Business Elite 2021 Stand Out In A World Of Noise When searching for a marketing company that will be able to help with everything from content creation to lead generation, it can be hard to know where to start. However, we are delighted to introduce you to a marketing agency with a difference. Nutcracker Agency has now been awarded with the prestigious SME accolade of Leading Agency in Marketing and PR, 2021 for the work it has delivered to its clients and to reflect the unique approach it takes.
About SME Business Elite 2021 Looking to celebrate those enterprises who consistently provide the best services and products, SME News’ Business Elite Awards round up another year of highlighting stand out firms within their representative fields. Handpicked by SME News Magazine and based purely on comprehensive analysis and research undertaken by the wider group, this proven approach ensures that we award on merit, not popularity and recognise the very best in business. It’s been a brilliant year for the UK’s largest business landscape, and we hope the new year continues to see a surge in the potential of all SMEs nationwide.
Business Elite 2021 | 3 Contents 5. Nutcracker Agency: Stand Out In A World Of Noise 6. AJC Group: Lighting Up the Night 8. Zebra Home Cinema: Magic In The Making 10. Aico: A Safer Community with Aico 12. Houdini’s Magic Bar: New Tricks For All Ages 13. The Fat Pizza: It’s a Pizza Paradise 14. A Little Find: Find A Little Beauty In Everything 15. Allegro Optical: Visions Of A Clearer Future 16. Pinkys Beauty Ltd: Beauty, Inside and Out. 17. Chilli No. 5 limited: The Company Spicing Up Everyday Life 18. Intellitection Limited: Ultra-Secure Project Management 22. Blend Network: Best Real Estate Development Finance Leader, 2021 – London 23. We Build Bots: Best Public Sector Automation Firm 2021 – United Kingdom 24. Gasm Drinks: Best Champagne Style Cocktails Producer 2021 – United Kingdom 25. JAS Building Services: Best Specialist Family-Run Domestic Building Company 2021 - Bristol 26. Biz Space: Flexible Workspaces for a Changing Workforce 27. The Fifth: Small But Mighty 28. Jargon PR: Developing a PR strategy in a post-pandemic landscape 29. Digital Detox: Harnessing Technology To Better People And The Planet 30. Day 1 Connectivity: Connecting to Success 31. Spiritus Wealth: Representing Longevity 32. BW Legal: Exceeding Expectations 33. Bite IT Marketing: Taking Tech Marketing By Storm 34. IP Netix: Answering the Increased Call for Specialist Cloud Installation Services 35. Merlinsoft Ltd: The Company Taking Event Management into the Future 36. Webexpenses: Digital Business Management Made Easy 37. Solutions 4 Health: The Company Improving Accessibility in Healthcare 38. Jark Norfolk Ltd: A Fresh Take on Construction Recruitment 39. Snowplow Analytics: Ploughing the Way Forward 40. TCi (GB) Ltd: Building Back Better 41. Voyager Insurance Services: Travel in Safety and Security 42. Hugsbaby Ltd: Only The Best For Baby 43. Neuways: The New Way 44. 3 Pillars Financial Planning: 3 Pillars of Financial Protection 45. The Administration Hub Ltd: Admin Experts Secure Success 46. Accounting Connections Limited: Reliable, Friendly, Current 47. Mativision: Professional, Dependable, Reliable 48. Integrated Resources Ltd: HR: Enhanced 50. Chelmsford Gas Services: Teaching an Old Industry New Tricks 51. Radio Commz UK Limited: Radio GaGa! 52. RWR Recruitment: Recruitment Done Differently 53. Room2let: Room to Grow! 54. Disguise Technologies Ltd: Disguise Extends Reality 56. JB Woodworks Glasgow: Wooden it be Nice! 57. Zoocha: Dedicated Drupal Developers 58. Whalley Home Improvements Limited: Going From Strength to Strength 59. Accentia Franchise Consultants: Boom Up Business with Franchising Experts, Accentia. 60. PureClarity: Boosting Online Sales 61. AbraxysGlobal Ltd: Relaunching the Events Industry 62. Prosper2: Rewarding Loyalty 63. Regional Recruitment Services Ltd: ‘Quality Over Quantity’ 64. Bobble Digital LTD: Leading the Digital Market. 66. Mojo Marketing: Bringing Brands to Life 67. Buckingham Futures: Be Better with Buckingham Futures. 68. Digital Mojito Limited: Innovative Digital Marketing Delivery 70. CyberSmart: Be Cyber Safe with CyberSmart. 71. Elle Baldry Consulting: The Balancing Act with Elle Baldry. 72. Tenzing Natural Energy: Naturally Energized 73. Delta Marketing: Step Into The Limelight With Delta 74. Alirity: Revolutionising Change. 75. SP Brand Management: Providing Positive Impact Communications for Global Brands 76. Datod Consulting Ltd: Unravelling Complexity 77. KR HR & Training Consultancy Ltd: Put Your Best Foot Forward 78. dotdigital: Not Just A Dot 79. Neuways: Protection in Enterprise Resource Management 80. Elite Tents Ltd: Natural Canvas and National Prestige 81. Kerdos International Limited: Leading Specialists in Sales & Demand Generation 2021 – Hampshire 82. Organise My Bills: Getting you the best offers for your Business Essentials. 83. The Remedy Kitchen: Health Food Restaurant of the Year, 2021 – UK & Leading Luxury Meal Prep Service, 2021 – Manchester
