The Business Awards Show

Hosted by Debbie Gilbert

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

150

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

Welcome to the Business Awards Show, where we share valuable information, secret nuggets, to get your award entry noticed by the judges for all the right reasons. Our weekly episodes also feature inspirational interviews with winners, judges, and sponsors. So let's dive in and start your journey to award winning success.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 202633 min

Episode 201: The Graphic Designer Who Won a Carer Award with Marie Louise O'Neill

Debbie Gilbert chats with The Graphic Designer Who Won a Carer Award with Marie Louise O'Neill, Canva expert and graphic designer. In this episode, Marie Louise talks about how small business owners can show up more professionally online without needing to be a design expert. Our guest stumbled across Canva in 2017 before most designers had even heard of it. Consequently, she shares how she went self-employed ten years ago after struggling to find flexible working options to be around for her young child. Listen to discover the biggest design mistakes people make, and how to overcome them. Plus Marie Louise's practical tips for keeping your brand consistent across everything you put out. There's also an honest conversation about balancing business with real life, including caring for a toddler, a husband with rheumatoid arthritis, and more recently her dad recovering from a broken hip. As always, we also talk about her award wins, including a very touching Digital Women Carer Award. Finally, get to know what she offers with Canva, including her membership programme, the Lovely Canva Club. About Marie Louise Marie-Louise is an award winning graphic designer with over 20 years experience who just so happens to love Canva! She specialises in branding, design and is a Certified Canva Community Trainer, Canvassador and Canva Creator. Marie Louise offers a range of logo and design services, training to individuals and teams. Furthermore, she loves to work with entrepreneurs, coaches, marketing experts and virtual assistants to create consistent content that's on brand but with the flexibility to evolve over time. Her USP is combining her design know-how with the popular Canva programme. She works collaboratively with her clients, embracing screen sharing and Zoom so that her clients have a front row seat of the design process. And for those that DIY, Marie-Louise teaches you how to get better results and grow your Canva skills in her Lovely Canva Club membership. It's packed with live sessions, a vast library of past replays and recommended templates. {2:30} Why Marie Louise went self-employed ten years ago. {5:13} First coming to Canva and developing her services. {7:30} Helping others to use Canva effectively. {9:40} The common mistakes people make using Canva. {12:32} The key elements to ensure brand recognition and consistency are maintained across all channels. {15:27} The impact of AI in design. {19:10} Marie Louise's awards and what they've brought to her business. {25:33} Juggling two children, a sick husband and a father with a broken hip with running a business. {29:16} Marie Louise's Canva service offerings. Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Marie Louise: https://lovelyevolution.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lovely-evolution-uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LovelyEvolutionUK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelyevolutiondesign/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LovelyEvolutionUK Canva: https://www.canva.com/p/lovelyevolution/ Awards Evidence Template: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGGgkVgupA/sqMuJwwnggjIC9o4McxE2g/view?utm_content=DAGGgkVgupA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview

June 4, 202652 min

Episode 200: The 200th Business Awards Show - Special Edition!

