Celebrating excellence: TBE Awards 2025 officially open for entries!
The highly anticipated TBE Awards 2025 are now open for entries. Starting today, Tuesday 1st April, local businesses and individuals can submit their applications online.
The awards are designed to celebrate the innovation and entrepreneurship of our local business community, shining the light on our area’s most progressive and dynamic organisations and individuals.
Thrings’ Managing Partner Simon Holdsworth, speaking at TBE Awards launch
TBE Awards are proudly supported by headline sponsor Thrings Solicitors and category sponsors, SVGC, Milsted Langdon, Business West, The Fractionals Group, University of Bath and Richardson Swift.
The award scheme was officially launched this morning at a special breakfast with over 60 business leaders at Thrings head office in Swindon.
Simon Holdsworth, Managing Partner at Thrings, said, “At Thrings, we are passionate about championing individuals, businesses and charities that drive innovation, and positive change in our communities – sponsoring TBE Awards allows us to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of organisations making a real impact within our local economy.”
TBE Awards are judged by some of our area’s most influential entrepreneurs and business growth partners. At the launch event, judges Paddy Bradley MBE, Mirabelle Stobbs and Kate Westbrook shared their top tips for award success.
Mirabelle Stobbs, from Swindon Borough Council and Swindon’s Workshed, said, “Ensure that the passion for what you do is showcased in your entries. I encourage you to share your story as well as backing up any claims with stats – this will give you the best chance of winning. Be bold with your entries. I like video submissions as they bring your tale to life.”
Last year’s TBE Awards were truly representative of the patch we cover with winners from Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire. Winners included, Bath’s workplace experts Interaction who were crowned the Dream Team, Sam Gooding of Gooding Accounts who won Leader of the Year and change management consultancy Nine Feet Tall took home the Flying the Flag for the South West Award.
At the launch, Dave Southby, Founder of Southby Finance discussed how winning the Positive Business Award in 2024 has helped his business grow, as did Start-up of the Year winner Rob Curtis, Founder of The Pursuit Agency which specialises in SEO.
Pictured from left to right: Kristina and Harvey, NSBRC, Dave Southby, Southby Financial, Anita Jaynes, TBE Awards, Paddy Bradley MBE, Kate Westbrook, Thrings, Simon Holdsworth, Thrings, Mirabelle Stobbs, Swindon Borough Council, Rob Curtis, The Pursuit Agency and Nathan Baranowski, Digital Wonderlab
Nathan Baranowski, Co-Founder of digital agency, Digital Wonderlab also shared how winning TBE Awards, including past TBE Award scheme the Techies has catapulted his business.
He said, “I once overheard a prospect client say, ‘They must be good, look at all their awards’. Winning awards definitely gives you kudos and provides outside credibility.”
There are 14 TBE Award categories to enter, with plenty of opportunities for businesses and not-for-profits to highlight their talent, expertise and achievements whilst showcasing our region’s thriving business scene.
The categories are:
• Best User Experience
• Using Tech to Transform Business
• Charity/ Not-For-Profit of the Year
• Going for Growth Award
• Rising Star Award
• Positive Business Award
• Best Start-up 2025
• Best Creative Campaign
• Sustainable Business of the Year
• Going the Extra Mile Award
• Leader of the Year
• Innovation Award
• The Dream Team Award
• Flying the Flag for the South West
Anita Jaynes, Founder of The Business Exchange and organiser of TBE Awards, said, “Working on an awards entry is a great opportunity to reflect on both personal and team achievements. Take a look at the categories and think about which ones are right for you. If you want to be known for your sustainable approach, enter the Sustainable Business of the Year category. If you’re looking to grow your team, how could winning the Dream Team Award help you attract future talent? And, if you’ve been working on an innovative product or service, how could the Innovation Award put your organisation on the map?
“There is set criteria for each category, but judges are also keen to see entries demonstrating a commitment to corporate responsibility, sustainability, diversity, equality and inclusion, as well as growth in sales, profits and/or achieving your objectives in addressing the needs of your customers or target beneficiaries. Be sure to substantiate your claims with stats or testimonials and make sure your entry stands out!”
TBE Awards are open for entries until midnight on Tuesday 30th September 2025, but don’t leave it until the last minute to submit yours – success is in the planning!
Finalists will be celebrated on Thursday 6th November at a special Awards Night.
Don’t miss the chance to gain recognition for your achievements. Visit www.tbeawards.co.uk today to enter and be part of this celebration of excellence.
