The Business Awards Show

Debbie Gilbert

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MARKETING
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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.

9H AGO

Episode 186: Ensure Your Business is SEO Visible with Emily Williams

This week we help you Ensure Your Business is SEO Visible with Emily Williams, founder of Content Clever and silver winner at the 2025 Best Business Women Awards. She joins Debbie to talk all things content strategy, SEO, and why she's on a mission to help female-led businesses find their voice online. After burning out three times by age 27 whilst working in healthcare, Emily took her marketing degree, her husband's encouragement, and a healthy dose of determination - and built a thriving content business from the ground up. Key takeaways from this episode: SEO basics still matter: Fresh, quality content updated regularly, proper indexing, and filling in your SEO plugin fields (title, meta description) correctly can make a significant difference to how Google ranks you AI has its place — but it's not a shortcut: Use it for ideas and research, but never publish unedited AI content on your site Consistency beats volume: One well-written blog post a month beats six that fizzle out. Aim for 800-1,000 words and repurpose each post across up to eight pieces of social content Keyword research doesn't have to be scary: Free tools like Answer the Public and Ubersuggest are a great starting points On entering awards: Even copywriters find writing about themselves hard — but the process (and the shortlisting email) was absolutely worth it Coming up for Emily in 2026: A 12-week course for female entrepreneurs who want to master their own content strategy, plus a first entry into the Best SME Awards. About Emily Emily Williams is the founder of Content Clever, an SEO and content consultancy helping female founders, SMEs and agencies give their businesses consistent visibility. With over five years' experience running her own agency, Emily specialises in SEO-led content strategies, GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation), and content systems that actually work in the real world. She has a background in healthcare marketing and now works across a wide range of industries, combining strategic thinking with practical execution. Emily is passionate about making SEO feel accessible, sustainable, and free from fluff—focusing on content that supports long-term growth, not just quick wins. {1:40} How Emily came to start Content Clever. {2:57} Juggling her business with a toddler. {3:20} Why working with female-led businesses really matters to Emily. {4:23} Current things to consider regarding SEO. {5:50} The impact of AI generated content on SEO. {6:40} More common content mistakes. {7:52} The importance of repurposing content. {8:44} The scary world of keyword research. {10:07} Emily's experience in entering the BBWAs in 2025. {12:36} The main challenges for a woman running a business in 2026. {13:51} Networking and growing the client base. {16:42} How Emily works with clients. {19:43} Plans for Content Clever's future. {21:36} Expanding the business by recruiting freelance copywriters. {22:19} Emily's business tips. Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Trudie: https://content-clever.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ContentClever LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/content-clever/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contentcleverhome/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thevisibilityedit

24 min
9H AGO · BONUS

You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Introducing LUKE COMBS: The Man Behind The Success (Marriage, Fatherhood & Life With OCD) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty You can achieve everything you set out to and still feel empty. So what actually makes a truly successful life? Jay sits down with global country superstar Luke Combs for an honest conversation about life beyond the sold-out stadiums and awards. Luke shares what it’s really been like navigating success while still trying to stay grounded and feel like himself. He shares what it was like growing up with OCD, the intrusive thoughts that once controlled his days, and the quiet battles he faced long before fame. Luke also reflects on love, marriage, and fatherhood and how those roles mean more to him than any chart position ever could. He talks candidly about missing the birth of his son while on tour, the guilt that followed, and the ongoing effort to show up as the best husband and dad he can be. Jay and Luke explore the tension so many of us feel between chasing ambition and protecting what matters most, asking the question: What does success really mean if you’re not present for the people you love? Luke speaks about money, fame, and gratitude with humility, admitting that while financial success makes life easier, it can’t buy the feeling of a perfect day with your family or the peace of knowing you’re living in alignment with your values. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Stay Grounded When Success Changes Your Life How to Manage Intrusive Thoughts Without Letting Them Control You How to Be Present for Your Family While Chasing Big Dreams How to Strengthen Your Marriage Through Growth and Challenge How to Support Your Mental Health Without Shame How to Give Back When You’ve Been Given More How to Stay True to Who You Are as Your World Expands We all wrestle with doubt, guilt, fear, and the quiet pressure to be more than we think we are. But growth doesn’t come from pretending those struggles aren’t there, it comes from facing them with honesty and compassion. Luke Combs’ The Way I Am is an honest reflection on identity, love, and personal growth, a grounded collection of songs that explore what it means to show up as your true self. Get your copy here: https://twia.lukecombs.com 📷 Courtesy of David Bergman With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:05 Staying Grounded in the Face of Fame 03:34 The Life He Never Imagined 06:28 Finding the Calling That Changed Everything 07:45 Growing Up with Undiagnosed OCD 10:23 Inside the Battle with Intrusive Thoughts 17:26 When You Don’t Know Who You Are Yet 20:37 The Work Ethic That Shaped Him 24:27 The Hustle Before the Breakthrough 30:19 Making Music That Truly Connects 32:21 The Quiet Fears of Fatherhood 40:15 What Does It Mean to Be Truly Rich? 46:28 Why Giving Back Matters 51:48 Showing Up for Fans on Your Hardest Days 58:48 The Unexpected Way He Met His Wife 01:03:04 Was It Love at First Sight? 01:07:12 When You Stop Needing All the Answers 01:12:08 The Power of Being Deeply Understood 01:17:16 Why Avoidance Makes It Worse 01:18:02 Stepping Back and Coming Back Stronger 01:25:55 The "Everyday Guy" Test 01:32:10 Finish This Sentence... 01:38:41 Luke on Final Five Episode Resources: Website | https://www.lukecombs.com/home/ YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOSIXyYdT93OzpRnAuWaKjQ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/LukeCombs/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lukecombs TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@lukecombs X | https://www.tiktok.com/@lukecombs See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 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.
FEB 25

