Over 80 small firms have been selected as finalists for this year’s Small Awards, which celebrate the nation’s outstanding small business community, their successes, and resilience. From sole traders to sustainability heroes, supply chain champions and digital stars, independent businesses from across the country are being spotlighted for their incredible achievements and community contributions.

Now in its ninth year, and sponsored by digital marketing company Constant Contact, the annual Small Awards are organised by Small Business Britain, which champions, inspires, and accelerates small businesses in the UK.

“Every year, the Small Awards celebrate the UK’s most inspiring small business owners, who are the heart of their communities, and are fuelling the nation’s economic growth,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain.

“The awards are a great opportunity to recognise the success and contributions of so many small businesses. A huge congratulations to this year’s finalists, who are extremely deserving of the recognition, and we look forward to celebrating together in May.”

The small business finalists shortlisted across the eleven Small Award categories include:

• ‘At your Service’ award for best small service business, with a track record of serving their target customer set. Nominees – Apex Healthcare Services Ltd, Deaf Friendly Limited, CeCe & Me Ltd, The Purry Godmother, Freelance Mum, Heywood-MacDonald Accountancy Services Ltd, Richer Solutions, The Book Shelf.
• ‘Bricks and Clicks’ award for best small businesses using multiple channels with innovation and skill. Nominees – Durham Hens Limited, First Glass Wine Events, Stephanie Ward Online Business Services, Phillips Hobbies Limited, Burren Balsamics, Cable & Blake Fabrics of the Lakes, Eagles Wings Consultancy, Clavis & Claustra.
• ‘Digital Star’ award for best digital only business, which recognises small businesses that operate only through digital channels, using the internet to market, sell and promote their product and service. Nominees – Alice Violet Creative, Chomp, Uniquely Local Experiences, Exciting Teacher, Baby Bambinos, Jo Macfarlane Ltd, Sixty Seconds, Studio Self-Made.
• ‘Heart of Gold’ award for the small business contributing that bit extra to their local community through working with other small businesses, local charities, schools, local councils, or their local residents. Nominees – ADVICE AT HART CIC, Books On The Hill, Daventry Wellness & Sports C.I.C., Fix Your Future Ltd, For Men To Talk, Love Education C.I.C, The Stitchery, Turning Heads
• ‘High Street Hero’ award, which recognises a strong high street business that has a proven record of contributing towards the success of their street. Nominees – Afrizi, Jailhouse Frock, The Snail of Happiness, Vintage at the Tower Ltd, Walker & Ling, Castlegate Stationery Art and Toys, Tan Y Ddraig, French & Day Delicatessen
• ‘Legacy’ award for best family business, demonstrating involvement and contribution from family members as well as business success over a period of time. Nominees – Be Positive Taylored Brand (BEPO), Button Boutique, Highgate florist & flower school, ICAB (Insurance Claims Accommodation Bureau), Jacqueline and Edward, Jamii, Plantos Nursery, Shambles Restaurant & Wine Bar
• ‘Mission Possible’ award for businesses and social enterprises driven by mission over and above financial performance, that benefits a group, a community or society more widely. Nominees – Nest on the Heath, Black Culture Market, Blind Beauty, Bristol Autism Centre, Clear for Men, Co-Creative Connection, Indirock Ltd, Devon Eco Boutique
• ‘Net Hero’ award for small businesses demonstrating exceptional commitment to the environment, placing sustainability at the heart of operations. Nominees –Circulayo, 4YaParty Weddings & Events, LITTA APP, Medicus Caps, Disruptor London, Oseng-Rees Reflection Ltd, Fallen & Felled Limited, Tewke
• ‘New Kid on the Block’ award for the best new startup, that has launched in the last eighteen months and demonstrated considerable progress to grow and develop. Nominees – Angel Balloon Artistry & Events, Auzi Hearing Aid Jewellery, Butterfly & Bee Bookshop, Mini Healthcare Heroes, North Wales Days Out & Events Ltd, Rassoul, The VA Hangout, Your Prosperity Group CIC
• ‘Sole to Sole’ award for best self-employed sole trader that celebrates the tenacity and drive it takes to go it alone. Nominees – Cat's Eye Carving, Leyla Alexander Design, little folk nursery rhymes Ltd, HumaniTea (Mighty Drinks Ltd.), Magical Crafting Club, Morgan + Wells, Nubi Collective, Perfect Order
• ‘Supply Chain Champion’ award for best B2B business, which recognises small businesses that are working within the business supply chain, and other businesses large and small. Nominees – 2Logic Ltd, Event Production Services, HONA Ltd, Perky Blenders Coffee Roasters, So. Social Media, SpeedStitch Ltd, Spotless Water, The Biskery

Erika Robinson, UK General Manager at Constant Contact, said: “SMEs represent over 99% of the business population in the UK, so they play a vital role in boosting the British economy, and deserve to have their tenacity and success celebrated.

“Constant Contact is committed to helping small businesses succeed, so it’s fantastic to see some of the innovative and ambitious SMEs that have made The Small Awards shortlist this year. I wish them all the best of luck!”

Judged by a panel of industry experts, the winners of all categories and the overall winner of Small Business of the Year, will be announced at a fun-filled awards night in London on 22nd May 2025.

The ceremony will this year be held at St Mary’s Church in London, with plans underway for a night of entertainment, inspiration, and celebration for UK’s greatest small businesses.