The 200th Business Awards Show is here, and we couldn't be prouder to bring you this special episode. Debbie Gilbert, Founder of the Best Businesswomen Awards and The Best SME Awards, talks you through how to avoid being fooled by fake awards companies. There is a proliferation of them in the market, and Debbie campaigning to keep integrity in the awards world, fights back. She warns listeners to watch out for unsolicited "winner" emails, secret judging panels, AI-generated nominations, public voting schemes and pay-to-win models. Genuine awards have named organisers, transparent judging, real entry processes and extensive press coverage. And once you've worked out the credible awards you should be applying for, we play back some of the highlights of the last five years. You'll hear inspirational winners, judges, and awards writers, talk about their experiences and tips for success. If you're thinking of applying for awards now or in the near future, this is an episode you cannot afford to miss! {1:50} The rise of fake awards. {2:15} The difference between genuine and fake awards. {3:37} What to look for in an awards programme. {9:15} Awards with voting. {11:00} The impact of real awards - introducing our look back over five years of The Business Awards Show. {11:07} Bringing fresh insights to the care sector. {14:23} Stephanie Brown, awards consultant - The award red flags to avoid. Listen to the rest of her episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-174-how-to-win-at-awards-with-stephanie-brown {18:24} Kate Bishop - Kate Bishop Coaching - Best Coach Silver Winner. The strategy behind entering the BBWAs. Listen to the rest of her episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/how-a-coach-can-transform-your-working-life-with-kate-bishop {20:07} Mary Gregory - Leadership Coach - Best Coach Gold Winner. Why ego got in the way of entering awards. And how Mary overcame it. Listen to the rest of the episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-127-overcoming-your-ego-with-mary-gregory {23:04} Nicola Wood - The Wonderful Wig Company - Most Inspiring Businesswoman Gold Winner. Going from local to national awards. Listen to the rest of the episode: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-091-the-wonderful-wigmaker-with-nicola-wood {24:36} Antoinette Oglethorpe - Career Development and Leadership Expert - Best Coach Gold Winner. Why entering awards is so valuable. Listen to the rest of the episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/ep-015-coaching-success-with-antoinette-oglethorpe {26:00} Ashleigh Donald - Halo Consulting Ltd - Best Businesswoman in Marketing & PR Gold Winner. The value awards generate for your business. Listen to the rest of the episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-082-building-loyalty-in-hospitality-with-ashleigh-donald {29:23} Dawn Brown - Rose Cottage Doggy Daycare - Best Businesswoman in Animal Services Gold Winner. The power of recognition and visibility that awards bring. Listen to the rest of the episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-094-revolutionising-the-dog-boarding-industry-with-dawn-brown {31:08} Emma Youell - Emma Youell Design Ltd - Best Businesswoman in a Creative Business Silver Winner. How awards can generate new business. Listen to the rest of this episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-178-how-awards-have-powered-an-animators-business-with-emma-youell {32:22} Janan Leo - Cocorose London - Best Businesswoman in a Consumer Business and Best Customer Service Gold Winner. The confidence boost from winning an award. Listen to the rest of this episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-93-redesigning-womens-shoes-with-janan-leo {33:31} Kate Ball - Mini First-Aid - Most Inspiring Businesswoman Gold Winner. An inspiring awards journey. Listen to the rest of this episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/ep-026-interview-with-most-inspiring-businesswoman-kate-ball {36:33} Kate Cherry - The Athena Network Bedfordshire & Mid Hertfordshire - Best Networking Business Silver and Gold Winner Re-applying for an award you previously did not win. Listen to the rest of this episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-149-kate-cherry-athena-network-beds-mid-herts {38:26} Pippa Birch - Pipster Solutions Ltd - Best Businesswoman in Business Services Silver and Gold Winner. Winning silver, returning for gold. Listen to the rest of this episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-054-interview-with-pippa-birch {39:35} Maggie Sarfo - Meres Consulting Ltd & BBWA judge - How awards contribute to business growth. Listen to the rest of this episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-155-judges-tips-for-awards-success-with-maggie-sarfo {40:14} Kate Adam - Awards writer - Evidence is key. Here's how to include it. Listen to the rest of this episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-063-interview-with-kate-adam {42:09} Lucinda White - Awards writer - Why using a writer is not cheating. In fact, it makes sense. Listen to the rest of this episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-122-the-award-writer-with-lucinda-white {45:16} Denise O'Leary - Purpol Marketing and BBWA Judge - Advice for optimising evidence. Listen to the rest of this episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/ep-002-evidence-with-denise-oleary {46:58} Roma Bhowmick - BBWA Head Judge - What judges do and don't want to see. Listen to the rest of the episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/ep-017-interview-with-awards-judge-roma-bhowmick {48:33} Sophia Campbell-Shaw - Woven Farewell Coffins - Best Product Gold Winner. The impact of winning awards. Listen to the rest of the episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-129-leading-a-revolution-in-the-funeral-industry-with-sophia-campbell-shaw {50:24} Lucienne Shakir - Lucienne Coaching - Best Coach Gold Winner. The BBWA FInal - A memorable experience navigated on her own. Listen to the rest of the episode here: https://thebusinessawardsshow.libsyn.com/episode-090-coaching-with-integrity-with-lucienne-shakir Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