Episode 185: Turning Tragedy into Transformation with Patricia Muirhead

Turning Tragedy into Transformation with Patricia Muirhead is a truly inspirational episode of the Business Awards Show. When Patricia lost her daughter Ashdon to suicide in 2014, she made a decision that would change hundreds of young lives — she channelled her grief into action. Consequently, she became founder and CEO of the Ashdon Jazz Academy, a South London charity supporting young women aged 11–21 with their mental health and personal development. Patricia shares the deeply personal story behind the charity's founding, and how her background as an assistant headteacher shaped her belief that schools alone can't meet young people's emotional needs. She walks us through the programmes the Academy delivers — from one-to-one mentoring and weekly "Girls Night" drop-ins, to school workshops covering everything from journaling and meditation to entrepreneurship and life skills. We also hear about the funding realities of running a grassroots charity. She explains why corporate partnerships could be a game-changer, and reveals her big dream: a dedicated Academy hub that's truly a safe space for the young women they serve. Patricia also reflects on winning the Gold Award for Charity Champion at the 2025 Best Business Women Awards. Essentially, it proved what third-party recognition really means when you're doing important, often invisible work. It also gives her a fantastic platform to be Charity of the Year at this Year's Awards Gala Evening. If you'd like to donate, volunteer as a mentor, or explore a corporate partnership with the Ashdon Jazz Academy, details are in the links below. About Patricia Patricia Muirhead is an author, speaker, and transformational mentor dedicated to empowering women to rise beyond adversity and step confidently into their purpose. As the CEO of Ashdon Jazz Academy, Patricia leads impactful mentoring and development programmes designed to support young women through personal growth, leadership development, and emotional resilience. Her work addresses real-life challenges facing young women today, including identity, self-worth, healthy relationships, and vulnerability to exploitation and violence. Patricia also provides dedicated support for parents grieving the loss of a child. Having experienced profound personal loss herself, she offers compassionate mentoring to help bereaved parents process grief, rediscover strength, and find hope beyond devastating adversity. She is the author of two books, including a deeply moving account of losing her daughter and navigating the painful yet transformative road to healing. {1:57} How Patricia came to start Ashdon Jazz Academy and the work it does. {4:10} Understanding the challenges faced by young women as a teacher. {6:27} The programmes the Academy delivers. {7:45} How young women access their services. {8:54} Services outside mentoring. {10:57} A typical success story. {12:37} The challenges of running a charity. {15:09} How the Best Businesswomen Awards appeared on the radar. {16:50} The Academy's tenth birthday last year. {18:10} Winning local community awards. {19:38} The number of volunteers in the charity. {20:04} How Patricia built support from the outset. {21:46} How the services needed were defined at the beginning. {25:19} The number of young women the Academy has helped over the last decade. {28:06} The pressures young women experience today. {29:28} The mentor selection process. {30:18} Plans for the next 12 months. {32:02} Patricia's aims for the future. Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Patricia: https://www.ashdonjazzacademy.org.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashdonjazzacademy/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashdonjazzacademy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashdonjazzacademy431 Patricia's Book 'Rise From the Valley': https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rise-Valley-Patricia-Muirhead/dp/B0F5QF8W8M?s=books

