The Business Awards Show

Debbie Gilbert

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

    2d ago

    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/

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

    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/

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

    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

    35 min
  4. Episode 201: The Graphic Designer Who Won a Carer Award with Marie Louise O'Neill

    Jun 10

    Episode 201: The Graphic Designer Who Won a Carer Award with Marie Louise O'Neill

    Debbie Gilbert chats with The Graphic Designer Who Won a Carer Award with Marie Louise O'Neill, Canva expert and graphic designer. In this episode, Marie Louise talks about how small business owners can show up more professionally online without needing to be a design expert. Our guest stumbled across Canva in 2017 before most designers had even heard of it. Consequently, she shares how she went self-employed ten years ago after struggling to find flexible working options to be around for her young child. Listen to discover the biggest design mistakes people make, and how to overcome them. Plus Marie Louise's practical tips for keeping your brand consistent across everything you put out. There's also an honest conversation about balancing business with real life, including caring for a toddler, a husband with rheumatoid arthritis, and more recently her dad recovering from a broken hip. As always, we also talk about her award wins, including a very touching Digital Women Carer Award. Finally, get to know what she offers with Canva, including her membership programme, the Lovely Canva Club. About Marie Louise Marie-Louise is an award winning graphic designer with over 20 years experience who just so happens to love Canva! She specialises in branding, design and is a Certified Canva Community Trainer, Canvassador and Canva Creator. Marie Louise offers a range of logo and design services, training to individuals and teams. Furthermore, she loves to work with entrepreneurs, coaches, marketing experts and virtual assistants to create consistent content that's on brand but with the flexibility to evolve over time. Her USP is combining her design know-how with the popular Canva programme. She works collaboratively with her clients, embracing screen sharing and Zoom so that her clients have a front row seat of the design process. And for those that DIY, Marie-Louise teaches you how to get better results and grow your Canva skills in her Lovely Canva Club membership. It's packed with live sessions, a vast library of past replays and recommended templates.   {2:30} Why Marie Louise went self-employed ten years ago. {5:13} First coming to Canva and developing her services. {7:30} Helping others to use Canva effectively. {9:40} The common mistakes people make using Canva. {12:32} The key elements to ensure brand recognition and consistency are maintained across all channels. {15:27} The impact of AI in design. {19:10} Marie Louise's awards and what they've brought to her business. {25:33} Juggling two children, a sick husband and a father with a broken hip with running a business. {29:16} Marie Louise's Canva service offerings.   Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                        Connect with Marie Louise:  https://lovelyevolution.co.uk/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/lovely-evolution-uk/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LovelyEvolutionUK Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lovelyevolutiondesign/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/LovelyEvolutionUK Canva: https://www.canva.com/p/lovelyevolution/ Awards Evidence Template: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGGgkVgupA/sqMuJwwnggjIC9o4McxE2g/view?utm_content=DAGGgkVgupA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview

    33 min
  5. Episode 200: The 200th Business Awards Show - Special Edition!

    Jun 4

    Episode 200: The 200th Business Awards Show - Special Edition!

