The annual Blue Patch Awards, now in it’s second year, invited SME’s and fledgling businesses from across the British Isles to come forward and nominate themselves for one or more of the business award categories.
The 2017 Awards were presented at London Design Fair on 21 September in Old Truman Brewery, during London Design Week. The award Finalists and Winners were invited to attend the event, along with the 400 Blue Patch members, to celebrate, meet each other in person and enjoy the London Design Fair!
Jane Langley, founder of Blue Patch, a social enterprise and ethical British business community commented:
“We received applications from many exciting entrepreneurs and businesses from across the British Isles. The standard was exceptionally high and selecting the shortlist was challenging. Our 19 judges were faced with tough decisions!
This year we also had outstanding submissions from entrepreneurs working with global communities. Given the divisions in the world positive global partnerships have the power to repair rifts and support vulnerable communities. We launched our Global Impact Award to showcase these enterprising ‘bridge building’ businesses.”
The Awards were started in 2016 with the purpose of being easy to enter for time pressured start ups and small business owners. It’s not about winning money but winning fans, the awards are light touch and encourage people to ‘spruce up their presentations’ and have a go.
“It’s important to us that it’s a friendly competition designed to encourage participation and support within the business community and to bring entrepreneurs together.”
IOEE’s Chief Executive, Sarah Trouten, was invited to judge the awards, along with Abigail Forsythe (CEO & co-founder of Keepcup), Sian Conway (Ethical Hour), Lloyd Atkin (MD at Bio-D) Jo Taylor (Trustee of Clear Conscience), Doug Simpson (Principle Policy and Program Officer at the GLA). Jessica Brodwick from (LWARB), James Salmon (Big Issue Invest) Joe Murphy (CE 100 business network, Ellen MacArthur Foundation) Gill Saunders (V&A), Designers, makers and entrepreneurs: Angus Ross (Angus Ross Furniture) and Katie Walker (Katie Walker Furniture), Elena Todary (The Collaborative Store owner) Ros Badger (Badger’s Velvet), Kate Owen (woodcarver), Victoria Whitbread and Jackie Piper (Designed in Colour), Bruce Aitken (clock maker), Natalia Komis (Remote Mission) and Preeti Bonthron (Blue Patch).
Blue Patch are already looking forward to their 2018 event, launching their Blue Patch Patrons to gather support as the awards are expected to make yet another big jump in scale and ambition!
Please visit http://www.bluepatch.org/ to find out more about Blue Patch and their awards event!
The seven Award Categories and Winners were:
New Business Award
Winner Risdon & Risdon
New Heritage Award
Winner Laura’s Loom
Social Impact Award
Winner Juta Shoes
Sustainable Innovation Award
Winner Reach Homes
Global Impact Award
Winner Pebble Magazine
Female Business Leader Award
Winner Camilla Marcus-Dew from The Soap Co
The People’s Prize
Winner Anna Jacobs Design