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 UK's first Afro-hair championing dress up game, a company manufacturing the first plant-powered, vegan trainers made with organic cactus leather and recycled soles to an entrepreneur demystifying company: The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards London 2024’s most inspiring small businesses.
Croydon based Alyssa Ottley has won the London Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. Alyssa founded Frobelles, the UK’s first game championing Afro hair. Frobelles isn’t just a game, it also teaches children how to look after their Afro hair, how to style it, how to do their own skincare, and how to get ready for school each day and has seen incremental success leading to national coverage and award wins.
From human hair to animal hair, as dog grooming business ‘The Spotlight Groomers’ won the London Sustainability Award. They are the first and currently the only dog grooming salon in London recycling pet fur via ‘Green Groomers Collective’. They prioritise sustainability using eco-friendly products and practices, implementing water-saving techniques, recycling & composting waste and more.
Michael Lassman, FSB London Regional Chair, said:
“Congratulations to all this year’s London 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 London enthusiastically take part in our awards and the sheer scale and diversity of those who entered is a 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 full list of the London winners can be found below:
Innovation Award
Winner: Hammond Opticians, London, [Enfield]
This family-owned, multi award-winning business has a rich history with a clear focus on excellence and innovation in eyecare. They prioritise providing exceptional high-quality service, with innovative solutions for eyecare, which form the foundations of their business. The introduction of ground-breaking innovations, such as Night Lens technology, has signified a transformative phase in their business journey propelling them to unprecedented levels of success. As local trailblazers, they proudly hold the position of market leaders in delivering customised solutions for myopia control, underscoring their unparalleled expertise and enduring commitment to providing high-quality care.
Expansion and Growth Award
Winner: Deecon Consulting, London [Westminster]
Deecon Consulting is an independent management and business consultancy specialising in procurement, programme management, commercial management, and dispute resolution services. 2023 was their most successful year to date seeing an increase in resource, client base and entry into new markets.
Sustainability Award
Winner: The Spotlight Groomers, London [Southwark]
The Spotlight Groomers area dog grooming salon in Southwark. They are the first and currently the only dog grooming salon in London recycling pet fur via ‘Green Groomers Collective’. They prioritise sustainability using eco-friendly products and practices, implementing water-saving techniques, recycling & composting waste and more.
Family Business of the Year
Winner: London Property Preservation Ltd, London [Croydon]
They are a father-daughter team specialising in damp-proofing services in South London. Their core values revolve around family, effective communication, and prioritising customer satisfaction. Through price check promises and innovative initiatives, they strive to ensure that every home remains protected against dampness.
Microbusiness of the Year
Winner: Cocorose London [Haringey]
Founded in 2007 Cocorose London is an award-winning, passionate and independent comfort footwear brand to launch a world first – the foldable shoe. Their mission was to empower women and challenge the societal norm that women should wear heels. Having innovated and expanded the range to include the first plant-powered, vegan trainers made with organic cactus leather and recycled soles, reflecting the principles of a growing number of environmentally conscious women seeking products with purpose. The brand has featured in numerous media titles and on the feet of inspirational women globally.
Self-employed / Freelancer Award
Winner: Nigel Davies, Untangle Your Brand T/A Pin Creative, London [Greenwich]
Nigel Davies is an independent brand consultant and combines his experience in business, strategy, and creativity to help business owners transform their business vision into a brand and gain greater clarity, focus and direction. Clarifying the branding process, Nigel though Untangle Your Brand demystifies the process. His success has seen the business expand from local clients to an international customer base.
Start-up Business of the Year
Winner: Enchanted Lands Day Nursery Ltd, London [Brent]
Enchanted Lands Day Nursery is a family-oriented childcare facility with a unique enchanted touch, dedicated to providing the best outcomes for every child in their care. With pioneering methods and unwavering commitment to moulding children's lives they have set themselves apart from their competitors. Their fervour and commitment to shaping the future through exemplary early childhood education services is embodied throughout their business.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Winner: Alyssa Ottley, Frobelles, London [Croydon]
Frobelles is the UK's first Afro-hair championing dress up game, founded by mother-daughter duo, Alyssa and Yvonne Ottley. The game is fun, educational and was created to empower children to embrace their beautiful natural hair, while also fostering a positive and diverse gaming experience. Frobelles also teaches children how to look after their Afro hair, how to style it, how to do their own skincare, and how to get ready for school each day, as sadly, not every child has someone to dedicate the time in busy day-to-day life.
Franchise Business Award
Winner: Visiting Angels, London [Ealing]
Visiting Angels is a multi unit highly successful franchise business providing caregiving services. Their first franchise launched in 2020 and has seen amazing success with Visiting Angels London achieving international recognition for their approach to high-quality and attentive care.
Community Business Award
Winner: Makesworth Accountants, London [Harrow]
Makesworth Accountants was established by Sanjay Sah and is a multi-award-winning accountancy practice of Chartered Accountants, Tax and Business Advisers. Makesworth Accountants has a long history of supporting communities through charitable donations and direct action. In 2023 they founded the Makesworth Foundation with the intent to supporting their communities by reaching out and helping women, children, the elderly, and the poor. Their work ensures access to education, healthcare, food, and clean water. Their commitment also extends to safeguarding the environment for current and future generations by promoting sustainable practices as well as by taking part in conservation efforts and supporting eco-friendly projects.
Diversity and Inclusion Award
Winner: Reggae Aerobics, London [Islington]
Reggae Aerobics breaks down traditional fitness stereotypes, encouraging participation from individuals of all ages, body types, and fitness levels. This inclusive approach has resulted in a diverse community within the business, where everyone feels welcome and valued. By eliminating the discrimination associated with certain body standards or fitness abilities, Reggae Aerobics has become a catalyst for building a supportive and non-judgmental workplace.
Service Excellence Award
Winner: eForward, London [Islington]
eForward is a platform-agnostic eCommerce consultancy for luxury brands driven by award winning eCommerce consultant Emma Forward. With impressive results for client’s their agile team has put service excellence at the heart of their delivery and customer experience.
About FSB - FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in Government. Its aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. Further details about FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards: www.FSBawards.co.uk
Media Contacts - Matthew Jaffa 07525 964 838 / Sarah King 07595 284327