The Business Awards Show

Debbie Gilbert
  • 5.0 (19)
  • Marketing
  • Updated weekly

Welcome to the Business Awards Show, where we share valuable information, secret nuggets, to get your award entry noticed by the judges for all the right reasons. Our weekly episodes also feature inspirational interviews with winners, judges, and sponsors. So let's dive in and start your journey to award winning success.

  1. 4 days ago

    Episode 214: Of Course You Can Win an Award with Helen Kenworthy

    Helen Kenworthy has spent thirty years telling people of course you can. She explains why she finally started believing it about her own award entries too. Helen, founder of Of Course You Can Coach, Education Selection Box, RYTC Creative CIC and co-founder of Give Get Go Education, reflects on thirty years of building organically connected businesses rooted in confidence, creativity and inclusion. Helen shares how her own journey from a shy child into performing arts shaped her belief that everyone can succeed once they experience one small win. Furthermore, she explains how that philosophy underpins her coaching and work supporting young people with additional needs.  Crucially, she discusses how a Youth Arts Champion award, nominated by one of her own students, became a genuine turning point for her business. Helen also reveals why awards continue to build trust, opening doors with funders, offering welcome validation after decades of entrepreneurship.   About Helen Helen is the founder and director of three organisations — RYTC Creatives CIC, Education Selection Box CIC, and Give Get Go Education. Her conviction is that people don't need to be squeezed into systems that were never designed for them; the systems need to bend around them. With nearly 30 years across the business and creative sectors as a coach, mentor, author, and actor, Helen has spent her career proving that creativity, rigour, and heart aren't mutually exclusive. Her work spans SEND-informed and alternative education, creative arts for mental health, careers training, and family support — underpinned by her trademarked "Of Course You Can!™" methodology and her "Brilliantly Underestimated" philosophy. In 2026 alone, she picked up the Prestige Awards SEND Provider of the Year and the SME Awards Best Inclusive Creative Learning Partnership of the Year (Warwickshire), adding to a track record that includes the Golden Peacock Trailblazer Award.   {2:20} What Helen was doing thirty years ago. {5:45} Moving into the SEND sector. {8:04} Education Selection Box is born. {10:59} The interconnectedness of Helen's work. {11:59} Helen's focus on solutions. {13:48} The 'Brilliantly Underestimated' and how to get them to believe in themselves. {19:46} How awards benefitted Helen and her business. {28:30} How Helen has succeeded over thirty years.   Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                        Connect with Helen:  https://helenkenworthy.com/                                   https://www.educationselectionbox.com/                                   https://www.rytc.co.uk/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ofcourseyoucancoach/                 https://www.linkedin.com/company/education-selection-box/                 https://www.linkedin.com/company/therytc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofcourseyoucancoach Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581154236404&rdid=iVK8A4ogy3Up0Nht&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1ALBuLBuir%2F

    Episode 214: Of Course You Can Win an Award with Helen Kenworthy

  2. 4 days ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing Oprah Celebrates 40 Years of The Oprah Winfrey Show from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast Today—September 8, 1986—marks the 40th anniversary of one of the most momentous days in Oprah's life and career. Forty years ago today the very first nationally syndicated episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show aired launching what would become a 25 year cultural phenomenon and pioneering television. In this special anniversary episode Oprah reflects on her extraordinary journey—from her early days as a news anchor in Nashville and Baltimore to her first audition tape and the lessons she learned hosting AM Chicago, the show that brought her to the Windy City. She also reveals the enduring early lessons that shaped her life's purpose and continue to guide her work today as well as how she lives each day in gratitude for what she considers a God-given opportunity. 00:00:00 Oprah on the beginning of The Oprah Winfrey Show 00:04:00 Oprah and Barbara Walters 00:09:00 Oprah’s audition and Dennis Swanson 00:18:30 - Oprah’s journal entry before her first national show 00:20:00 - Oprah's first show 00:30:00 - Oprah’s last show 00:35:50 - Don Johnson’s surprise Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381 DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

  3. 2 Sept

    Episode 213: Finding Your Voice to Become an Award Winner with Helen von Dadelszen