    The 200th Business Awards Show is here, and we couldn't be prouder to bring you this special episode. Debbie Gilbert, Founder of the Best Businesswomen Awards and The Best SME Awards, talks you through how to avoid being fooled by fake awards companies. There is a proliferation of them in the market, and Debbie campaigning to keep integrity in the awards world, fights back. She warns listeners to watch out for unsolicited "winner" emails, secret judging panels, AI-generated nominations, public voting schemes and pay-to-win models. Genuine awards have named organisers, transparent judging, real entry processes and extensive press coverage. And once you've worked out the credible awards you should be applying for, we play back some of the highlights of the last five years. You'll hear inspirational winners, judges, and awards writers, talk about their experiences and tips for success. If you're thinking of applying for awards now or in the near future, this is an episode you cannot afford to miss!   {1:50} The rise of fake awards. {2:15} The difference between genuine and fake awards. {3:37} What to look for in an awards programme. {9:15} Awards with voting. {11:00} The impact of real awards - introducing our look back over five years of The Business Awards Show. {11:07} Bringing fresh insights to the care sector. {14:23} Stephanie Brown, awards consultant - The award red flags to avoid. Listen to the rest of her episode here:  https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-174-how-to-win-at-awards-with-stephanie-brown {18:24} Kate Bishop - Kate Bishop Coaching - Best Coach Silver Winner. The strategy behind entering the BBWAs. Listen to the rest of her episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/how-a-coach-can-transform-your-working-life-with-kate-bishop {20:07} Mary Gregory - Leadership Coach - Best Coach Gold Winner. Why ego got in the way of entering awards. And how Mary overcame it. Listen to the rest of the episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-127-overcoming-your-ego-with-mary-gregory {23:04} Nicola Wood - The Wonderful Wig Company - Most Inspiring Businesswoman Gold Winner. Going from local to national awards. Listen to the rest of the episode: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-091-the-wonderful-wigmaker-with-nicola-wood {24:36} Antoinette Oglethorpe - Career Development and Leadership Expert - Best Coach Gold Winner. Why entering awards is so valuable. Listen to the rest of the episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/ep-015-coaching-success-with-antoinette-oglethorpe {26:00} Ashleigh Donald - Halo Consulting Ltd - Best Businesswoman in Marketing & PR Gold Winner. The value awards generate for your business. Listen to the rest of the episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-082-building-loyalty-in-hospitality-with-ashleigh-donald {29:23} Dawn Brown - Rose Cottage Doggy Daycare - Best Businesswoman in Animal Services Gold Winner. The power of recognition and visibility that awards bring. Listen to the rest of the episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-094-revolutionising-the-dog-boarding-industry-with-dawn-brown {31:08} Emma Youell - Emma Youell Design Ltd - Best Businesswoman in a Creative Business Silver Winner. How awards can generate new business. Listen to the rest of this episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-178-how-awards-have-powered-an-animators-business-with-emma-youell {32:22} Janan Leo - Cocorose London - Best Businesswoman in a Consumer Business and Best Customer Service Gold Winner. The confidence boost from winning an award.  Listen to the rest of this episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-93-redesigning-womens-shoes-with-janan-leo {33:31} Kate Ball - Mini First-Aid - Most Inspiring Businesswoman Gold Winner. An inspiring awards journey. Listen to the rest of this episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/ep-026-interview-with-most-inspiring-businesswoman-kate-ball {36:33} Kate Cherry - The Athena Network Bedfordshire & Mid Hertfordshire - Best Networking Business Silver and Gold Winner Re-applying for an award you previously did not win. Listen to the rest of this episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-149-kate-cherry-athena-network-beds-mid-herts {38:26} Pippa Birch - Pipster Solutions Ltd - Best Businesswoman in Business Services Silver and Gold Winner. Winning silver, returning for gold. Listen to the rest of this episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-054-interview-with-pippa-birch {39:35} Maggie Sarfo - Meres Consulting Ltd & BBWA judge - How awards contribute to business growth. Listen to the rest of this episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-155-judges-tips-for-awards-success-with-maggie-sarfo {40:14} Kate Adam - Awards writer - Evidence is key. Here's how to include it. Listen to the rest of this episode here:  https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-063-interview-with-kate-adam {42:09} Lucinda White - Awards writer - Why using a writer is not cheating. In fact, it makes sense. Listen to the rest of this episode here:  https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-122-the-award-writer-with-lucinda-white {45:16} Denise O'Leary - Purpol Marketing and BBWA Judge - Advice for optimising evidence. Listen to the rest of this episode here:  https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/ep-002-evidence-with-denise-oleary {46:58} Roma Bhowmick - BBWA Head Judge - What judges do and don't want to see. Listen to the rest of the episode here:  https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/ep-017-interview-with-awards-judge-roma-bhowmick {48:33} Sophia Campbell-Shaw - Woven Farewell Coffins - Best Product Gold Winner. The impact of winning awards. Listen to the rest of the episode here:  https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-129-leading-a-revolution-in-the-funeral-industry-with-sophia-campbell-shaw {50:24} Lucienne Shakir - Lucienne Coaching - Best Coach Gold Winner. The BBWA FInal - A memorable experience navigated on her own. Listen to the rest of the episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-090-coaching-with-integrity-with-lucienne-shakir   Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

    53 min
  6. Episode 199: How an Award Winning Photographer Became a Care Home Owner with Carmel Saulbrey

    Jun 3

    Episode 199: How an Award Winning Photographer Became a Care Home Owner with Carmel Saulbrey

