The Business Awards Show

Debbie Gilbert
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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. 16h ago

    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

  2. 16h ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: Morning Brew Daily

    Introducing Major American Cities Are Losing Kids & Ford Wants You to Customize Your Car from Morning Brew Daily. Follow the show: Morning Brew Daily #898: American big cities have fewer and fewer children living in them. A Chinese chip maker makes a big splash in its market debut, shaking up the semiconductor industry. Ford is hoping the aftermarket industry for their cars becomes a growth opportunity. Toby examines the trend of microinfluencers. Finally, Cracker Barrel is axing its CEO.  Got difficult questions? Head to https://www.claude.ai/mbd to answer them.  Get tickets for our trivia tournament! https://caveat.nyc/events/the-morning-brew-trivia-tournament-2026-07-30  Grab tickets to our Performance Revue show! https://www.morningbrew.com/events/brew-performance-revue-2026?utm_campaign=performance_revue_2026&utm_source=mbd Subscribe to Morning Brew Daily for more of the news you need to start your day. Share the show with a friend, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app. Listen to Morning Brew Daily Here:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.swap.fm/l/mbd-note⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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: Morning Brew Daily

  3. Jul 22

    Episode 207: Still Winning Awards After 26 Years and Why it Matters with Vaishali Shah

    div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 [&_>_*:last-child]:mb-0 standard-markdown"> In February this year, Ananya Cards won Best Wedding Stationery at the UK Weddings and Honeymoon Awards. It was another in a long list of awards founder Vaishali Shah has won over 26 years in business. And it meant just as much as her first. In this episode, Debbie Gilbert chats to Vaishali, founder of Creative ID and Ananya Cards, sharing how she built her two businesses.  She discusses balancing print and digital stationery, why entering awards helps founders clarify their message, and how networking and nurturing long-term client relationships have driven growth. As a judge for the Wedding Industry Awards, Vaishali explains why she pushed for greater diversity on judging panels and what makes an entry stand out. FInally, we get to hear some exciting plans for her businesses' future growth. About Vaishali Vaishali Shah is an award-winning entrepreneur with two brands: Creative ID, a branding and marketing consultancy, and Ananya Cards, a bespoke wedding and event stationery studio. She celebrated 25 years of Creative ID in 2025 and marks 20 years of Ananya Cards in 2026. Her work spans food, hospitality and lifestyle businesses, with clients including Michelin-starred chefs, international hotel groups and homegrown brands across the UK and UAE. Vaishali has been a mulitple award-winner for both her businesses. In addition, she has served as a judge for The Wedding Industry Awards for five years, evaluating entries with the same eye she brings to client work: the details, the consistency and the story a brand tells. A regular voice in entrepreneurship, branding and marketing conversations, Vaishali is a frequent podcast guest and speaker, with features in Forbes, the BBC, The Sunday Times, Brides, SheerLuxe and Stylist.   {2:36} Starting out in branding and marketing. {4:20} Launching a luxury card brand. {6:36} How the wedding stationery business has developed and lasted. {8:29} Why VAishali began entering awards. {11:42} The wedding stationery market and how Ananya stands out. {14:18} How B2C strategy can mirror B2B. {15:22} Staying up-to-date with design trends. {17:12} Dealing with client requests that don't fit the brand or brief. {18:55} How Vaishali works with clients to refresh their branding. {20:57} The importance of networking to achieve business growth. {22:14} Being a judge for the Wedding Industry Awards. {25:45} Why diversity is so important in awards. {27:16} What makes a business stand out from an award entry. {29:30} Vaishali's plans for the next 5 years.   Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                        Connect with Vaishali:  https://www.creative-id.com/                                      https://www.ananyacards.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/creativeid/                 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ananyacards/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ananyacards Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/creativeidsocial                    https://www.instagram.com/ananyacards TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ananyacards YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vaishalishah_creative  Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/ananyacards/

    Episode 207: Still Winning Awards After 26 Years and Why it Matters with Vaishali Shah

  4. Jul 15

    Episode 206: Why Some Awards Are Worth More Than Others with Cat Robson-Scarborough