36 min
FEB 18

Episode 184: The Rise of the Logolady with Trudie Avery

In this episode, host Debbie Gilbert traces the Rise of the Logolady with Trudie Avery, award-winning branding and design specialist. With over 25 years in graphic design, Trudie shares how she left an 11-year partnership to start afresh with just her Mac and lots of determination. She reveals the networking strategy that built her business and how the "Logolady" nickname became her trademarked brand. Key Highlights: How Trudie uncovers her clients' authentic identities through strategic questioning Her refreshingly positive take on AI as a creative collaborator The awards journey that began in 2019, culminating in a 2025 Best Business Women silver award Why awards matter for solo entrepreneurs who lack traditional performance reviews Her evolution from designer to published author (Amazon bestseller "Empowering Women to Rise") Building a speaking career, including Smantha Cameron's Elevate to Success event Trudie discusses her upcoming September event in Milton Keynes with fellow branding specialists and shares invaluable insights about creating logos that truly reflect a business's values and personality—sometimes with uncannily intuitive results. A conversation filled with practical wisdom about visibility, validation, and the power of authentic branding. About Trudie Trudie studied graphic design at college and has been a designer for nearly 30 years. Consequently, she says she has never worked a day in her life! Professionally, she has worked with global brands like Virgin Holidays and Coca Cola but she is equally delighted helping startups get off the ground. Trudie's mission is to rid the world of pointless logos and brands that die on their feet because business owners cannot create brands that attract customers. She turns half-formed ideas, tangled thoughts, and "I'll know it when I see it" briefs into brands that are clear, confident, and commercially powerful. Her work helps customers connect emotionally, attract the right clients, and support real growth. And this is a designer known for straight-talking, anti-cliché branding, asking the questions others don't, and creating identities that feel like a perfect fit, not a costume. Trudie is committed to her values when working with customers - creativity, fun, and kindness. As she says, "Our values are easy for us to live by because this is not just what we are, it's who we are". {2:00} 2025 - an immense year for Trudie. {2:49} How Trudie came to starting her business. {4:33} Trudie's career before going it alone. {6:15} Getting clients in the early days. {7:22} How Trudie became known as the "Logolady". {8:47} Avery Creative's range of services. {9:45} The positive impact of AI on Trudie's work. {12:06} What are the key things to consider when designing a logo? {14:23} The role of intuition in Trudie's designs. {15:28} The SME Northampton Awards 2018. {17:04} The validation from winning awards. {18:42} Trudie's business awards strategy. {20:30} Making the most of being a finalist. {21:43} Trudie's plans for the next few years. {25:56} Contributing to an Amazon bestseller - "Empowering Women to Rise". Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Trudie: http://www.logolady.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trudie.avery/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trudie-avery/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logolady.co.uk/ Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/trudied11/ Empowering Women to Rise: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Empowering-Women-Rise-Dreams-Joyful/dp/1068237473

