Small Business of the Year
Category criteria
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This category is open to businesses with a turnover not exceeding £5 million during the latest full trading year.
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Entrants must be able to demonstrate success and progression – this could be via a growth in profits, through research, new methods of working or bringing products or services to the market.
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The judges will welcome entries from businesses committed to corporate social responsibility.
Patera Engineering
Small Business of the Year entrant
When Fenton-based Patera Engineering say their work is fit for a king they literally mean it.
The family-run structural and architectural engineering business has been creating bespoke work for Royal residences since 1993.
Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, St James’ Palace and The Palace of Holyroodhouse all feature work created by Patera’s team of more than 50 staff.
Patera has also completed projects for high profile public buildings including Lord’s Cricket Ground, the Victoria and Albert Museum and Lincoln’s Inn.
Closer to home they have worked for the likes of Stoke City FC, bet365 and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
The company was originally set up by architects Sir Michael and Lady Patricia Hopkins before being bought by Chris Lees, the father of Managing Director Shaun Lees, who still works at the business. They have now been joined by Shaun’s sons, Callum and Dylan, making it a three-generation family-run business.
Shaun said: “With continued growth and business improvements, we feel that showing how a business can thrive even after 36 years should be celebrated.
“Our projects are some of the highest profile in the UK construction industry and we supply to the UK’s biggest construction contracts.”
The company organises an annual charity golf day that has raised thousands of pounds over the years. Its staff do voluntary work to help the people of Uganda including working with a Patera customer to support schools and hospitals.
It is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and working towards a greener future and has had its greener working practices ISO accredited.
Patera Engineering has entered the Small Business of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
EPX Technical Services
Small Business of the Year entrant
EPX Technical Services is an IT support provider working closely with growing UK businesses to ensure their technology aligns with their objectives. Founded in 2005 by two passionate IT professionals, it has grown over the past two decades to employ 28 staff members and have a projected turnover of £2.6 million for 2025.
The Stafford-based company specialises in providing tailored IT solutions, cybersecurity and communication services, ensuring businesses operate efficiently, securely and with the ability to work seamlessly from anywhere.
With a strong focus on customer service and innovation, EPX has built a reputation for delivering high-quality IT support, helping clients improve efficiency, reduce costs and protect themselves from cyber threats.
CEO Dan Ellis is a vocal advocate for green IT initiatives and has pioneered the development of PC Powersave, an energy-saving solution that optimises power consumption across IT infrastructures. The software intelligently manages power usage, reducing energy costs and extending the lifespan of IT equipment. Initially tested within EPX, this solution is now being rolled out to businesses across the globe, helping them to reduce their environmental impact.
Managing Director Mark Pennington recently launched Insights, a system designed to streamline IT support for engineers. By using AI to reduce the time spent on individual IT tickets, the system enhances efficiency and allows engineers to focus on more complex tasks.
Mark Pennington said: “Our success as a business is a direct result of the incredible people who make up EPX. It is their dedication, passion and teamwork that have propelled us forward.
“More than just colleagues, we are a close-knit team that values collaboration, mutual support and continuous development.
“At the heart of EPX is a shared belief that success in our business comes not from individual achievements but from how well we work together, encourage one another’s strengths and align as one team to deliver the best possible service to our clients.”
“We believe that teamwork is about more than just working together - it’s about supporting, developing and inspiring one another to be the best we can be.
“From our values-led culture and structured development programmes to our focus on wellbeing and community impact, we have created an environment where every individual is valued, every voice is heard and every achievement is celebrated as a team.”
JLC Interiors Ltd
Small Business of the Year entrant
JLC Interiors Limited’s service is so bespoke its range is virtually limitless and it can work with rooms of any shape and size.
The Hednesford-based company designs, manufactures and fits bespoke fitted furniture for every room in the home including lounge units, media wall units, wardrobes, kitchens, home offices, understairs units and entertainment spaces.
Founded by husband and wife team Libby and John Chapman in January 2018, the business now has five staff working across manufacturing and the office.
John Chapman has been working in the furniture industry since his teens so it was a natural progression to start his own business.
JLC Interiors’s USP is that unlike some fitted furniture companies it isn’t limited by standard sizes. Everything created can be made bespoke to fit unique spaces and customer tastes.
Libby said: “We are a small family-owned business. There are a total of five people who work in both the factory and the office. We have deliberately remained small so that we can offer a service as good as our product.
“Every member of the team is committed, focussed and a team player. The team as a whole support each other and the success of the business is a testament to all of them.”