    Cat Robson-Scarborough picked up eight awards in her first year of business. But she is not afraid to say that not all awards are worthy of the title. Cat, co-founder of Your Man With a Van, joins Debbie to share how she went from retail leadership to building one of the UK's fastest growing removal franchises, now sixty six branches strong. Our guest shares her honest take on business awards, not all of it positive. She explains why she and her husband Dan ditched their franchise consultant to build a fairer model, with low entry fees, rolling monthly contracts and no punishing commission structures. Cat also talks candidly about the courage it took to go against industry norms, the challenges of scaling quickly, and why she stepped away from the property network she founded to focus on the franchise. Finally, we hear about her new podcasting venture, and how AI is being implemented while staying mindful of its wider social impact. About Cat Cat is Co-Founder and Franchise Director of Your Man With a Van, a multi-award winning national removals franchise. Cat has grown the network to 65 branches in just over two years with her husband Dan.  Recently named "Entrepreneur of the Year" at the Global Woman Awards and a genuine trailblazer in ethical franchising, she's building something the industry doesn't see often: a model where the harder you work, the more you keep. Cat has spent her career understanding what genuine customer trust looks like and, just as importantly, how to protect it when a business grows. As UK Director of Retail and Customer Services at Orvis, with experience across some of Britain's most respected consumer brands, she has also won awards at almost every organisation she has worked for. # She knew when she met Dan, his was a business that had earned his customers' trust. Together, they asked a simple question. Why couldn't every town in the UK have this? That question became the Your Man With A Van franchise. Cat is on a mission to help others achieve their business dreams whilst creating fair and equitable opportunities.      {2:35} Cat's journey to founding Your Man With a Van. {4:47} The philosophy behind franchising fairly. {8:43} Using research and experience to create a franchise their way. {10:59} Cat's franchisee awards and using socials for recognition. {13:47} The biggest challenges along the way. {15:58} Building the UK Property Network. {19:45} Cat's experience of business awards and how it's impacted her business. {22:25} The MBN 'Now What' Podcast. {24:30} Plans for the next couple of years. {26:57} Implementing AI in a human way. {33:28} Keeping drivers safe through appropriate working practices. {35:09} The pressure on franchisees to develop their businesses. {35:58} Cat's big tip for franchising.   Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                        Connect with Cat:  https://yourmanwithavan.com/                                https://catrobsonscarborough.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourmanwithavan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourManWithAVan/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/yourmanwithavan YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yourmanwithavanfranchise The MBN Pod Now What?: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XpfdItmk7oaIMauu3xZIx

    Episode 206: Why Some Awards Are Worth More Than Others with Cat Robson-Scarborough

  5. Jul 8

    Episode 205: Fake Awards and the Magician Who Worked Out Their Tricks with Oli Couchman

    Not every award is worth the trophy, and magician Oli, otherwise known as Revilo Twist, knows exactly which ones are full of smoke and mirrors. The award winning magician fell into magic after watching a stranger's rope trick aged fifteen and never looked back. In this episode Oli chats to Debbie about swapping a career in asset finance and recruitment for full time magic just three years ago, inspired by an Ed Sheeran pep talk. He shares how his business has grown across weddings, corporate events and trade shows. Additionally, he explains why genuine reviews matter more than flashy vanity awards. And find out how a simple card trick can turn a quiet exhibition stand into the busiest one at the show. Oli also opens up about the challenges of scaling, learning to delegate and the surprising overlap between magic and sales.  It's a brilliant listen for anyone curious about building a business doing something completely different. About Oli Revilo Twist is a modern, multi-award-winning magician, host & toastmaster - trusted by brands like Porsche and Disney, as well as hundreds of wedding couples, to deliver unforgettable magic and seamless events. With experience entertaining audiences of all ages, he has performed at venues across the UK, from Leicester City Football Club's pre-match shows and Christmas Party to the Silverstone Grand Prix - and even on stage at Victoria Warehouse for over 1,000 guests. {2:30} How Oli got into magic. {3:52} How magicians learn their trade. {4:18} A hobby that turned into a business. {4:56} Oli's magician name. {5:45} Diversifying into the corporate world. {6:34} Oli's career before going full-time 3 years ago. {8:45} Growing the client base. {11:20} Oli's favourite events. {12:33} The experience of wedding awards. {16:55} The impact of awards on the business. {19:05} Reviews are everything. {20:52} How Oli gets new clients. {23:52} How magic engages Expo visitors better than anything. {27:25} Using magic as an ice-breaker or teambuilding exercise. {29:01} Oli's future growth plans. {30:09} Keeping up-to-date with magic.   Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                        Connect with Oli:  https://www.revilotwistmagic.co.uk/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/revilo-twist-magic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReviloTwistMagic Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/revilotwistmagic/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@revilotwistmagic