June 3, 202632 min

Episode 199: How an Award Winning Photographer Became a Care Home Owner with Carmel Saulbrey

Discover How an Award Winning Photographer Became a Care Home Owner with Carmel Saulbrey, the owner of Niche Care Homes and founder of The Kindness Code. Carmel won Most Inspiring Businesswoman at the Best Business Women Awards back in 2019. However, she sold her award-winning school photography company, tired of the photographer's life. What did she do next? She took on two children's residential care homes in what she describes as one of the most challenging years of her life. Carmel shares how stepping into an unfamiliar industry with fresh eyes turned out to be a real advantage, leading her to create the Kindness Code, an AI-powered training app that helps care staff practise handling difficult situations before they face them on shift. Early results are already showing fewer incidents and more confident teams. They also talk about her plans to roll the app out more widely, a brand new podcast, and why she's convinced that therapeutic kindness makes better leaders too. About Carmel Carmel Jane Saulbrey is a London-based entrepreneur, business leader, and award-winning founder known for building purpose-driven companies that combine commercial success with real social impact. A former winner of Most Inspirational Businesswoman of the Year, Carmel is the founder of a growing children's residential care group operating across South East England. The group is built around the KIND Framework, a therapeutic, relationship-led model helping trauma-affected children feel safe and empowered. Further expansion is underway in 2026. Carmel champions the idea that kindness and high performance are complementary, not competing. She is also host of the Kindness Code podcast and founder of a forthcoming SaaS platform to raise standards across the residential care sector. She speaks openly on leadership, culture, and resilience. {2:08} Why Carmel decided to buy a care homes business. {3:38} The kids cared for in the homes. {4:05} The transition from photography to care homes. {7:30} The Kindness Code. {9:39} Developing the app. {11:07} Bringing fresh insights to the care sector. {12:44} Listening to the kids, valuing the team, to deliver lasting change. {14:40} Plans for the app. {15:57} Carmel's observations of the care sector. {17:57} The size of homes today and how they operate. {20:30} Falling out of love with photography. {21:39} How awards strengthened the Carmel Jane brand to sell the business. {22:25} Thinking about awards for the new venture. {22:52} Inheriting staff in the new business. {26:00} Carmel's future plans. {26:47} Her forthcoming podcast and proposed book. {28:35} Building a speaking career. {29:30} Carmel's advice for transitioning from one sector to another. Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Carmel: https://www.niche-care.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmel-jane-saulbrey-256a9526/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NicheCareHomes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niche_care_homes/ The Kindness Code: https://thekindnesscode.co.uk/ The Kindness Code Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dwsVwW54FatuqGECXIASK

May 27, 202627 min

Episode 198: From High-Powered Retail Manager to Award-Winning VA with Dionne Popplestone

