Walsall company SafeJawz, a thriving enterprise founded by Ewan Jones and George Dyer provides elite mouthguards for all sports. Since the business launched in 2014 it has seen incredible growth having now sold over one million mouthguards and being recognised and stocked in global retail outlets and endorsed and used by a number of professional athletes is just one of the businesses that has beaten off stiff competition to be crowned one of West Midlands’ best small businesses. It was named as the West Midlands Micro Business of the Year on 4 March 2024.
For a full list of all the winners, please refer to the notes at the end of this release.
Sue Tonks, FSB Chair for the West Midlands, said:
“Congratulations to all this year’s West Midlands FSB Celebrating Small Business Award winners. They are reflective of the vibrancy, innovation and tenacity that makes up our small business community. It’s been thrilling to see so many businesses in the West Midlands enthusiastically take part in our awards and the sheer scale and diversity of those who entered is testimony to the vitality of the small business community in the region. The best of luck to all our winners for the UK national award finals in May.”
The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards celebrate the best small businesses from the length and breadth of the country, offering national recognition for those who have made the biggest impression over the last 12 months. Finalists across twelve areas now proceed to the national UK finals taking place at a VIP attended awards ceremony on 9 May in Blackpool.
The full list of the West Midlands winners can be found below:
- Innovation Award
Winner: Buildfifty5 Living, Priorslee
They provide an innovative and creative approach for sustainable, affordable homes, utilising modern and low-carbon construction for energy-efficient dwellings. Buildfifty5 Living embrace innovation, focusing on urban areas they draw on industry knowledge to manage development comprehensively. The business revolves around reshaping housing solutions on brownfield land, catering specifically to specialised user groups like young persons and older persons.
- Expansion and Growth Award
Winner: GO GO Makers, Leamington Spa
GO GO Makers provides Holiday Camps at Primary Schools for children aged 4-11 years old, providing a range of opportunities for children to grow, develop, gain confidence and learn new things. GO GO Makers was established in 2013 by Warwickshire Mum, Emma Canning. Originally born out of the gap in the market for wrap-around school childcare, GO GO Makers is now a thriving local business, employing 54 members of staff, running holiday camps at five primary schools and welcoming more children year on year.
- Sustainability Award
OLPRO is an e-Commerce business based in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside. Started in 2011, OLPRO delivers a range of unique and high-quality outdoor leisure products that stand out from the crowd. They sell a variety of products such as tents, awnings, backpacks, melamine, outdoor furniture and camping kit essentials. OLPRO have always ensured that their business practices align with their values, and in May of 2023, they were the first UK-based outdoor leisure brand to be awarded B-Corp certification, solidifying their commitment to people and the planet.
- Family Business of the Year
Winner: Clarke Oil Ltd., Redditch
Established back in 2007 by Paul & Emily Clarke, Clarke Oil Ltd offers high quality oil distribution to customers within the agricultural, automotive, commercial, off-highway & plant and industrial & food safe sectors. Industry expertise and strong commitment to growth has seen Clarke Oil go from strength to strength over the last 17 years leading to an oil distribution service across the whole of the UK. A true family business they have maintained a premium product and support alongside robust family values.
- Microbusiness of the Year
Winner: SafeJawz, Walsall
Providing elite mouthguards for all sports, alongside the Fight or Flight brand, the business was established by Ewan Jones and George Dyer whilst studying at the University of Manchester. Since the business launched in 2014 it has seen incredible growth having now sold over one million mouthguards and being recognised and stocked in global retail outlets and endorsed and used by a number of professional athletes.
- Self-employed / Freelancer Award
Winner: Katie Stone, Katie Stone PA, Ludlow
Katie Stone is an award-winning virtual assistant with a background in education. Katie built a skilled team of ex-teachers to provide specialised administrative support to education businesses. Known for tailored insights and stellar service, Katie has grown her client base and revenue exponentially each year. Passionate about empowering educators, Katie mentors her team to help them develop their own VA businesses. Katie delights in blending her expertise with flexibility to make an impact.
- Start-up Business of the Year
Winner: Solaas Limited, Coventry
Solaas redefines the landscape of IT and Telecoms services with flexible and scalable communication and connectivity services. They enable businesses to break free from the constraints of long-term contracts by providing flexible month-by-month solutions tailored to the organisation’s exact needs. Solaas pride themselves on transparency, integrity, and jargon-free communication. They empower businesses by talking their language, giving them complete control over their IT and Telecoms services. Since their launch in 2023 the business has seen tremendous growth.
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Winner: Maddie Ashbrook, MOO and BOOM, Whitchurch
Maddie Ashbrook is the twenty-four year old owner of MOO and BOOM. MOO and BOOM is an independent Store that has sustainable living and an ethos of well-being at its core. The company does not compromise on quality or design but offers beautifully curated goods from around the world, whilst making positive purchases towards a greener planet and to the communities that have the skills to curate the collections.
- Franchise Business Award
Winner: Revive! Stoke, Yarnfield
Operating out of a nationwide franchise network, Revive! Stoke provides a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional bodyshops through their mobile car paint repair service for residents of Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Cannock and surrounding areas. Their success has seen expanding territories, impressive financial performance and customer satisfaction.
- Community Business Award
Winner: Arrive Alive, Birmingham
Arrive Alive is a community business funded by public donations. It is dedicated to funding vital lifesaving vehicles and equipment for Community First Responders who are regulated and dispatched to life threatening 999 calls by West Midlands Ambulance Service. Arrive Alive is a registered charity and was founded by a mother on a mission to save lives, Debbie Roscoe, following her youngest daughter’s life threatening case of measles. An Arrive Alive vehicle can reach a 999 medical emergency in those vital seconds/minutes prior to a road or air ambulance due to being directly based within the heart of the community.
- Diversity and Inclusion Award
Winner: Globility Coaching, Ludlow,
Globility Coaching, founded in 2011 by Marina Ibrahim in Shropshire stands at the forefront of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion consulting. Their approach involves understanding unique challenges to craft comprehensive DE&I strategies that catalyse positive change, impact and innovation from workplaces to societies. The essence of Globility Coaching lies in promoting cultural agility—being open, curious, and respectful which it has achieved with tremendous success.
- Service Excellence Award
Winner: Lavelle Bridal Couture, Warwick
Lavelle Bridal Couture is an epitome of excellence in the bridal industry. The boutique has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled service to brides-to-be. The company goes above and beyond in ensuring an extraordinary experience for every client. Becky Lavelle's personal dedication to customer satisfaction sets a benchmark for service excellence. Her hands-on approach involves engaging with each bride individually, understanding their unique visions, and offering personalised guidance throughout the gown selection process. This bespoke service transforms the bridal shopping experience into a memorable journey filled with warmth and expertise.