Awards night in a jumper

Saturday night was the Small Business Awards – and I wasn’t there.

Not because I didn’t care.

Not because I wasn’t proud.

But because, like many small business owners juggling all the things (including launching a membership, wrapping up client projects, and parenting in the run-up to Christmas), I made a decision to watch from home.

Cocktail in hand. Cosy jumper on. Wrapping presents while streaming the awards online. Not quite your usual red carpet moment – but very much real life.

And the best part?

I found out I was named one of the UK’s Top 100 Small Businesses AND made it into the Top 10 Graphic Design Businesses in the country.

That’s out of thousands of businesses that entered across the UK.

What these awards really mean

They’re not just shiny logos to add to your website (though yes – they’ll be on mine shortly). They’re a reminder that doing things your own way still gets recognised.

You don’t have to follow a cookie-cutter business model or show up in high heels and a power suit to be taken seriously.

You can grow slowly and sustainably. You can say no to things that don’t feel aligned. You can build an agency out of a one-woman-band, prioritise values over vanity metrics, and still get shortlisted, awarded, and seen.

But let’s be honest – it’s not all sparkles

I wasn’t at the event in Birmingham because this time of year is full on. I made the call not to travel because it didn’t feel realistic with everything else I’ve got going on – especially with Plan it. Do it. Grow it. (my new membership for small businesses) launching and a thousand tabs open in my brain.

And I share that not because I’m downplaying the achievement – I’m really proud. I share it because we don’t talk enough about what this season of business actually looks like!

Sometimes it’s wrapped in awards. Sometimes it’s wrapped in a blanket on your sofa with a to-do list in one hand and a G&T in the other.

A reminder to celebrate your wins – your way

Whether you’re watching from home, running from meeting to meeting, or juggling orders in the middle of peak season, take a minute to reflect. You’ve probably achieved more than you realise.

And if you’ve been thinking about entering an award next year?

Do it. 

You don’t need to have a massive team or £1m turnover. You just need a story, a bit of guts, and a willingness to be seen.

What’s next?

These kinds of wins give you more than a confidence boost – they give your business visibility, credibility, and a story to share with your audience.And that’s exactly what I help small businesses do.

If you’d love to raise your profile, get noticed for the right things, or even prepare for an award entry of your own – I’d love to help.

Get in touch to chat about how we can grow your brand, your audience, and your confidence.

DROP ME AN EMAIL