Today we chart the journey From High-Powered Retail Manager to Award-Winning VA with Dionne Popplestone, founder of an award-winning virtual assistant agency. Dionne shares her journey from managing multi-million pound retail stores and a £50m shopping centre redevelopment, to setting up her VA agency after having her son Elijah — and becoming fully booked within just four months. They talk about the tell-tale signs you need a VA (spending your day doing admin is not helping you!), and why automation and AI are game-changers for small businesses. Additionally, she reflects on how entering the Best Business Women Awards gave her a fresh perspective on what she'd built. Dionne also opens up about juggling motherhood with running a growing team of seven, and her charity work supporting the James Hopkins Trust in Gloucestershire. About Dionne Dionne started her VA business because she had always been the person came to for help. Dionne gained huge experience managing large retail stores and shopping centres, staying on top of everything, keeping things moving. Consequently, Dionne has built a VA Agency with a team of 7, providing total support for her clients. They meet new clients, clarify what's actually happening, and take on the tasks that no longer need to sit with them, including day-to-day and ongoing responsibilities. It means things get handled properly, and nothing gets missed. Dionne's agency becomes a part of the client business, not just a supplier. Something that matters deeply to Dionne as she grows her business. {2:28} Why Dionne started her VA business. {5:14} The reasons she loves her business. {6:04} How and why clients outsource to Dionne. {8:07} The systems and processes that make the biggest difference. {9:17} Combining motherhood with running a business. {11:10} Why Dionne started entering awards and the resulting outcomes. {13:15} How she lost confidence coming out of the corporate world. {15:19} How entering awards led to a period of reflection. {16:41} What keeps Dionne so focused. {18:06} The signs you need a VA. {19:54} Her plans for the business. {20:46} Supporting the James Hopkins Trust. {22:31} Getting new clients. {23:52} Helpful collaborations. {25:17} Leveraging AI for maximum results. Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Dionne: https://www.dionnepopplestone.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionne-popplestone-5a084810b/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559970350458 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dionnepva The James Hopkins Trust: https://www.jameshopkinstrust.org.uk/

May 20, 202632 min

Episode 197: The Soul Aligned Life with Sophie Watson

Debbie Gilbert discusses The Soul Aligned Life with Sophie Watson, soul coach and regional director for the Athena Network in south west Oxfordshire. Sophie won a Silver award for Best Coach at the 2025 Best Business Women Awards. Her journey into coaching began when her world fell apart all at once, a difficult job, her mum's diagnosis with early onset Alzheimer's and breast cancer, and her an her husband's unexplained infertility, all hitting within the same period. What came out the other side was a coaching business built entirely on lived experience. In this episode they talk about what a soul aligned life actually means in practice, what holds women back from becoming who they truly are, and why acknowledging what is wrong is always the first step forward. Sophie also shares honestly about losing both parents within five months and what that taught her about looking after yourself first. Warm, thoughtful and genuinely moving. About Sophie Sophie Watson is an award-winning intuitive guide and transformation coach with over a decade of experience helping women navigate change, rediscover who they truly are, and build lives that feel genuinely fulfilling. She specialises in supporting women who appear fine on the outside but feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or at a crossroads beneath the surface. By uncovering deeper patterns and blocks, Sophie helps her clients reconnect with their clarity, confidence, and sense of direction. Alongside her coaching work, Sophie serves as Regional Director for The Athena Network – SW Oxfordshire. Here, she champions women in business through connection and collaboration. She is also the founder of Marvellous Marvin's Fur Baby Art, creating bespoke artwork that captures the personality and spirit of beloved animals. {2:12} How Sophie became a coach. {5:18} The AThen Network and what it means to Sophie. {5:55} What holds women back from who they really are. {8:02} Why Sophie entered the Best Businesswomen Awards. {10:23} What the soul laigned life actually means. {13:20} Typical challenges faced by clients. {14:40} How long transformation takes. {17:01} BEcoming an Athena Regional Leader. {20:42} What Sophie has gained through networking. {24:11} The one step you can take to get unstuck. {25:20} What helped Sophie overcome her challenges. {28:41} Plans for 2026/7. Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Sophie: http://www.sophiewatson.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sophie-watson-create-a-life-you-love Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SophieWatsonTimeToCreateALifeYouLove Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiewatsonsoulcoach/ The Athena Network SW Oxfordshire - https://theathenanetwork.com/sophiewatson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-athena-network-sw-oxfordshire/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AthenaSWOxon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athena.southwestoxfordshire/ Marvellous Marvin's Fur baby Art: https://www.marvellousmarvins.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarvellousMarvinsFurBabyArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvellousmarvinsfurbabyart/

May 13, 202634 min

Episode 196: Your Cat Deserves an Award-Winning Hotel Not a Cattery with Abi Purser

