Books2Door based in Leicester were crowned Larger small business of the year. An independent, national online bookseller with a focus on making books accessible and affordable to families, schools and homes across the UK. They were presented the award by Prof. Mohammed Shaban from the University of Leicester School of Business, who provide leadership and management courses, research and support across the East Midlands. This is the second time Books2Door have scooped a top FSB regional prize, having won East Midlands Digital/E-Commerce business of the Year in 2022.
Calipro software limited, won the coveted Service Excellence Award, beating off stiff competition for this title. Calipro provides bespoke modular software solutions designed specifically for the calibration service industries. Service Excellence was sponsored and presented by Gresham Works, a vibrant hub for serviced offices coworking and meeting spaces in a former department store in the heart of Leicester City centre, and was the most popular award category with almost 50 applications received from across the region. This is little surprise, given the fact that so many SMEs pride themselves on the quality and level of service compared with their larger competitors.
Utkarsh Thakkar, CEO of Ruut Builders took the title of Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and was able to attend the awards and receive his trophy having just returned from his honeymoon.
With a current projected increase in revenue of 85% by the end of 2023 and at the age of just 28, Utkarsh has seen tremendous success increasing not only profitability but also his portfolio and number of employees. the business growth is balanced between sustainable and fast paced growth covering projects from events, pubs and bars through to luxury apartments and estate agencies. The award was sponsored and presented by the Sir Thomas White Loan Charity, who support entrepreneurs across Leicestershire between the ages of 18 and 45 through an interest-free loan of up to £20,000, with nine years to repay and nothing to repay for the first three years.
FSB Development Manager for Leicestershire Jennifer Thomas said “It was wonderful to have three winners from Leicestershire while also being able to hold the regional finals in the county. There is an incredibly diverse and resilient business community which we are proud to show off to the rest of the region, and these three businesses will now go on to represent not only Leicestershire but the East Midlands at the UK finals.
We have had a bumper year at the FSB awards with over 300 applications from the region. While it's challenging at the moment and many businesses are focusing on their day-to-day operations, it's essential that we celebrate success, and that's what these awards are all about. They are free to enter, and open to all small businesses, so you don’t have to be an FSB member to take part.
It's been inspiring to see the sheer scale and diversity of those who entered is a testimony to the vitality of the small business community in our region. Best of luck to all our winners representing the East Midlands at the UK national finals in May.