JLC Interiors Limited has entered the Small Business of the Year and Team of the Year categories of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Ultra Clean Canines
Small Business of the Year entrant
An animal-loving Staffordshire entrepreneur has set up a training academy combining her teaching qualifications and expertise with an ultrasonic toothbrush for pets.
Emma Cartlich, from Weston Coyney, created Ultra Clean Canines in 2020 after her husband Adrian qualified as a dog groomer.
Emma and Adrian both completed emmi®-pet face-to-face training, bought an emmi®-pet ultrasonic toothbrush and started to deliver an emmi®-pet teeth cleaning, oral care and maintenance service in the Staffordshire and Cheshire area.
They then decided to create and deliver emmi®-pet seminars to teach and support pet care professionals, especially dog groomers, how to successfully implement the emmi®-pet into their business. Emma’s dream of running her own training academy was born.
Emma created a Zoom seminar for pet care professionals and offers the same course in an online pre-recorded version which is hosted on her own, one-of-a-kind learning management system.
E-learning has now overtaken Zoom seminars as people are able to complete the training at a time, location and pace that suits them.
All courses are officially endorsed by the manufacturer of the equipment and include certification.
Word spread and Emma was approached by a dog grooming college to deliver training to their students and course tutors. She now works with a number of colleges around the UK, has her training included in City and Guilds dog grooming courses and is currently creating a mini course for another dog grooming academy.
“I’m the leading emmi®-pet training provider,” said Emma. “The product itself has a really good reputation so people working in the pet industry want to add it into their business. It isn’t just dog groomers, I’m having every type of pet care professional contact me.”
Emma hosts free, live webinars showing people how they can transform their business with emmi®-pet with up to 150 audience members each time who may then go on to take her training.
She’s been working with a student to do a comprehensive analysis of the market in the UK and US including looking at competitors and social media strategy plans.
“I’m feeling really positive and proud,” Emma added. “Ultra Clean Canines has been recognised as the leading training provider of its kind and more and more colleges are coming on board.
Ultra Clean Canines has entered the Skills for the Future and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
The Social Platform
Small Business of the Year entrant
Bex Foster spotted a gap in the market while working at a marketing agency so she left to set up her own business.
The Social Platform, based in Stafford, specialises in social media and copywriting for start-ups and small businesses who want the expertise of an agency but at a lower cost.
Bex, who has worked in the industry for more than 15 years, also offers workshops and one-to-one coaching to help businesses navigate the world of social media.
“Paying agency prices isn’t realistic for some businesses,” she said. “I want to make social media accessible for everyone. I’m giving people the same quality of work but for a smaller price tag.
“Some clients want me to write their social media content or to run their social media accounts. Others choose to have coaching which could include giving them the tools to write and run their own social media or to talk through their upcoming social media content.”
Bex started her business in February 2023 and now has clients based around the UK in industries including aviation security, retail and dog grooming.
She has her own podcast, That Creative Club, which she uses as a platform for connection, inspiration and innovation.
She added: “My USP is the fact that I really care about the businesses I work with. I really want to see them thrive by helping to make social media and marketing accessible to everyone.”
Bex Foster has entered the Entrepreneur of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards and has entered The Social Platform into the Start-up Business of the Year and Small Business of the Year categories.
Studio Effect
Small Business of the Year nominee
Hairdresser Magdalena Jermakow has clients ranging in age from one to 88 years, including some who have been with her for decades.
She opened her own salon, Studio Effect in Queen’s Parade, Newcastle-under-Lyme, 18 years ago and still has some of the customers who had been with her previously when she worked as a mobile hairdresser.
“I have clients of all ages and types,” said Magdalena who has a team of three hairdressing staff who work alongside a freelance beauty team.
“Some of my clients are Polish, some of my clients are English, they’re all different nationalities really. Some clients have been with us from the very beginning and some were already clients when I opened. We have a good base of loyal customers.”
Studio Effect has been nominated in the Small Business of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by Tomasz Putynkowski.
He said: “Studio Effect has consistently delivered exceptional service quality, created outstanding customer experiences and maintained a strong reputation in the community. The salon’s commitment to excellence and innovation makes it a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.”
Precious Pets Weddings
Small Business of the Year entrant
When Emma and Adrian Cartlich took their pet business onto TV’s Dragons’ Den, Theo Paphitis said he was so impressed he would use their services personally.
