TBE Awards

TBE Awards – Meet the judges

July 8, 2024 Nick Batten

5 min read

Ahead of the inaugural TBE Awards this October, we’ve been chatting to some of the judges to find out more about them.

Today we hear from Mirabelle Stobbs, Programme Manager, Swindon Borough Council

Mirabelle is the driving force behind the dynamic regeneration at the Carriage Works in Swindon Borough Council’s home for heritage, knowledge and big ideas – The Works.

With a flair for innovation, she collaborates with various funding bodies to transform this Grade II listed building—part of Armstrong and Brunel’s historic legacy—into modern, purpose-built office spaces that pulse with creativity and energy.

At the heart of this transformation is Workshed, a vibrant creative hub and business incubator for digital and creative companies. Mirabelle also works with neighbouring tenants, including Create Studios, The Royal Agricultural University and iCAST, the University of Bath’s cutting-edge innovation centre for applied sustainable technologies.

Passionate about fostering an open and inspiring environment, Mirabelle is committed to nurturing growth and sparking innovation. Drawing inspiration from Swindon’s rich industrial heritage and motivated by the resilient spirit of local businesses, her extensive experience spans from running her own business to managing major construction projects and consultancy work.

She shares her thoughts below…

What excites you about the TBE Awards?

The awards night is always a fabulous event, TBE know how to make business professionals feel welcome, part of an amazing, thriving community and most of all they are awesome at really lifting up and celebrating the achievements and success of businesses in the area.

What award are you most looking forward to judging?

Honestly, all the awards hold some interest, either on a personal or professional level. Awards that stand out as particularly relevant and interesting from a professional stance include: Using Tech to Transform Business, Best Creative Campaign and Best Start-up awards as the Workshed business incubator is all about digital, tech and creative industries and providing the space for small businesses in these sectors to thrive. I love finding out about what is happening in these categories.

What do you like about the way TBE does awards?

It’s not just about the awards night, there are a number of online and in-person events ahead of the awards to support the community and get people together. The simplicity of the application process. We get plenty of information to review and get to have some really challenging discussions on the awards panel about what makes a company stand out from the field of entrants.

What are you hoping to see from entrants this year?

REAL…. Straight-up honesty. What is happening in your business? What are the lessons learnt in the past few years that are shaping your company to be ready for today and tomorrow? Not what you think a judge wants to hear or read. Because REAL will always win!

What makes a standout entry?

The best entries we have had at previous awards are the ones that are full of the people who make the company, the passion for their work, what really makes them turn up every day, even when there are ‘other’ things going on in life that are distracting or challenging. Getting in, rolling their sleeves up and getting the job done. That makes judging easy.

What are you most looking forward to on awards night?

Meeting the entrants. Although this is all professional stuff – people spend eight-plus hours a day working, so it becomes half of who we are. When people are given the opportunity to share what they love about their work, their team, their products and services it brings out the best in them. Even if they don’t win an award, having the opportunity to talk to people that I have read all about in their entry information, brings them to life and gives me the chance to thank them for their effort in whatever it is they do best. It’s a huge privilege.

Are there any specific criteria or values you always look for when assessing potential winners?

I like uniqueness or rarity. The small things that make people/companies stand out from others. It can be called all sorts of things, the x factor or the USP being common terms. In a world of abundance, with so many similar options to choose from. When a company or individual shows an unquantifiable rareness in their vision or values, that excites me. It’s a really hard thing to express, but when you see it, feel it, vibe it you know it!

How do you think winning a TBE award can impact an individual or organisation in the industry?

Winning an award is a confidence booster. Confidence is an essential ingredient to success. Winning an award could be the little boost needed to go to that next big collaboration meeting and shine enough to land the contract. It can also help customers’ confidence in working with the company.