This week's Business Awards Show discusses why Your Cat Deserves an Award-Winning Hotel Not a Cattery with Abi Purser, founder of Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel. An award-winning entrepreneur, Abi turned a frustrating search for somewhere premium to leave her rescue cat Norman into a nationwide franchise with nearly thirty locations. Abi's story is fascinating from start to finish. A chance visit to a local cattery, a nudge from her mum, two years of planning battles, and a Daily Mail feature that went global before she had even finished decorating. She covers the realities of building a franchise, why picking the right people matters more than anything, and how awards have helped build the credibility that keeps customers and franchisees coming through the door. And let's not forget those luxuries that sets Longcroft apart from the rest. Wrought iron beds for cats. Obviously! About Abi div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 standard-markdown"> Abi Purser launched the world's first five-star luxury cat hotel from her garden in Welwyn Garden City in 2010 — just six suites, individually tailored care, and a standard that redefined what cat boarding could be. What began as a boutique concept is now a thriving franchise group of 30 locations across the UK, each run by genuinely cat-obsessed owners who share Abi's exacting standards and commitment to animal welfare. A multi-award-winning entrepreneur — recognised at the Best Businesswomen Awards, twice named SME Hertfordshire Entrepreneur of the Year, and featured by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and The Guardian — Abi is also a respected mentor and coach for independent business owners looking to scale sustainably. Mother of three, Abi is Hertfordshire-based, and happiest with a cat on her lap. {2:15} The journey to building a multiple franchisee business. {7:47} How a cat is treated at Longcroft. {10:30} The challenges of franchising a business. {14:16} A business you can fit around children. {15:11} Abi's awards journey. {17:18} How awards strengthen customer demand. {18:10} Yes, awards attract more franchisees. {19:19} Becoming an awards judge. {21:30} Creating brand awareness as an award sponsor. {22:58} The requirements of growing a franchisee network. {25:30} Recruiting new franchisees. {28:47} The Longcroft franchise framework and package. {31:01} Abi's plans for the coming years. Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Abi: https://www.longcroftcathotel.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/longcroft-luxury-cat-hotel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/longcroftluxurycathotel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longcroft_luxury_cat_hotel/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNbsmwFp9byFcj2GS8p6FQ Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/luxurycathotel/

May 6, 202627 min

Episode 195: Tell a Better Story Through Brand Photography with Hetal Trivedi

Debbie Gilbert discusses how to Tell a Better Story Through Brand Photography with Hetal Trivedi, founder of The Beautiful Moments. Hetal is a strategic brand photographer and videographer working with female led businesses in health, wellness and beauty. She won three awards in a single month last year, two of them on the same day! A former primary school maths teacher who fell into photography by accident, Hetal built a five figure business from scratch after leaving teaching, encouraged every step of the way by her family. In this episode they cover how she helps camera shy business owners relax. Vitally, Hetal believes brand photography needs to tell a story. That's why she brings creativity to her shoots to achieve that. Furthermore, she emphasises why visual consistency matters more than constantly refreshing your images, and how going through an awards application made her realise just how far she had come. About Hetal Hetal is a multi-award winning brand photographer and founder of The Beautiful Moments photography services. I help female business owners step outside their comfort zone and embrace visibility through professional photos and videos. Most brand photos look good, but they don't convey any meaning. Therefore, she helps female business owners turn their ideas, beliefs, and offers into visuals that people instantly understand. Using simple concepts, thoughtful planning, and meaningful props, she creates both photos and videos that clearly explain the business and bring its essence to life. Longevity is central to her work. Therefore, her aim is that one brand shoot can create months of content, allowing business owners to show up clearly, consistently, and confidently online. This in turn helps them increase their visibility, attract ideal clients and achieve business growth and success. {2:14} How a passion for photography became a business. {5:51} How Hetal makes people comfortable in front of the camera. {9:16} How often people should have new brand photos. {11:34} Adding videography to photography. {13:16} What to do if your visuals aren't working for you. {15:18} Hetal's thought processes for entering awards. {18:18} The differences awards have made. {19:24} Challenges Hetal has overcome to run her business. {21:16} Combining motherhood and running a business. {23:44} the next twelve months. Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Hetal: https://thebeautifulmoments.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebeautifulmomentsuk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebeautifulmoments07 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeautifulmomentsuk/