    Behind every credible award entry and engaging acceptance speech is someone who has learned how to communicate with impact. In this episode, Helen von Dadelszen shows us how. Helen is founder of Present Potential and author of 'Courageous Action', the ideal book for helping people communicate more confidently. She tells Debbie why nerves are normal, sharing practical tips on reading the brief carefully, respecting time limits, and bringing genuine personality rather than a rehearsed script. Additionally, she discusses the growing use of video entries, how to make a pitch memorable within a strict time limit, and the breathing and grounding techniques that help manage nerves. Helen and Debbie also compare approaches to acceptance speeches, and why fear of public speaking should never stop someone entering an award. Her tips could be the catalyst for entering your business into awards. Don't miss it! About Helen Helen von Dadelszen helps smart, thoughtful professionals turn their ideas into clear, confident and impactful communication. She believes confidence is built through action, and that everyone has a unique communication style that can be strengthened and shared. As founder of Present Potential Sàrl, Helen provides practical training and coaching in public speaking, presentation skills, vocal presence and confident communication, working across technical, scientific, academic and humanitarian fields. She is also the author of 'Courageous Action: Your Playbook for Communicating Confidently One Step at a Time', a hands-on guide to building communication confidence. Her work is strongly influenced by improvisational theatre, helping clients become more present and comfortable with uncertainty. An active Toastmasters member and European speech contest winner, Helen is originally from New Zealand. Now based in Switzerland, she brings an international, human-centred approach to communication coaching.   {2:08} Helen's background and her journey to Present Potential. {4:08} Helen's typical clients. {6:02} How to prepare for an awards presentation. {12:08} The importance of planning your pitch. {14:51} Helen's book 'Courageous Action'. {17:30} How to give a good acceptance speech. {24:23} Connecting with an audience. {26:49} Helen's future plans.     Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                        Connect with Helen:  https://academy.presentpotential.ch/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-von-dadelszen/                 https://www.linkedin.com/company/present-potential/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/present_potential  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB_2NMosqJQBBiv5ux3mYHg Helen's book 'Courageous Action': https://courageousaction.ch/

    Episode 213: Finding Your Voice to Become an Award Winner with Helen von Dadelszen

  4. 26 Aug

    Episode 212: The One-Of-A-Kind Networking That's Being Recognised by Awards with Pete Rhodes

    Pete Rhodes never liked networking events, so he built one that actually works. And consequently, Meet for Good won the Gold Award for Best Networking Group at this year's Best SME Awards. Debbie Gilbert speaks to Pete, founder of All for Good and Meet for Good, about nearly twenty years in sport, including roles at the Youth Sport Trust and Team GB. That experience led him to build a business connecting sport, sponsorship and charity to create genuine social impact. He explains the thinking behind Meet for Good, why it deliberately stays small and intimate, and how it has become a platform for inspiring speakers and meaningful charitable partnerships. Pete also discusses why passion for a cause matters more than scale, how businesses can create real impact through sponsorship, and his plans to expand the network beyond the Midlands. About Pete Pete was involved in the sports industry for nearly 20 years. From the Youth Sport Trust to the British Olympic Association, Pete has successfully worked to raise sponsorship and funding for leading organisations, as well as managing events to meet those fundraising targets for such milestones as the Athens and Beijing Olympics. In 2005, he set up All for Good. He based his business on a vision to use the power of sport, sponsorship and events to make a genuine difference. He has worked alongside sports personalities, charities, corporate partners, and governing bodies to create events and partnerships that not only deliver exceptional experiences, but also generate lasting social impact. As a result, he has raised over £10m, determined that every event should have an event bigger than itself. In 2020 he launched Meet for Good to bring a similar focus to networking, winning the Best Networking Business at the Best SME Awards in 2026.     {3:03} Why All for Good is unique. {3:44} How Pete went about achieving his goals. {6:13} Some typical All for Good porjects. {10:18} Pete's favourite sports. {10:53} The sociability of golf. {12:25} How the Meet for Good network was formed and has evolved. {20:06} Cross-pollination between the 'Good' businesses. {21:21} Current projects. {24:18} Why Pete entered the Best SME Awards. {28:59} Baton of Hope and other supported charity events. {30:58} Getting the most from partnering with charities.   Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                        Connect with Pete:  https://www.allforgood.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterhodesafg/

    Episode 212: The One-Of-A-Kind Networking That's Being Recognised by Awards with Pete Rhodes

  5. 19 Aug

    Episode 211: Customer Service First, Awards Follow with Natalie Roukin and Jenna Stopforth

