Federation of Small Businesses reveals South East's best entrepreneurs

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) recognised the brightest and best entrepreneurs from the South East at the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2024.

The next stop for this year’s winners from the South East, who spanned a diverse spectrum, from a footwear and streetwear retailer to an independent publisher, is the UK grand final at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on Thursday 9 May, where they will compete for the top honours.

From sustainability to innovation, family businesses to start-ups, all the winners were honoured for their achievements over the last 12 months as they came together to, not only receive their awards, but to inspire one another for the year ahead.

Now in its 50th year, FSB stands proud as the UK’s largest membership organisation for small businesses and the self-employed, and these awards help highlight the invaluable contributions made by these businesses to the UK economy and champions their journey as entrepreneurs.

The Community Award was won by Computers 4 Charity, and fundraising manager Mirelle Frost, said: “It feels fantastic to be an FSB award winner. The award raises our profile, which we appreciate massively as a charity, and gives our teams back at the office a great sense of achievement.

“Award ceremonies are usually held in big fancy premises, but the intimate setting of West Sussex’s The Artisan Bakehouse was the perfect backdrop for this event, aligning with the values of FSB and the many fantastic small businesses they represent.

“We couldn’t thank FSB enough for the hands-on support they continue to give us. Taking home the Community Award truly is the icing on the cake.”

Alison Turner, FSB’s South East Development Manager, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to bring together small businesses and sole traders from across the South East. So often, small businesses struggle to find the time to reflect on their achievements, and so this celebration of shared success meant a great deal. It was fitting, in fact, that our hosts were themselves a small business, and watching the Artisan Bakery team at work drove home exactly what we were showcasing: hard work by dedicated people, making a difference to their communities. Although our winners spanned several sectors, providing different products and services, they have all overcome challenges and achieved success through huge determination.

“The contribution of small businesses to the economy of the South East is staggering. We heard stories of resilience and ingenuity spanning every sector, from rural businesses to retail, leisure and hospitality. The region is large and diverse, but it is full of thriving, exciting, and determined entrepreneurs.”

The full list of winners from the South East is:

Innovation Award: Save My Knickers

Expansion & Growth Award: OG Kicks

Sustainability Award: Stubcroft Farm Campsite Ltd

Family Business Award: Grommets Ltd

Micro Business Award: UK Growth Coach

Self-Employed / Freelancer Award: Sonya Dibbin, Adore Your Outdoors

Start-up Business Award: Stacey Cann, Franchise Marketing Strategist

Young Entrepreneur Award: Arun Watkins, EggChaser

Franchise Business Award: Right at Home

Community Award: Computers 4 Charity

Diversity & Inclusion Award: Book Brilliance Publishing

Service Excellence Award: BP Collins LLP