April 29, 202630 min

Episode 194: Turning Pain into Purpose with Hayley Charlesworth

Turning Pain into Purpose with Hayley Charlesworth, is one of the most moving episodes of the Business Awards Show we've featured. Hayley is founder of Harry's Pals, a charity born from her own experience of being told, when her son Harry was just three days old, that he had suffered significant brain damage and would need round the clock care for the rest of his life. What followed was a desperate search for emotional support that simply did not exist. So Hayley built it herself. Hayley talks openly about those first terrifying days, the grief of losing the future you had imagined for your child, and the very real mental health crisis facing families of children with life limiting conditions, including a shocking statistic from University of Birmingham research that one in ten parent carers have attempted suicide. Harry's Pals now offers free counselling and therapy, funded short breaks for families on low incomes, and peer support groups for parents who just need to be in a room with people who truly get it. The charity supports families across England and receives no government funding whatsoever. Hayley is also working with MPs to make emotional support mandatory for families leaving hospital with a seriously ill child. It is a cause that deserves every bit of backing it can get. Learn about her award wins in 2025 and some of the amazing fundraising initiatives she has planned for the coming year. If you would like to help Harry's Pals financially, as a volunteer, or to create a fundraising activity, please do get in touch. Listening to Hayley you'll soon understand why it's worth it. About Hayley Hayley is the founder of Harry's Pals. Inspired by her own experience after her son Harry was diagnosed with significant brain damage, Hayley launched the charity in 2022 to provide counselling, therapy, peer support, and respite for families facing similar challenges. Alongside her work with Harry's Pals, she is a dedicated campaigner for carers' rights and disability inclusion, helping to establish Harry's Pledge and working with organisations to promote accessible, carer-friendly environments. Hayley is passionate about growing the charity creating a vital support network and a powerful voice for families navigating life after a life-changing diagnosis. {2:10} The Harry's Pals story. {8:32} Hayley's background (spoiler: it's not in charities!). {10:03} The first steps to starting the charity. {12:50} The services Harry's Pals offers to families in need. {18:50} Supporting families across the UK. {22:04} Winning awards in 2025. {22:58} How you can support Harry's Pals. {24:32} The upcoming Inca Trail. {25:28} Running a charity without Government funding. {26:19} The scale of help delivered in 2025. {28:03} How Hayley copes with such a demanding lifestyle. Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Hayley: https://harryspals.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harrys-pals/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harryspals Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrys_pals_charity/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqz4JgylgxL010aSGh3mLmg