    Natalie Roukin and Jenna Stopforth have never chased awards. Their priority was to make every client feel special, and the trophies followed. The founders of By Two Studio, an award-winning St Albans-based interior design business, share how they built a business founded on customer service, having met while training as interior designers.  They also explain how getting involved right at the architect and builder stage leads to better results. To that end, Natalie and Jenna discuss the technology they use to bring designs to life, the importance of understanding how a family actually lives before decorating, and why they work with a coach to keep improving their customer journey. They also touch on current design trends, the emotional side of transforming people's homes, and their exciting plans to open a second studio in Spain within the next few years. About Natalie and Jenna Natalie Roukin and Jenna Stopforth are the friends and business partners behind By Two Studio, brought together by a shared love of interiors over thirteen years ago when they left established careers to retrain in interior design. Natalie came from a background as an Executive PA and Jenna from advertising, and they quickly discovered a shared belief that great design is about far more than how a home looks, it is about how it makes people feel and live. After working together through Natalie Roukin Interiors, they launched By Two Studio, a residential design studio specialising in full home renovations and new builds across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and North London. Customer experience remains central, reflected in their Silver win in the Customer Service category at the Best Businesswomen Awards 2025 and multiple Best of Houzz Customer Service Awards.   {2:40} How Natalie got into interior design. {3:20} How the tqo partners met. {3:44} The roots of Jenna's passion for interior design. {4:21} Choosing the name 'By Two Studio'. {5:03} Who does what in the business? {5:59} Growing the client base. {7:08} Navigating wild client ideas. {8:25} Using technology to enhance customer experience. {9:53} Incorporating awards into the marketing process. {12:58} How interior design can influence architectural design. {15:07} Jenna's favourite project. {16:34} Natalie's thoughts on Grand Designs and other property shows. {17:56} Why exceptional customer service is so important to Natalie and Jenna. {19:10} The benefits of working with a coach. {20:52} The misconceptions about interior design. {24:30} The satisfaction in transforming people's homes. {26:25} Workspaces morphing into home spaces. {26:55} What's on trend in design at the moment? {29:27} By Two Studio's future growth plans.     Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                        Connect with By Two Studio:  https://bytwostudio.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bytwostudio/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bytwostudio/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/by.two.studio/  Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/bytwostudiolimited/  Houzz: https://www.houzz.co.uk/hznb/professionals/interior-designers/by-two-studio-pfvwus-pf~973886982

    Episode 211: Customer Service First, Awards Follow with Natalie Roukin and Jenna Stopforth

  6. 12 Aug

    Episode 210: Why Award Wins Open Doors for Charities with Phoenix Humphreys

    Grant funding can feel like a locked door, but in this episode we discover how a little recognition can be the key that opens it. Debbie Gilbert is joined by Phoenix Humphreys, founder of Raise to Rise, who helps charities and community organisations secure funding in an ethical and sustainable way. Phoenix shares her unlikely route from a corporate facilities role into fundraising, describing the challenges of building a solo consultancy. We also talk AI and why human insight will always trump it in writing a persuasive grant bid.  She explains how charities and CICs become grant ready, and clarifies the difference between the two structures. Crucially, she discusses how entering business awards builds trust, visibility and even funding opportunities for good causes. Phoenix also reflects on her own award wins and reveals her long term ambition to launch her own grant giving foundation. About Phoenix Phoenix Humphreys is the Founder of Raise to Rise, a multi award-winning fundraising consultancy making expert fundraising support accessible and affordable for charities, CICs and community organisations across the UK. Launched in 2024, Raise to Rise has grown from one client to supporting more than 40 charities and CICs nationwide, with 17 becoming long-term partners. For those partners, Phoenix has secured £495,868 in grant funding, creating an estimated £1.98 million in potential social value, benefiting vulnerable communities from care leavers to domestic abuse survivors. A passionate sector advocate, Phoenix mentors emerging fundraisers and has delivered more than 80 free consultations. She is a Silver Award winner at the 2025 Best Business Women Awards, a 2024 Woman Who "One to Watch" winner, and features in the #iAlso100 list.   {2:10} Why Phoenix founded Raise to Rise. {4:18} Phoenix's corporate career. {5:23} The greatest challenges of the first three years. {6:35} Getting leads. {9:52} How Raise to Rise helps charities and CICs. {12:25} The right tools for researching appropriate grants. {14:35} How organisations prepare to become grant ready. {17:29} The difference between a charity and a CIC. {19:06} How awards support grant applications. {21:20} Why national awards can raise a charity's exposure significantly. {24:09} Harnessing the power of awards to grow Raise to Rise. {26:09} Phoenix's awards journey. {30:07} Phoenix's big dream for the future.   Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                        Connect with Phoenix:  https://raisetorise.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/raise-to-rise/                 https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoenix-humphreys-79467019b/