He later gave the Weston Coyney couple a Small Business Award for their business Precious Pets Weddings and earlier this year he invited them to an event with other business owners from around the UK.
The couple set up their business in 2018 and were among the first to offer a professional service for people who want their pet dog at their wedding.
They have since appeared on TV on The One Show, This Morning and Dragons’ Den and have been featured in The Sunday Times.
Always keen to stay ahead of the latest trends they are continually adapting their offer and now include a content creation service from the point of view of the dog, which can feature photography and videography.
“Our USP is that we are wedding dog content creators,” said Emma, who is the business brains behind Precious Pets Weddings while trained dog groomer husband Adrian is ‘the dog whisperer’.
“We capture behind the scenes moments that traditional wedding photography and videography might not reach. Some people have told us that they love the things that we capture more.
“We are there filming with the dog when the bride is going into the ceremony, a moment the groom wouldn’t usually see. We capture so many amazing moments.”
Emma and Adrian plan, co-ordinate and take away stress for the happy couple so that their dog can be a big part of their wedding day.
They can enable dogs to be ring bearers, meet and greeters, the best man, a bridesmaid or simply to attend for an hour to be part of the photographs.
Emma and Adrian even have a Wedding Wheels dog van and a Mini Cooper decorated with paw print weddings ribbons and bows so that pets can arrive in style.
Every dog chaperone package is bespoke and can include full day pet care if needed.
They work at weddings around the region and are increasingly recommended by wedding venues.
Precious Pets Weddings has entered the Small Business of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
M&A Repairs
Small Business of the Year entrant
Based just outside Stoke-on-Trent city centre, M&A Repairs specialises in restoring vehicles to their original condition.
The team of two have more than 15 years of experience of repair and detailing work including general and specialised repairs, headlight and alloy wheel refurbishment, paint correction, three-stage polishing, ceramic coating and bumper repairs. M&A Repairs was opened in 2021.
Co-owner Alexandru Crijan said: “Whether your car has suffered from scratches, dents or requires a complete exterior refresh, we have the expertise and tools to bring it back to life.
“What sets us apart is our commitment to quality, transparency and customer satisfaction. We take pride in delivering meticulous, high-standard repairs that ensure your car looks and feels as good as new.
“Additionally, we partner with Car Call, offering a seamless solution for non-fault accidents, providing replacement vehicles, approved repairs and legal assistance at no cost to the customer.”
Alexandru has entered M&A Repairs, based on Eagle Works, Leek New Road, into the Small Business of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
First Reunion Productions
Small Business of the Year entrant
The film production company Elliott Johns founded while studying at University of Staffordshire is now working with national brands and helping to create independent films.
First Reunion Productions has clients including Merlin Entertainment, The Inspirational Learning Group and IronMarket Wealth. It has collaborated on films including one featured on the Raindance Film School website.
Elliott started the company in the second year of his Media Film Production degree, kept it running part-time after he graduated in 2015 and by 2019 had built the business to the point where he was able to work on it full-time.
He works with a team of around 20 freelance film creatives who collaborate on one another’s projects which led to him co-founding Staffordshire Film Collective.
The Collective, most of whom are University of Staffordshire alumni, have released a number of films and work together to develop skills and help others to build a film career in Staffordshire.
“We’re showing people that you can have a career in the film industry and be based in this region, that you don’t have to move away,” said Elliott. “It’s really fun to work together and we’re incredibly lucky to have the sort of clients we have.
“Running this business and working in this industry is generally awesome. It’s a blessing. I was lucky to be able to start using a film camera from an early age, from year nine at school, and I haven’t stopped since.
“Everyone in the collective works really hard, supports one another and we see the benefits of that.”
Elliott, who runs his business from Beaconside Business Village in Stafford, has entered the Alumni Business Person of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards. He has also entered First Reunion Productions into the Small Business of the Year category.
Jones's Cheesecakes and Bakes
Small Business of the Year entrant
A mutual love of baking has turned into a business for Andrew Jones and his partner Sarah.
The couple made cheesecakes to sell at a charity bake sale which went down so well their friends and colleagues encouraged them to make and sell more.
The kitchen of their Abbey Hulton home is now the hub of registered business Jones’s Cheesecakes and Bakes, which they launched at the end of 2023.
They make cheesecakes and have now expanded their range to include butter and homemade bread. They then spend their weekends selling their products at markets around the region.
Andrew, who combines the business with a full-time job in IT, said he had never imagined owning his own business.