    Episode 205: Fake Awards and the Magician Who Worked Out Their Tricks with Oli Couchman

  6. Jul 1

    Episode 204: The Award-Winning School Delivering Animal Assisted Therapy on a Farm with Charlotte Williams

    Ten years ago, Charlotte and her husband took out a mortgage on a derelict farm with no real money and no concrete plan beyond a hunch that animals could change lives. Thus, Elysian was born. Today, that farm supports over 400 young people across three sites, many of whom had stopped attending school altogether before finding their way to her. In this episode, Charlotte shares the personal experience that sparked it all, the early scepticism she had to overcome, and the surprising lesson learned about which animals make the best therapy companions. She also talks about what winning a Special Recognition Award at the Best Business Women Awards meant to her. It's why she was inspired to launch the Elysium Awards. Finally, she shares her vision for professionalising animal assisted intervention across the UK. A genuinely eye opening listen for anyone curious about alternative education or the powerful role animals can play in recovery and growth. About Charlotte Charlotte founded Elysian in 2015, bringing extensive experience from various social care settings supporting individuals with complex needs across all age groups. She spent many years in children's residential care and has over a decade's experience in children's rights, participation and user involvement, championing young people's voices in decision making. As a Family Specialist, Charlotte has worked across commissioning roles, collaborating with families, children and young people of diverse needs and backgrounds. She has led projects, environments and strategic initiatives to improve outcomes for individuals and families. Furthermore she has leadership experience spanning team and service management, training, supervision, quality assurance and administration. Charlotte is a passionate advocate for children's rights, and her belief in the power of animals has driven her to bring animal assisted interventions into informal therapy and educational settings.   {2:55} What inspired Charlotte to found Elysian and how they help children with education needs and trauma. {9:41} The growth of therapy schools. {11:06} It's not a working farm but is a place where many different animals help young people. {12:27} Sourcing the animals and the challenges involved. {14:22} A typical day for a young person and who they are. {18:18} What happens to leavers. {19:24} Creating unique training for Elysian staff. {21:15} Building the profile of the school through entering awards. {23:12} Introducing the Elysian Exclusive Community. {24:49} Charlotte's long term vision. {26:46} Regulation in the industry. {27:54} Supporting new entrants into the sector. {28:52} Balancing motherhood with running such a unique business. {30:28} Plans for expansion.   Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                        Connect with Charlotte:  https://elysianuk.org/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/elysianaatl/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/elysiantherapyandlearning/?_rdc=1&_rdr# Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/elysian_aatl/ Elysian Exclusive Community: https://elysiandevelopment.org/exclusive-community/

    Episode 204: The Award-Winning School Delivering Animal Assisted Therapy on a Farm with Charlotte Williams

  7. Jun 24

    Episode 203: It Took Over Twenty Years Before She Won Awards. Then She Won Five! with Natalie Burkinshaw

    This week, Debbie talks to Natalie Burkinshaw, founder of Crush, a brand and design agency specialising in manufacturing, engineering and tech businesses. After over twenty years in the industry, beset by imposter syndrome, Natalie finally started entering awards in 2025. Within fourteen months she'd won five, including Gold at the Best Business Women Awards. They discuss how brand strategy has evolved from a "nice to have" into a commercial necessity. We then discover why Natalie's Chesterfield base hasn't stopped her landing clients like Ministry of Sound, and how Crush balances AI tools with genuine human creativity and storytelling. She also shares honest reflections on imposter syndrome, growing an eleven-strong team, and her plans to launch two new strategy offerings this year. A brilliant listen for anyone building a brand with real substance. About Natalie Natalie is the founder and owner of CRUSH, a strategic brand design agency based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. For over 22 years, she has led both the strategic and creative direction of the studio, building a reputation for transforming ambitious B2B businesses in the tech, engineering, and manufacturing sectors into brands that command attention and drive commercial growth. Under Natalie's leadership, CRUSH has earned international recognition, including a German Design Award, and has become a trusted partner to clients who value sharp thinking as much as beautiful execution. Her approach blends rigorous brand strategy with distinctive design craft, turning complex technical propositions into clear, confident market positions. A mother and an active figure in her local and professional community, Natalie combines two decades of agency leadership with a genuine commitment to championing independent creative businesses and the next generation of design talent.   {2:45} What led Natalie to start Crush Design. {4:06} How the industry has changed over the last twenty years. {6:15} Why she has focused on specific niches. {7:45} How Natalie has grown the business significantly over the years. {9:07} Where did the name Crush come from? {9:37} Crush's impressive customer list and why an agency doesn't have to be based in London. {12:45} Why Natalie didn't enter awards for so long, and her strategy once she did. {16:10} Positive outcomes from winning those awards. {18:35} Award entries for 2026. {19:30} Natalie's advice for building a creative business. {21:50} How Crush has integrated AI. {26:00} The plans for the next few years.   Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                        Connect with Natalie:  https://www.crush-design.co.uk/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/crush-design-and-creative-marketing-limited/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/crushdesign/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/crush_design/

