustainability. Their latest innovation, R-Leaf, stands out as a pioneering solution that captures air pollution and converts it into beneficial nitrogen for crops. This technology not only addresses climate change and air pollution, but also augments crop yield, aiding farmers globally. Crop Intellect's ambitious R&D, supported by Bill Gates's Breakthrough Energy, InnovateUK, and the European Innovation Council, ensures they continue their path of disruptive innovation. They've also excelled in building a diverse, multicultural team passionately committed to global sustainability. Their capacity for innovation, dedication to the environment, and robust business model are why they're deserving of this accolade.
Charitable Business of the Year — PALS Battalion CIC
Sponsored by Ringrose Law
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Changing Lives Through Changing Minds
Dads Advocates CIC
Headway Lincolnshire
PALS Battalion CIC
The Butterfly Hospice Trust
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Pals Battalion CIC has been chosen as Charitable Business of the Year for their commendable efforts in bridging the gap between veterans and the wider community, providing access to sporting and community events for all. Founded in 2018 by L. Stokes, a veteran himself, the organisation's deep understanding of veterans' struggles with PTSD, social isolation, and transition to civilian life led to a unique, non-clinical approach to veteran care that embraces the wider community. Pals Battalion is distinguished by its ethos of encouraging individuals to be leaders in their own lives and its commitment to foster social connections through various sporting events and community activities. Their growth has been impressive, expanding their reach nationally, and they've shown a clear dedication to the community through partnerships and collaborative efforts. They are also particularly praiseworthy for their investment in people, offering opportunities and avenues often inaccessible to at-risk demographics. Their continued determination to nurture, grow, and inspire positive change for mental health and social integration is laudable. The award recognises the palpable impact Pals Battalion has on individuals and communities, highlighting the power of a small entity to make a profound splash.
Environmental/Sustainable Business of the Year — Parkacre
Sponsored by Pearson Hydraulics
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CorrBoard UK
Lincolnshire Wildlife Park
My Square Metre
Parkacre
Sanyukta Shrestha
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The judges chose Parkacre Enterprises Ltd. as the winner of the Environmental/Sustainable Business of the Year award for their comprehensive commitment to sustainability. As a leading UK-based nutraceutical company, Parkacre not only delivers high-quality, innovative health products worldwide but also goes above and beyond in their environmental initiatives. They power their manufacturing facilities with 100% renewable energy and implement a waste-to-energy strategy, significantly reducing their carbon footprint. Their transition to recyclable and glass packaging underscores their dedication to reducing plastic waste. Additionally, they demonstrate a strong commitment to their employees' development, providing in-house training and fostering flexible work environments. The combination of their environmental stewardship, high-quality products, and care for their team makes Parkacre a role model in sustainable business practices, meriting this recognition.
Business of the Year — Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company
Sponsored by Regus
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Curious Theatre School
Eagle Eye Innovations
Shooting Star
The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company
UK Alternative Energy
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The judges recognised Lincoln Tea and Coffee Co as the Business of the Year due to their remarkable growth, focus on sustainability, and commitment to quality and service. The company, founded by Susie Carlisle in 2013, has not only achieved consistent financial growth but also expanded their team, product offerings, and customer services. Their innovative product range, including their official licensed MOD products and unique Lincolnshire tea selection, has garnered national and international recognition. Their commitment to environmental sustainability stood out. By actively introducing compostable and recyclable packaging and focusing on sustainable manufacturing practices, they've shown that business growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. The judges were also impressed by their community focus and dedication to their customers. The company has created a family-oriented culture, ensuring that as they grow, their warm, personal touch remains. Their investment in people, through regular training and an open management style, has fostered a loyal and invested team, further contributing to their success.
Rising Star of the Year — Louis Jones, Surprise Shirts
Sponsored by Shooting Star
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Archie Read - ADHD 360
Ben Smith - KryptoKloud
Jack Lobaczewski - RSUK Group
Daisy Graham - Social Change
Louis Jones - Surprise Shirts
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Louis Jones, founder of Surprise Shirts, was chosen as the Rising Star for his extraordinary achievements in business at such a young age, along with his innovation and dedication. His entrepreneurial journey, from using his birthday money to start a business, to leading a multi-national organisation, is inspirational. Louis saw an opportunity in his passion for collecting football shirts and transformed it into a unique, profitable business model. His initiative to introduce a subscription service and expand the product range with Select Shirts demonstrated his innovative mindset and business acumen. Despite being just 18, Louis successfully negotiated sponsorship deals, expanded globally, and managed to maintain excellent customer service, receiving a rating of 4.9/5 from verified reviews. His commitment to giving back to the community is commendable, as evidenced by his scheme to provide shirts to less fortunate children. In addition, his success in building a large social media following demonstrates his skill in marketing and building relationships. Louis's ability to rapidly learn the financial aspects of business, coupled with his courage, passion, and infectious love for football, distinguish him as a remarkable young entrepreneur and a deserving recipient of the Rising Star award.
Exporter/International Business of the Year — Medibiosense
Sponsored by Duncan & Toplis
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Bradbury Group
Liz Drury Voiceovers
Makan Bites
Medibiosense
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By exporting a sizable 85-90% of their turnover, and actively participating in governmental efforts to promote UK trade, MediBioSense has exhibited exemplary performance in global trade and export, thus making them a well-deserved recipient of the Exporter of the Year Award. Their innovation in wearable technology and integrated healthcare applications is not just ground-breaking, but life-saving. In a world where healthcare is increasingly dependent on real-time data and preventative measures, MediBioSense has surged ahead by providing continuous, remote patient monitoring across 40+ countries, thus democratising healthcare accessibility. Their meteoric rise in turnover, a ten-fold increase in the last three years, and impressive global reach, is an attestation to the disruptive power of their technology. Equally impressive is their commitment to community and academia. Collaborations with the University of Lincoln, and efforts to educate the future generations, showcase a company that is committed not only to profit but also to the broader societal impact.