    Episode 210: Why Award Wins Open Doors for Charities with Phoenix Humphreys

  7. 5 Aug

    Episode 209: Decoding the Art of the Award Entry with Rachel Hayward

    Award entries are part CV, part pitch, and part confession. Rachel Hayward has spent over a decade helping businesses get all three right. Rachel Hayward, founder of Ask the Chameleon, speaks to Debbie Gilbert about starting her business, helping her clients successfully win grants, tenders, and awards, and how she has become a multi-award winner herself. Winner of the Best Solopreneur Award at the inaugural Best SME Awards, Rachel explains how redundancy from the charity sector led her into bid writing, and why she has chosen to stay a solopreneur rather than scale up. She has championed small businesses through the FSB. Rachel also discusses how entering awards allows her to better understand the process. Crucially, she exposes the dangers of relying on AI for entries, and why she believes human judging will always matter more than automated scoring. About Rachel Rachel Hayward is Managing Director of Ask the Chameleon Ltd, the award-winning bid writing and procurement consultancy helping SMEs, charities and social enterprises compete, and win, in markets dominated by much larger organisations. Since 2015 she has secured access to more than £192.4 million through successful bids, frameworks and tenders, including £4.6 million in charitable grants. As a micro business owner herself, Rachel understands what it takes to compete in a bigger game. Her expertise spans public sector procurement, grant funding, strategic bid writing and award submissions, including the King's Awards for Enterprise and Chamber of Commerce Awards. She recently led the Ducks in a Row crowdfunding campaign for Trent Rowing Club, raising £31,140 in memory of her late father, the club's President for over 30 years. Her mission is simple: to prove that size should never limit ambition. With the right strategy, even the smallest organisations can compete - and win – in the biggest games. {2:25} Why Rachel started Ask The Chameleon. {3:54} Where did the name 'Ask the Chameleon' come from? {5:14} How Rachel built her client base. {7:00} A conscious decision to remain a solopreneur. {9:18} Rachel's efforts to support other small businesses. {12:03} How Rachel approaches clients requiring award-entry support. {16:05} Rachel's own awards journey. {19:12} The dangers of using AI for award entries. {22:36} How to make your award entry stand out. {26:55} What's on the agenda for the next few years? {28:35} Rachel's tendering business.   Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                        Connect with Rachel:  https://www.askthechameleon.co.uk/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelhaywardaskthechameleon/                 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ask-the-chameleon-ltd/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/askthechameleon/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askthechameleon/

    Episode 209: Decoding the Art of the Award Entry with Rachel Hayward

  8. 29 Jul

    Episode 208: Why Customer Service Still Wins Awards with Ingrid Sanderson

    Ingrid Sanderson didn't win Gold for Best Customer Service at the Best SME Awards by accident. She built her whole business around delighting customers. Debbie Gilbert talks to Ingrid, founder of Principal Business Travel to find out more. Ingrid explains why she set up her own agency in 1999, the licensing hurdles that protected clients from the start, and how losing airline commissions forced her to rebuild the business around transparent service fees. She shares how word of mouth propelled her business and how staff moving between companies grew her client base. Ingrid also discusses proactive problem-solving during flight disruptions, as in Dubai and Doha this year. Furthermore, she discusses new initiatives like wellness guides and a loyalty scheme for travellers. Finally, we hear why entering awards has become an unexpected but valuable source of networking and PR. About Ingrid  Ingrid Sanderson is the founder of Principal Business Travel, a business she has grown and led for over 26 years through industry disruption, global crises and changing markets. An award-winning entrepreneur and champion of customer service, she is also co-founder of the Executive Round Table, helping business owners build resilient, successful businesses.     {2:56} Why Ingrid started her own travel agency. {5:41} The challenges involved in setting up a travel agency. {10:31} Growing and maintaining a client base. {16:25} Ingrid's outstanding approach to customer service. {25:44} Ingrid's favourite travel destinations. {26:46} Setting up a new coaching business. {29:35} Future plans for Principal Travel. {30:44} Why Ingrid finally began to enter awards.   Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                        Connect with Ingrid:  https://principaltravel.co.uk/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/principal-world-travel/                 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingridsanderson/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/principalworld/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principalbusinesstravel/  The Executive Round Table: https://execroundtable.co.uk/  Principal Rewards: https://principaltravel.co.uk/principal-rewards/

    Episode 208: Why Customer Service Still Wins Awards with Ingrid Sanderson
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About

Welcome to the Business Awards Show, where we share valuable information, secret nuggets, to get your award entry noticed by the judges for all the right reasons. Our weekly episodes also feature inspirational interviews with winners, judges, and sponsors. So let's dive in and start your journey to award winning success.

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