April 22, 202632 min

Episode 193: Do NOT Let AI Build Your Website with Alison Rothwell

Our latest episode offers very clear advice: Do NOT Let AI Build Your Website, with Alison Rothwell. A digital strategist and founder of VA Website for You, Alison also picked up a Silver Award at the 2025 Best Businesswomen Awards. With nearly twenty years running her own business and a background spanning government communications, PR and digital marketing, she brings a wealth of knowledge to this conversation. We discuss why relying solely on social media is a genuinely risky strategy for any business. Alison moved on to explaining what a well built website created by humans should actually do for you. Furthermore, there is an essential piece about why owning your own corner of the internet matters more than ever in 2026. There is also a brilliant and candid conversation about AI. Not just around websites. Alison relates the hilarious story of a business owner who asked an AI tool for a summary of his own company. The result was an entirely fictional origin story. Alison and Debbie also get into the thorny subject of AI generated award entries and why evidence will always matter more than polished prose. Vitally, Alison tells us why awards have become a permanent fixture in Alison's marketing calendar rather than an occasional afterthought. Oh, and she once did an entire project on making someone completely unfindable online. Which might be the most intriguing client brief we have heard on this podcast yet. About Alison Alison Rothwell helps virtual assistants and service-based business owners build professional, credible online presences that actually generate work. After more than a decade supporting microbusinesses through her WordPress consultancy WP Fiddly Bits, she identified a consistent gap. She found capable, experienced professionals trying to grow their businesses without the right foundations in place. No proper website, no visibility, and no clear system for attracting clients. That insight led her to create VA Website For You, a productised website service that gives virtual assistants a marketing-ready WordPress website quickly, affordably, and without the usual tech overwhelm. Alongside her business, Alison serves as a Trustee at an Academy Trust, contributes to the WordPress Marketing Team and has also presented at WordCamps. Her work is grounded in a simple belief: marketing should be built on evidence, systems, and real experience, not trends or theory. In 2025, Alison was proud to receive Silver at the Best Business Women Awards, recognising her impact and her values-led approach to business. {1:48} Why Alison started her own business. {5:42} How Alison came to work in the VA niche. {7:54} Why people still need a website in 2026. {11:03} Why people don't need AI but do need a pro designer to build their webites. {14:53} When awards first appeared on Alison's radar. {17:25} The benefits Alison has enjoyed by entering awards. {18:15} Making awards a constant part of the marketing plan. {19:31} How Alison has stayed visible after nearly twenty years in business. {21:22} Her plans for the next few years. {24:55} Why using AI to complete award entries is a bad idea. {27:52} Why clients pay for years of experience. {29:17} Alison's clients outside the VA space. Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Alison: https://vawebsiteforyou.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonrothwell/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virtualassistantwebsites Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonrothwell

April 15, 202632 min

Episode 192: Why Branding Needs a Good Story with Tejal Prajapati

In this episode, we discuss Why Branding Needs a Good Story with Tejal Prajapati, award winning branding consultant and founder of TP Creative. Tejal took home a Silver at the 2025 Best Businesswomen Awards. With sixteen years in the design industry before going it alone, Tejal now helps businesses generate real results through strategic, story-led design. In this episode Debbie and Tejal get into what actually separates great design from something knocked up on Canva, why AI should be a tool in the middle of your process rather than the start or the end, and the important question of who actually owns an AI generated image. There is also an illuminating and cautionary story from Debbie about discovering her own logo had been created from a stock image and sold to multiple businesses including a kombucha brand. Tejal also shares some genuinely useful insight into the awards process, including what it felt like to not get through the Best Businesswomen Awards first time. Furthermore, she explains how she used that feedback to build a much stronger application, and why treating each entry as a deep business review is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your business. Oh, and her ten year old daughter won a business award before she did. Which says everything you need to know about backing yourself. About Tejal Tejal is the founder of TP Creative, a brand and design consultancy built on partnership, integrity and purposeful impact. With a degree in Visual Communication and 16 years of agency experience, she rose from Junior Designer to Art Director, leading brand transformations and national campaigns for clients including Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley and Virgin Trains. In 2018, she made the decision to build something more meaningful, founding TP Creative to help purpose-driven businesses build brands that truly matter. TP combines brand strategy with print and digital design to deliver work that not only stands out, but drives growth. Tejal transforms her clients' vision into brands that attract attention, build trust and create lasting impact - reaching more people and communicating their message with clarity. {1:45} Tejal's journey from corporate career to starting her own design business. {3:59} Juggling motherhood with running a business. {6:14} Why small businesses need branding consultants like Tejal {7:58} How AI will impact design. {9:35} Who has IP for AI-generated images and designs? {10:43} The role of storytelling in branding. {12:55} How to transition from an existing brand to a new design. {14:23} The dangers of using stock images for logo designs. {19:35} When awards first appeared on Tejal's radar. {20:49} The first awards she entered. {21:41} The difference between Woman Who and Best Businesswomen Awards. {24:38} The Judges interview process for Woman Who. {25:53} The biggest benefits of entering awards. {29:09} Her children's passion for design. {29:52} The next 12 months. Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Tejal: https://tpcreative.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejalprajapati/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tpcreative/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.tpcreative.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tpcreativedesign/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tejalprajapati9288