30 min
FEB 11

Episode 183: The Power of the Peer Group with John Acton

The Power of the Peer Group with John Acton, CEO of Peer2Peer, discusses his incredible journey from 30 years in corporate to becoming an award-winning business leader. John shares how he transformed DPD from fifth to first in Europe in its sector, before leaving to help other businesses develop more effective strategies. He discusses Peer2Peer, a network of advisory boards where business owners meet monthly to work on their businesses together in a supportive, non-competing environment. Discover John's newly launched book "Pies and Pie Charts," a practical guide to business strategy, critical thinking, and growth. The book QR codes linking to video explanations of each chapter. Learn about the difference between strategic thinking and planning, and why asking the right questions in the right sequence matters. John also reveals plans to expand Peer2Peer nationwide and introduces Surge, an affordable program for solopreneurs and micro businesses. John's "never leave a member behind" philosophy sets his business apart, and proves highly attractive to business coaches who can more easily recruit clients into a Board than on a one-to-one basis. This is the perfect episode for any business owner who wants to understand more about business strategy, and, how a peer group could be a great solution. About John John spent thirty years in multinational corporations, with seventeen years at DPD. He rose to become Executive Vice-President based in Paris. Having steered the business from fifth to first in the sector, more than doubling revenue, John decided the time was right to return to England. The move led him to starting his own business, acquiring the European license for DPI International. As a result, he helped hundreds of businesses create better strategies, delivering improved results and growth. In 2017, he became a Co-Founder of peer2peer, a CEO peer Board designed to provide support, accountability, and business focus half a day a month. It is now the fastest growing peer Board in the country, and aims to help business leaders turn business journeys into shared adventures. {2:13} John's corporate career and why he started his own business. {9:08} The benefits of peer2peer and who it's aimed at. {15:30} Winning the Best Business Leader at the Herts SME and National SME Awards. {19:40} Launching his book "Pie or Pie Charts", and what it provides to readers. {24:53} John's next book - "Rock Your Cradle". {26:20} John's plans for 2026/7. {29:10} The Surge offering from peer2peer. Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with John: https://peer2peer.global/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peer-2-peer-boards/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peer2peerboards Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peer2peerboards "Pies or Pie Charts": https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pies-Pie-Charts-Astonishingly-outmanoeuvre/dp/1914151577

35 min
FEB 4

Episode 181: Coaching for Neurodivergents with Talia Zamora

Coaching for Neurodivergents with Talia Zamora discusses her journey building a coaching business that specializes in supporting neurodivergent entrepreneurs and families. Talia's Story After struggling to find flexible work that fit around her two autistic sons, Talia decided to start her own coaching business about six years ago. What began as general business coaching naturally evolved into a neurodivergent focus when she realized she kept attracting clients who were either neurodivergent themselves or had neurodivergent children. Key Challenges for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs Talia explains that many neurodivergent business owners struggle with: Setting realistic boundaries and time management Comparing themselves to others and risking burnout Being organized and prioritizing effectively Knowing when to outsource tasks that drain their energy Her top tip? Look at your diary realistically—you might think you have eight hours to work, but actually only have five. Build your ideal week from there. The Power of Networking and Awards After working in isolation for about a year, Talia discovered the value of networking—particularly smaller, intimate events. She's won multiple awards, including a silver in the Best of Business Women Awards, which helped combat imposter syndrome and brought valuable local recognition. Growing Through Referrals Much of Talia's business comes from referrals—through networking connections, partnerships with agencies, and her work with the Advanced ADHD and Autism Trust charity. It's a sustainable approach that works perfectly for someone who admits they're "not great at marketing." About Talia Talia Zamora is a Neurodivergent Business and Family Coach supporting neurodivergent individuals and families through lived experience—growing up in and raising a neurodivergent family. She helps clients navigate overwhelm, self-doubt, and masking while building on strengths and self-compassion. Her intuitive, practical approach addresses burnout recovery, executive function, sensory sensitivities, business boundaries, and identity discovery. All tailored to understanding how neurodivergent brains work. Talia creates a safe space where clients feel seen and equipped to thrive in their own beautifully different way. {1:35} Why Talia started started her own business. {3:32} Identifying a need for neurodivergent coaching. {4:46} The challenges of neurodivergency. {5:36} The importance of prioritisation and organisation. {6:02} Talia's coaching work. {7:08} How neurodivergent entrepreneurs can create calm. {8:51} How Talia sources and retains clients. {11:36} How networking broadened Talia's world. {12:57} The events Talia enjoys. {13:45} Networking for neurodivergents. {14:56} Talia's experience getting involved in business awards. {16:38} PR wins from being an award finalist. {18:36} Talia's business tip. {19:42} How Talia organises herself. {20:25} Plans for 2026. {21:54} How to spot the signs of neurodivergency. {22:22} Where to get help. Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Talia: https://www.taliazamora.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaliaZamoraBusinessandFamilyCoach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliazamora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaliaZamoraCoach Talia's Neurodivergent Traits download: https://taliazamora.com/#101-neurodivergent-traits