“I do like the job I’m in but I also like the fact that the business couldn’t be more different to my day job. If you’d told me that I’d have my own business, and that it would be making cheesecakes, I would have laughed.
“We’ve put a lot of hard work into the business but we really enjoy it and it’s something that we can do together.”
With the support of their mums, Andrew and Sarah sell at markets in places including Longton, Cheadle, Carsington Water, Middleport and Nantwich.
They’re also taking cheesecake orders through their own website.
Jones’s Cheesecakes and Bakes has entered the Start-up Business of the Year and Small Business of the Year categories of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Auto Star Garage
Small Business of the Year nominee
Qualified welder and former train builder Gregory Jamrozik has brought together a team of freelance experts to offer a full automotive service.
The team of five, who work out of Auto Star Garage in Fenton, includes a camper van expert, a bodywork expert, two mechanics and Gregory’s own welding skills.
“Everybody does something different,” said Gregory. “I’m the owner of the unit but I’m also a fully coded welder. I repair vehicles but I can also weld pretty much anything that comes my way such as fences and radiators.
“I used to build trains but wanted to have my own business. I already have plenty of customers but I’m open to other businesses bringing in large scale welding projects.”
Gregory opened Auto Star Garage in June 2022 after moving from smaller premises.
Alongside standard automotive services Auto Star Garage offers custom fabrication work, including building recovery trucks from scratch and custom alloy repairs.
The garage can take on van work of any size and can provide bespoke solutions for customers.
Auto Star Garage works alongside a local MOT Centre so that customers can have their vehicles serviced, repaired and MOT-tested through one business.
Auto Star Garage has been nominated in the Small Business of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards by Tomasz Putynkowski of JMT Accountancy.
He said: “Auto Star Garage has quickly established itself as a reliable and comprehensive automotive service provider. With a commitment to quality, customer satisfaction and innovative services, Auto Star Garage is a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.”
Gregory added: “It feels good to be nominated for this award. It’s nice to be recognised for our work.”
Yoggi Delicatessen
Small Business of the Year nominee
A convenience store is not only providing access to authentic Polish goods that are otherwise hard to find, it has become a gathering place for the Polish community and a cultural hub where people can connect with their heritage.
Yoggi Delicatessen, in Queens Parade, Newcastle-under-Lyme, has also introduced many non-Polish residents to the rich flavours and traditions of Polish cuisine, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
The store, which recently celebrated its 13th anniversary, sells fresh meat, dairy, baked goods and speciality items imported directly from Poland.
Yoggi Delicatessen has been nominated in the Small Business of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards by Tomasz Putynkowski.
He said: “Yoggi Delicatessen is renowned for its exceptional customer service. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile to assist customers.
“Whether it’s helping someone find a specific product or providing cooking tips and recipes, the team at Yoggi Delicatessen ensure that every customer feels valued and appreciated.
“The store is trying to expand its product range and introduced new services to meet the evolving needs of its customers. This adaptability and forward-thinking approach have enabled the business to thrive in a competitive market.”
Next2IT
Small Business of the Year entrant
Founded in a bedroom just before the UK went into its first lockdown, tech company Next2IT now has a £3.5 million annual turnover and a team of 14 staff.
Based at Stafford Technology Park, the IT managed service provider specialises in digital transformation, cybersecurity and enterprise IT solutions.
It was founded by 34-year-old Deklan van de Laarschot with a mission to simplify technology while delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance business efficiency, security and scalability.
The company’s expertise spans cloud services, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity and managed support, providing businesses with the technical capability to grow and thrive in a digital-first world.
It supports a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from SMEs to enterprise organisations including Churchill China, CVS Group, ABP Group, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and LoneStar Fasteners Europe.
Founder and CEO Deklan van de Laarschot said: “At Next2IT we believe in building a strong, highly skilled team. Over the past year our workforce has grown to 14 IT professionals, each bringing expertise in cloud computing, networking, cybersecurity and digital transformation.
“Next2IT exemplifies what it means to be a high-growth, innovative and customer-focused small business. Our ability to scale rapidly, secure major clients and invest in people and technology demonstrates our commitment to excellence.
“As a Staffordshire-based business, we are not only growing but driving digital transformation across multiple industries. Winning a University of Staffordshire Business Award would recognise the dedication, hard work and strategic vision that have propelled Next2IT to where it is today.”
Deklan launched a software development company 18 months ago which now has three members of staff. It sits alongside Next2IT and enhances its capabilities.
