The Somerset Business Awards return this year to The Pavillion in Weston-super-Mare.  However, this year is extra special as the Somerset Business Awards celebrates its 20^th year! Once again, the awards are organised by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce. The awards are the largest annual ceremony that celebrates and recognises organisations around Somerset.

This year the Small Business of the Year category received an impressive 24 entries, an increase from last year’s application, which was 17. Each of these businesses from across Somerset, passionately showcased why their business should be considered to be a finalist.

It was fantastic to see applications being submitted from those that entered last year and that the invaluable feedback that our head judge Najeeb had provided them on what makes a successful entry had been taken onboard.

Once again, Najeeb Sughayer, had the difficult task of selecting his shortlisted nominees and after much deliberation he chose:

ARK at Egwood CIC 

Auxilium HR Solutions Ltd

Mash Care Group

Milton and Chambers Ltd

Solace Business Management Ltd

Transolva

Wessex Pop-up Coldrooms Ltd

The next stage of the shortlisting process saw Najeeb head to the shortlisted nominees’ offices to gain a deeper understanding of their business and, in particular, he wanted to dig deeper into the following topics:

Business planning : What does the next year or two look like? This can include people, service/ product offerings and growth.  
Financials: Revenue and profitability to date and in the future (how does this correlate to the business plan)? 
Vision : What is your vision for the business? 
Differentiator : Do you have a wow factor that makes you stand out from the crowd? 
Typical day : What does a typical day look like for your business? 
Success story : Can you share an event or achievement that made you proud of the business?

Najeeb thoroughly enjoyed meeting with each of the shortlisted nominees and was impressed with the presentations he received. Now came the difficult choice of choosing the final 3 finalists.

Gather are delighted to announce our 3 finalists for the Small Business of the Year award are:

ARK at Egwood CIC :

Judge’s comment:  ARK at Egwood CIC exemplifies a purpose-driven business that merges social impact with sustainable growth. By challenging industry norms, fostering inclusion, and achieving substantial financial and community success, ARK is a strong contender for this award. Winning would further amplify ARK’s message and provide a learning model for others in the sector.

Auxilium HR Solutions Ltd:

Judge’s comment:  Auxilium’s rapid growth, client-first approach, and innovative HR solutions make it a strong contender for the Small Business of the Year Award. By revolutionising HR consultancy through a focus on transformation, training, and technology, Auxilium is not just growing its own business but helping SMEs across Somerset thrive.

Solace Business Management Ltd:

Judge’s comment:  Solace is a customer-focused, tech-driven, and socially responsible business that has demonstrated impressive growth, financial success, and employee development while maintaining a high standard of service. The company’s ability to innovate, scale, and support businesses effectively makes it a strong contender for the Small Business of the Year Award.

Huge congratulations to ARK at Egwood, Auxilium HR Solutions and Solace Business Management, your applications were excellent and really showcased why small businesses are pivotal in providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and creating meaningful jobs within the local community.

We wish you all the very best of luck and look forward to announcing the winner of the Small Business of the Year at the awards ceremony in Weston-Super-Mare on the 28th March!