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5 | Business Elite 2021 When searching for a marketing company that will be able to help with everything from content creation to lead generation, it can be hard to know where to start. However, we are delighted to introduce you to a marketing agency with a difference. Nutcracker Agency has now been awarded with the prestigious SME accolade of Leading Agency in Marketing and PR, 2021 for the work it has delivered to its clients and to reflect the unique approach it takes. Nutcracker Agency is a wellrespected, multi-award winning marketing agency that helps its clients to ‘cut through the noise’ of marketing and sales. With its down-to-earth nature and exceptional eye for detail, Nutcracker really gets under the skin of its clients, making sure it delivers results. Truly caring about its clients is one of its many qualities, and it does this by putting the client’s vision and ambition first. Nutcracker is unusual in that it really does offer a one-stop shop for sales and marketing – with rich experience in marketing, content creation, social media, design, lead generation, and PR, Nutcracker is armed with a plethora of tools that means the right strategy can be delivered in line with a clients KPIs and goals. As a seasoned marketing agency, Nutcracker has the advantage of bringing extensive experience across many different sectors, ensuring that campaigns are creative, innovative and meet their clients objectives. There is a lot of choice when it comes to choosing a marketing agency and businesses can find it exceptionally hard to find the right fit. Nutcracker brings a unique energy to each of its clients making sure that the legwork is completed by itself, leaving their clients to be freed up to focus on growing their businesses. The result? Nutcracker is one of the most sought after marketing agencies in the game. With its bold approach to marketing strategies Nutcracker has the ability to help businesses scale up, conquer business battles, and create a revolutionised version of themselves so that they may make a lasting impression. It believes that ‘a good marketing strategy always starts with ‘why’’. This is indicative of its ability to listen. By asking the client what they want and why they want it, Nutcracker is able to deeply analyse and assess each situation so that it develops a long-term strategy for each organisation. By understanding the client’s customers, Nutcracker finds a fool-proof way to unlock new customers. The team at Nutcracker are masters at story telling. For clients looking to work with a team that can create bold, innovative, and exciting work, this is the agency for you. From connecting with the client’s audience, to building excitements with clients, Nutcracker has the ability to create content for anyone, any brand, and at any time. For visibility and presence within each sector and further, Nutcracker helps businesses to find their feet and make their mark on the industries that they work in. This gives clients everything they need to excel and tick those boxes when it comes to their goals. With its team of journalists, and fantastic networks across various industries, Nutcracker can create a link between its client and their customers in a very agile way. With a strong team of experts, Nutcracker boasts a tight-knit team of people that all make for a dynamic, exciting, and nurturing environment. Nutcracker is aware that everyone works differently and does all it can to ensure individuals shine – it looks for forward thinkers who think outside of the box every time. From manufacturing industries to technology, service industries, property, data, FMCG, and retail, its USP shines throughout. With the future in mind, it will seamlessly and flawlessly continue to help long-term and potential clients. With a strong reputation to uphold, Nutcracker hasn’t let the global pandemic drag it down. It strives to grow even more as a company, and we will see the PR and digital arms expand in 2022. This is definitely an agency to watch. Contact: Jenny Knighting Web Address: https://www.nutcrackeragency.com/ Stand Out In A World Of Noise Oct21723 With its team of journalists, and fantastic networks across various industries, Nutcracker can create a link between its client and their customers in a very agile way.