Next2IT has entered the Growth Award and Small Business of the Year categories of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Christopher Leslie Bespoke
Small Business of the Year entrant
An interior designer and a cabinet maker/project manager, partners Hayley Gee and Chris Ansell used their 28 years of combined industry knowledge to set up Christopher Leslie Bespoke.
Based in Stoke-on-Trent but working for clients around the UK they craft bespoke furniture for unique individuals inspired by their personality.
Set up as a limited company in August 2022, Chris had previously worked as a sole trader. The couple currently use sub-contractors but plan to take on a team of craftspeople.
Hayley said: “We started Christopher Leslie Bespoke because of one common problem. With furniture one size doesn’t fit all, especially when it comes to your home. Once you've scoured the earth for furniture that looks good and that’s in your budget you think you can finally relax. Until it arrives damaged, poorly assembled and looks nothing like the photos online.
“That’s why we have dedicated our time to creating a company that can take the hassle out of creating furniture.
“The places that we spend a lot of time in have a large effect on our mental health. This is why it’s so important to create a welcoming and inviting environment. By cutting out large consumer companies we can save time and money as well as cutting waste in half to help provide a more sustainable service.
“Along the way we have been fortunate enough to out-grow our tiny garage, re-branded, purchased incredible machinery and moved into a large workshop.
“We want to change the way the world sees furniture. Every space brings its own opportunity to create a timeless design while expressing your individuality through each piece.”
Christopher Leslie Bespoke has entered the Small Business of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
inLIFE Design
Small Business of the Year entrant
University of Staffordshire Computing Science alumni David Whitehouse wanted a sustainable working space for his seven employees – so he commissioned a net zero, eco-friendly office in the grounds of his own home in the Staffordshire countryside.
Once inLIFE Lodge, the new home for his business inLIFE Design, was up and running in early 2024 he commissioned a media cabin for video, photography and podcasting which is powered solely by the sun and wind, has a recycled water toilet and a rooftop wildflower garden.
The founder and managing director of inLIFE, David graduated from University of Staffordshire in 2004 and worked with various blue-chip companies before setting up his own business in 2011.
He has offered numerous work placements to University of Staffordshire students and inLIFE’s head developer, Laura Bucknall, is a University of Staffordshire alumna.
Initially based in a home office, the business moved to Burntwood Business Park in 2015 and is now located in Chasetown.
David said: “My vision was to set a precedent for the office of the future. The goal was to seamlessly blend sustainability with cutting-edge technology.
“The new space features AI-powered automation, including individual presence sensors that adjust lighting, automated water irrigation, plug wattage measurement for energy efficiency and personalised staff lighting.
“The office even includes chickens that provide fresh eggs for the team and a zip line, fostering a truly eco-friendly and innovative work environment.”
InLife specialises in web design and digital marketing with clients ranging from Twycross Zoo and the Red Dwarf actor Danny John-Jules to locally-based plumbers and electricians.
David said the company’s USP is its sustainability and that the team look at SEO alongside development.
He added: “Post-covid most businesses in our sector went to home working but we wanted to keep that human element.”
David Whitehouse has entered the Alumni Business Person of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards and inLIFE Design has been entered into the Small Business of the Year category.
Hallmark Manufacturing Ltd
Small Business of the Year entrant
Launched in November 2022, a Stoke-on-Trent manufacturing company already has 20 members of staff and is exporting to Europe.
Hallmark Manufacturing Ltd, based in Fenton, predominantly works with sheet metal but also has machining capabilities.
It works across sectors including electronics and defence, currently exports to Belgium and is set to export to France.
“We’re increasingly focussing on adding value for our customers,” said Commercial Director Mark Hall. “We can ship directly from us to the customers of our customers.
“Quality is at the forefront of all that we do. We don’t cut corners and we maintain high quality standards in everything that we do.
“We were very fortunate to have been visited by the then Stoke-on-Trent MP Jack Brereton at our premises in Fenton last June. Jack learnt about our progress and how we continue to manufacture high quality products for our valued customers.
“It was also a great opportunity to discuss some of the challenges we have faced and continue to face, but also some of our successes and our exciting future plans.
“Since Hallmark was founded we have been passionate about the company and believe this inspires those that work here. It’s in our DNA.
“Above all else we are passionate about great service and this provides us with a strong and compelling drive to serve our customers to the best of our ability, to form bonds that will stand the test of time.”
Hallmark Manufacturing Ltd has entered the Small Business of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards 2025.