Winners at the National Finals of the 2018 FSB awards
We were thrilled to win Employer of the Year at the FSB London area awards. But even more excitingly, it meant that we went through to the National Finals. With 11 categories in all and winners from 12 geographical areas of the UK represented in each, there were hundreds of people gathered to celebrate each others’ success in the glamourous surroundings of the Westminster Park Plaza on Thursday 3rd May. We started the evening with a glass of prosecco and a fascinating chat with Daniel Korski, Ex-Deputy Head of Policy for No 10 Downing Street and now CEO at PUBLIC, there to present one of the awards.
Could we win again?
We went through to the ballroom for dinner and were greeted by familiar faces as at our table were fellow London FSB winners from ihateironing, EnviroBuild and Central Tickets (check them out – they are all great businesses!) as well as Matt Jaffa, Senior Development Manager for FSB London. After a warm welcome from the FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry OBE, there was a message on the massive video screens from the Prime Minister underlining how important small businesses are to the UK economy and thanking the FSB for everything it does to support them.
And so to the awards, hosted by the super talented Jon Culshaw who flew through his reportoire of impressions including Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Tony Blair, George Bush…and Steven Gerrard! It was as if they were all in the room! Luckily for our nerves, we found ourselves in the first group of awards. Nicolle had been feeling quietly confident in the afternoon as she knew we had put together a strong application, but as Jon started to read out the 12 nominees and some of their achievements her heart started to sink. There was no way we could win against these bigger businesses with their big-name clients and mentions in the national newspapers. Which is why when the winner was called – spoiler alert, it was Business Clan – she jumped out of her seat so quickly (see the video – thanks Matt!), hauling Delia out of hers and pretty much skipping up to the stage!
The judges commented that we have “A strong ethos of playing to everyone’s strengths and collective expertise”. We achieved this success by investing in, developing and retaining our flexible-working team of “women-returners”. Together we deliver all the essential services larger organisations take for granted and small businesses struggle to find.
When Delia founded Business Clan, her intention was to provide a holistic service for local businesses. Our initial clients have remained loyal and now use an increasing number of our skills and services. Adrian Bell, MD of Aptiga, has been a client for over three years:
“With Business Clan’s assistance, we have expertise and experience beyond our business size, which allows us to punch above our weight commercially. I would not hesitate to recommend them.”
As the business grows, we intend to grow our team’s diversity across age and gender. Our plan is to take our business model and brand to other parts of the UK. Delia’s vision is for “Business Clan to enable our team, as well as our clients, to reach their full potential.”
If you would like our multi award-winning, intelligent, creative and innovative team to work with your business then get in touch.
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