    Discover How an Award Winning Photographer Became a Care Home Owner with Carmel Saulbrey, the owner of Niche Care Homes and founder of The Kindness Code. Carmel won Most Inspiring Businesswoman at the Best Business Women Awards back in 2019. However, she sold her award-winning school photography company, tired of the photographer's life. What did she do next? She took on two children's residential care homes in what she describes as one of the most challenging years of her life. Carmel shares how stepping into an unfamiliar industry with fresh eyes turned out to be a real advantage, leading her to create the Kindness Code, an AI-powered training app that helps care staff practise handling difficult situations before they face them on shift. Early results are already showing fewer incidents and more confident teams. They also talk about her plans to roll the app out more widely, a brand new podcast, and why she's convinced that therapeutic kindness makes better leaders too. About Carmel Carmel Jane Saulbrey is a London-based entrepreneur, business leader, and award-winning founder known for building purpose-driven companies that combine commercial success with real social impact. A former winner of Most Inspirational Businesswoman of the Year, Carmel is the founder of a growing children's residential care group operating across South East England. The group is built around the KIND Framework, a therapeutic, relationship-led model helping trauma-affected children feel safe and empowered. Further expansion is underway in 2026. Carmel champions the idea that kindness and high performance are complementary, not competing. She is also host of the Kindness Code podcast and founder of a forthcoming SaaS platform to raise standards across the residential care sector. She speaks openly on leadership, culture, and resilience. {2:08} Why Carmel decided to buy a care homes business. {3:38} The kids cared for in the homes. {4:05} The transition from photography to care homes. {7:30} The Kindness Code. {9:39} Developing the app. {11:07} Bringing fresh insights to the care sector. {12:44} Listening to the kids, valuing the team, to deliver lasting change. {14:40} Plans for the app. {15:57} Carmel's observations of the care sector. {17:57} The size of homes today and how they operate. {20:30} Falling out of love with photography. {21:39} How awards strengthened the Carmel Jane brand to sell the business. {22:25} Thinking about awards for the new venture. {22:52} Inheriting staff in the new business. {26:00} Carmel's future plans. {26:47} Her forthcoming podcast and proposed book. {28:35} Building a speaking career. {29:30} Carmel's advice for transitioning from one sector to another.   Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                        Connect with Carmel:  https://www.niche-care.co.uk/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmel-jane-saulbrey-256a9526/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NicheCareHomes Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/niche_care_homes/ The Kindness Code:  https://thekindnesscode.co.uk/ The Kindness Code Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dwsVwW54FatuqGECXIASK

    33 min
  7. Episode 198: From High-Powered Retail Manager to Award-Winning VA with Dionne Popplestone

    May 27

    Episode 198: From High-Powered Retail Manager to Award-Winning VA with Dionne Popplestone

    Today we chart the journey From High-Powered Retail Manager to Award-Winning VA with Dionne Popplestone, founder of an award-winning virtual assistant agency. Dionne shares her journey from managing multi-million pound retail stores and a £50m shopping centre redevelopment, to setting up her VA agency after having her son Elijah — and becoming fully booked within just four months. They talk about the tell-tale signs you need a VA (spending your day doing admin is not helping you!), and why automation and AI are game-changers for small businesses. Additionally, she reflects on how entering the Best Business Women Awards gave her a fresh perspective on what she'd built. Dionne also opens up about juggling motherhood with running a growing team of seven, and her charity work supporting the James Hopkins Trust in Gloucestershire. About Dionne Dionne started her VA business because she had always been the person came to for help. Dionne gained huge experience managing large retail stores and shopping centres, staying on top of everything, keeping things moving. Consequently, Dionne has built a VA Agency with a team of 7, providing total support for her clients. They meet new clients, clarify what's actually happening, and take on the tasks that no longer need to sit with them, including day-to-day and ongoing responsibilities. It means things get handled properly, and nothing gets missed.  Dionne's agency becomes a part of the client business, not just a supplier. Something that matters deeply to Dionne as she grows her business. {2:28} Why Dionne started her VA business. {5:14} The reasons she loves her business. {6:04} How and why clients outsource to Dionne. {8:07} The systems and processes that make the biggest difference. {9:17} Combining motherhood with running a business. {11:10} Why Dionne started entering awards and the resulting outcomes. {13:15} How she lost confidence coming out of the corporate world. {15:19} How entering awards led to a period of reflection. {16:41} What keeps Dionne so focused. {18:06} The signs you need a VA. {19:54} Her plans for the business. {20:46} Supporting the James Hopkins Trust. {22:31} Getting new clients. {23:52} Helpful collaborations. {25:17} Leveraging AI for maximum results.   Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/                                        Connect with Dionne:  https://www.dionnepopplestone.co.uk/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionne-popplestone-5a084810b/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559970350458 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/dionnepva The James Hopkins Trust:  https://www.jameshopkinstrust.org.uk/

    28 min

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.