    Episode 203: It Took Over Twenty Years Before She Won Awards. Then She Won Five! with Natalie Burkinshaw

  8. Jun 17

    Episode 202: How a Banker Created an Award-Winning Property Business with Michelle McPherson

    Learn How a Banker Created an Award-Winning Property Business with Michelle McPherson, founder and MD of Hyde and Rowe Property Agents. Michelle has spent over twenty years building a business that does far more than just sales and lettings. She has helped house over twenty thousand homeless families in quality accommodation, managed more than seventy million pounds worth of property, and built a group of five companies along the way. Our guest talks candidly about the barriers she faced as a black woman entering a male-dominated industry, the lessons she's learned about recruiting and retaining the right people, and why having multiple income streams has been key to riding out the ups and downs of the property market. We also delve into the practicalities of buy-to-let in 2026, what landlords need to know about Section 24 and the Renters Reform Act, and why Michelle is now franchising her business. Furthermore, she is giving back by launching the Hyde and Rowe Foundation to tackle homelessness. About Michelle Michelle McPherson is an internationally recognised entrepreneur, and property expert, best known as the CEO & Founder of Hyde & Rowe Group.  Michelle's early career was shaped by more than three decades of experience across banking and property, where she developed a strong commercial foundation and deep industry insight. Starting from modest beginnings, she built her expertise through hands-on roles that exposed her to sales, lettings, and financial services. Her transition from corporate environments into entrepreneurship marked a defining shift, as she channelled her experience into launching Hyde & Rowe in 2004, steadily growing it into a respected and multifaceted organisation. Her career achievements reflect both scale and impact. Michelle has built four successful businesses from the ground up, with Hyde & Rowe at the centre of operations. The organisation spans property management, social housing, and supported living care homes. Under her leadership, the group has managed and transacted over £180 million in property assets, while securing £6 million+ in annual council contracts, housing over 20,000 families in need. A dynamic business speaker, she is also the author of 'The Female I Am', further establishing her authority as a mentor and advocate for female empowerment in business. {2:44} Why Michelle went into the property sector. {3:43} The changes Michelle has witnessed in the market over twenty years and why she has survived them. {4:45} Helping homeless families while looking after landlords' interests. {7:12} The challenge of being a female entrepreneur in a male dominated sector. {9:05} The common mistakes in investing in a buy-to-let property. {10:35} Protecting landlords against the Renters Rights Act by offering Service Accommodation. {11:32} What you need to know about Section 24. {13:12} The property market in 2026. {16:00} Integrating AI into the business. {19:32} What awards mean to Michelle and her business. {21:20} Success in estate agency awards. {21:56} The key elements to recruiting and retaining good staff. {27:08} How Hyde and Rowe delivers outstanding customer service. {33:14} Michelle's coming plans including her homeless charity.   Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                        Connect with Michelle:  https://hydeandrowe.co.uk/ LinkedIn:  https://uk.linkedin.com/company/hyde-and-rowe-limited Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/hydeandroweestateagents Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/hydeandroweestateagents/ The Female I Am: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Female-I-Am-Michelle-McPherson/dp/1917553757

    Episode 202: How a Banker Created an Award-Winning Property Business with Michelle McPherson
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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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