25 min
JAN 28

Episode 180: Holiday Clubs with a Difference with Amy Cunningham

This week we discuss Holiday Clubs with a Difference with Amy Cunningham, founder of The Strings Club. Amy outlines how she built a successful childcare business centred around music and wellbeing. About The Strings Club Amy launched her business in 2012 after hosting a small holiday camp for six children in Camden. Today, The Strings Club operates in 22 locations across London and the Midlands. Each one offers holiday camps where children learn musical instruments, enjoy creative workshops, and participate in activities like yoga and dance. The week culminates in a Friday afternoon concert where children showcase what they've learned. Key Business Insights Amy discusses the importance of slow, steady growth to maintain quality standards. She limits camp sizes to maximum 48 children and requires all team members to attend paid pre-holiday training sessions. Uniquely, free childcare for all staff members is provided, helping parents return to work without prohibitive childcare costs. The business maintains a strict no-screens policy, which has become a major selling point for parents concerned about children's screen time. Awards and Recognition Amy has won multiple awards including Female Entrepreneur of the Year (No Fear Awards), Birmingham Businesswoman of the Year, and silver at the Best Business Women Awards. She encourages entrepreneurs to enter awards for the validation, networking opportunities, and confidence boost they provide. Lessons Learned Amy candidly shares her experience with burnout and emphasises the importance of entrepreneur wellbeing, advocating for regular breaks and sustainable business practices over the traditional "no pain, no gain" approach. About Amy Amy founded The Strings Club in 2012, transforming a £1,000 Prince's Trust loan and a six-child Camden holiday camp into a multi-award-winning music education company now operating across 22 locations and inspiring nearly half a million children. A former violin teacher driven by music's power to build confidence and creativity, she's grown the business without external investment while championing flexible working and providing free childcare for staff. Her leadership has earned recognition including Start Up Business of the Year, Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year, and Female Entrepreneur of the Year. Amy continues expanding The Strings Club's reach, bringing music's transformative benefits to children UK-wide. {3:08} Why Amy started The Strings Club. {5:13} How Amy has grown The Strings Club to what it is today. {7:08} The facilities The Strings Club offers. {8:46} A typical day for a child at The Strings Club. {11:44} Transitioning from teaching music to running a business. {12:03} Help and support in the early days from the Prince's Trust. {13:05} Support with marketing. {14:27} The need to look after yourself. {15:54} Scaling the business. {18:31} The profile of a typical holiday camp manager. {20:01} The challenges of growing the business. {20:55} Dealing with burnout. {22:30} Amy's experience with business awards. {23:36} The impact of the Nectar Awards. {24:13} Winning the Birmingham Awards. {25:08} Winning the Female Entrepreneur of the Year. {27:22} Amy's business tips. {30:56} The Strings Club no-screens policy. {34:10} Future plans. Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Amy: https://www.thestringsclub.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStringsClub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_strings_club/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-strings-club-limited/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStringsClub

36 min
JAN 26

Episode 182: Create Your Gameplan with Ceylan Boyce

Create Your Gameplan with Ceylan Boyce sees the return of the founder of the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs to talk about her live planning event in March. In this bonus episode of the Business Awards Show, Ceylan explains why planning is essential for business success. She shares why "winging it" leads to working harder for smaller results, and how proper planning gives you the freedom and flexibility to grow. Discover how Ceylan's quarterly planning events bring together 50-60 business owners in a safe, supportive environment where you can actually think strategically about your business. Unlike typical networking events, these are full-day workshops where you leave with a concrete action plan, not just a buzz from being in a room full of people. She also discusses the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs membership, monthly breakfast clubs, and new online workshops for those who can't make it to London in person. The next "Create Your Game Plan" event is on March 16th in London, featuring speakers on visibility, PR, personal branding, and awards strategy. Find the link in the show notes to get your ticket. And use the promo code to get a 30% discount! {2:30} Why businesses must plan to succeed. {4:00} Bringing business owners together to plan. {6:32} How Ceylan's events work. {11:13} Ceylan's online events. {12:43} Ceylan's breakfast events. {14:10} The benefits of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs. {15:34} The Academy's success stories. {16:43} Speakers at the Create Your Gameplan event in London. Connect with Ceylan: https://academyforwomenentrepreneurs.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWEntrepreneurs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/academyforwomenentrepreneurs/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/academy-for-women-entrepreneurs/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@academyforwomenentrepreneurs/videos Create Your Gameplan Live Event: https://academywe.ac-page.com/cygp-mar26 Discount code for Business Awards Show Listeners: BBWA30

20 min

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.

Creator

Debbie Gilbert
Years Active

2021 - 2026
Episodes

151
Rating

Explicit
Show Website

The Business Awards Show