Family Business of the Year — Freckleface
Sponsored by Streets Heaver Healthcare Computing
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Bennetts Timber
Dough LoCo
Fox (Owmby)
Freckleface
Hames Chocolates
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Freckleface, formed by a dedicated family team, won the Family Business of the Year award for its remarkable journey from a kitchen table idea to a thriving enterprise with a global ambition. The judges admired the family's commitment to ethical manufacturing, creating a range of vegan, plastic-free home products that resonate with the current emphasis on sustainability. The judges were impressed with their substantial growth, marked by opening four retail stores, securing 750 stockists, and doubling turnover annually. Despite challenges, Freckleface has ambitiously outlined plans for international expansion and significant UK high street investment, aiming to open a new store every six months, thus demonstrating their belief in local job creation and UK-made goods. Moreover, the family's personal story and their determination to build a better future for their neurodiverse son, who is thriving within the business, added a touching personal dimension that captivated the judges. Their desire to inspire others through their journey, along with the positive impact their previous award had on their staff and son, underscored their worthiness for this award.
Tech Business of the Year — Eagle Eye Innovations
Sponsored by Lincoln Be Smarter
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Eagle Eye Innovations
Medibiosense
Pocket Sergeant
PSP-IT
TheraPlate Clinics and Distribution
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Eagle Eye Innovations (EEI) was chosen as the Tech Business of the Year for its commitment to innovation and adaptation in the burgeoning field of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), which has positioned the company as a global leader. The judges were impressed with EEI's consistent growth, having expanded its revenue by 450% since 2020, a testament to its strategic business development and adept handling of larger contracts, including with the Royal Air Force. Equally important was EEI's people-focused approach, underlined by its extensive investment in career development and upskilling opportunities. Its efforts to facilitate both personal and professional growth for its employees, particularly ex-military personnel, were highly commendable. The judges recognised EEI's unique ability to stay ahead of the curve, offering bespoke solutions to its clients, showcasing agility and expertise. Examples include its pioneering work in Operational Safety Cases, creation of Tactical Operations Centres (TOCs), and the ability to undertake R&D projects for innovative unmanned aircrafts. The judges acknowledged the ambitious future plans of EEI, including overseas expansion and significant growth of its Technical Services branch, highlighting its relentless pursuit of enabling safe RPAS operations worldwide. EEI's innovative spirit, commitment to its mission, and investment in its people make it a well-deserving recipient of this award.
Business Leader of the Year — Mandy Watson, Ambitions Personnel
Sponsored by MyLocal, presented by Mayor of Lincoln, Cllr Biff Bean
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Dorian Gonslaves - The Belvoir Group
Josh Illsley - Running Imp
Kirsty Gale - Red Carpet Ready
Mandy Watson - Ambitions Personnel
Nigel Bottom - Witham Oil and Paint
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Mandy Watson, Founder and Managing Director of Ambitions Personnel, is a stellar example of unwavering leadership and strategic acumen. Her extraordinary resilience in the face of market changes, combined with an unrelenting commitment to delivering exceptional service, has successfully driven the company's impressive growth over three decades. Mandy's focus on her people, evidenced through strong employee retention and an emphasis on staff feedback, is testament to a leader who genuinely understands the importance of her team in shaping the company's success. Equally commendable is Mandy's service to the local community through various board roles and advisory panels, demonstrating a leader who extends her influence beyond her business. Furthermore, her readiness to support her team during critical times underscores her willingness to lead by example and stay connected to her business's operational realities. For these reasons, we wholeheartedly award Mandy Watson the title of Business Leader of the Year.
Andrew Stevenson Award — Tok Agency
Sponsored by University of Lincoln Research & Enterprise
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This award was established to honour the legacy of Andrew Stevenson, who regrettably passed away in December 2020. Throughout his tenure as the Founding Director of Research & Enterprise at the University of Lincoln, Andrew cultivated a supportive and accessible infrastructure for businesses in Greater Lincolnshire. He launched numerous platforms and initiatives from which organisations could reap benefits.
Andrew inspired others to explore novel ideas and embrace different approaches. A trailblazer in innovation, he was an advocate for small businesses and a shining beacon of progress in Lincoln. It is only apt that this accolade, named in his memory, seeks to recognise an exceptional business idea that has genuine potential for long-lasting impact on the economy, both regionally and nationally.
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Tok Agency was chosen for the Andew Stevenson Award due to their pioneering and innovative business approach. Recognising the potential of TikTok as an untapped marketplace, they have focused their efforts exclusively on this platform, distinguishing themselves in the competitive affiliate marketing industry.
The judges were particularly impressed with their dedication to nurturing local talent. Tok Agency's commitment to hiring and developing University of Lincoln graduates is both a powerful investment in the region and a strategic move that infuses their business with fresh, creative energy.
Their rapid growth, despite being a relatively new business, is testament to their strategic acumen and agility. Investment in people is another area where Tok Agency stands out. By giving their employees freedom to develop product lines and initiatives, they are not just fostering a creative, dynamic workplace culture but also helping to equip their staff with transferable skills for the future.