6 | Business Elite 2021 56 | Q3 2021 Jun21141 Lighting Up the Night Having been accredited as the ‘Best Specialist Festive Lighting Company’ in 2021 for the UK, AJC Group is a bespoke lighting specialist with a difference. With a reputation for reliability that it has been earning since its inception, and a talent for highly flexible lighting design that is shared by its entire team, its work has proven itself time and time again. AJC Group is a company that has been involved in advanced electrical contracting since 1985. Founded by exemplary mind in his field, Tony Clarke, the company it became remains to this day thoroughly invested in electrical contracting, forever pushing this field forward towards greater heights of success in order to continually provide bigger, better, and more bespoke lighting solutions. Fundamentally, this has greatly endeared it to its clients, as it has proven time and time again the professional diligence and industry knowledge that has secured its place as a leading lighting specialist. Having developed a long list of clients for whom AJC Group is the lighting solution of choice, it has a large physical presence across both England and Ireland, with a Downpatrick headquarters that clocks in at 70,000 square foot of storage and business facilities. This huge warehouse and fulfilment area is supported by its supplementary offices, located in Great Portland Street London and Perth, Scotland. Being the largest installation company for festive lighting in the UK and Ireland, its pedigree has been developed over time and with sustainability in mind, growing its business alongside its client list in order to allow it to flawlessly keep up with demand. Moreover, each client it works with can rest assured that it will deliver flawless festive lighting for their events every time without fail, backed up by the reviews and referrals of its past customers. This enhances the reliability that it has grown over time. In tandem with all of this, it has recently established its own range of industry leading festive lights in AJC Illuminations. Through this service provision, it brings the dependability and excellence of its usual lighting service installations and takes it to the next level, allowing clients to choose from a variety of in-house options and work with its outstanding graphic design team in order to offer a bespoke, contemporary approach to lighting design. In everything, its goal is complete customer satisfaction; it knows that no two clients are the same, and so it knows that no two lighting installations will be the same, working hard to ensure that each installation reflects the individuality and creativity of those involved. Therefore, it consistently prizes working with its clients as well as for them, fostering a collaborative and understanding working environment that turns the project into a labour of love. In tandem with all of this, when it comes to lighting solutions, AJC Group is ready for any challenge. Its motto of ‘the bigger the better’ shows how it will always be ready to take a project to the next level, showing the client in question how certain lighting solutions and setups could be applied to make certain features of their event stand out, and consistently pushing the envelope in order to manufacture the largest walk-through digital LED RBG tunnel in the UK. This project was massive – and a massive success – covering over 100 metres of ground with nearly 1 million individual LED lights that formed a ‘canopy of stars’ aesthetic and left visitors breathless. Furthermore, it also was the mind behind the longest sound-to-light sky net canopy in the UK. Each of these projects were ones guided and moulded by the needs of client, above all else, and perfectly reflected what each customer wanted out of the project; after all, this is the ethos that forms the backbone of AJC Group and its work. Its creations of great beauty and magnitude would not be possible without the creative input of the client, and it is thoroughly grateful to each one who allows it to bring their visions to life, always excited to see what the next challenge will be.
Business Elite 2021 | 7 Q3 2021 | 5 Lighting Up the Night Each customer, in this manner, can expect both dedication and professionalism when they come to working with AJC Group. With the flexibility to handle single lighting installations with consistently dependable efficacy, it can cover large festive light installations, and indeed has applied this time and time again for clients such as Harrods and the Shard. In addition, its sales and support team have over 35 years of innovation and know-how under their belts that they apply when serving a client’s lighting needs, allowing AJC Group to respond to any project with supreme efficacy and talent, no matter how odd a client might think the brief is. In working in a way that always puts the client first, it is able to reassure them that just about anything is possible in the lighting market, and its sales team have the knowledge and diligence required to have a back-to-back depth and breadth of experience in working out how a client’s project could be achieved. Crucially, with each of them being innovative minds in and of themselves, they are gifted when it comes to working with a client to hash out the details. Even if a client should come to the table not knowing exactly what is needed or what they’d like, this team can tease out the details, matching specific colour desires or aesthetic leanings to certain types of lighting and design. Additionally, if a client should wish to see the spectrum this company is capable of, one simply needs to look through examples of its past work. Each of these efforts display a wide range of successful aesthetic stylings all created through clever lighting design, in-line with the ethos of the event and its organisers. The graphic design team behind this have therefore become widely known for their ability to produce absolute showstoppers. Being so bespoke, its work offers flexibility and adaptability that a client will be hard pressed to find elsewhere, passing these on to its engineering team after the graphic design work is finished. The engineers that work for AJC Group are another crucial element of the team. They make the vision of its clients a reality with the precision and due process that has made them such an outstanding industry contender, led by a directing team that includes Declan Murdock, ‘2021’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year’. All in all, no matter what a client wants and how outlandish the brief, AJC Group will make every effort to ensure they are catered to. With this in mind, it is easy to see the exemplary customer service that has made it such a front runner in festive lighting, and thanks to the support of its clients, this is something that will not be slowing anytime soon. Company: AJC Group Contact: Declan Murdock Website: http://ajc-group.com/
8 | Business Elite 2021 52 | Q3 2021 Jun21143 Magic In The Making For all film, game, and music lovers there’s a show-stopping home cinema system that will fulfil every dream. Zebra Home Cinema has recently been awarded with Best Home Cinema Installations Company, 2021 – Birmingham. We look to Zebra to see what it is doing to change the way film, games, and music is experienced at home. Zebra Home Cinema is a multiaward-winning business that delivers the extraordinary straight to your home. Over the past couple of years, Zebra has been building a name for itself through its magical nature. It shares all things astonishing with its customers and does this by providing only the best technology. Founded by Managing Director Dr Atif Ghaffar, Zebra is led by a passionate individual who has a lot of pride for what he does in the industry. He is a Managing Director, GP, DJ and father who has a desire to direct his passion into all of the work that he does. Atif tells us, “I’ve been in the medical profession since 2002 but, during my downtime, music and film have always been my passions. I love to watch movies with my family and friends, indulge myself with intense TV dramas and really enjoy listening to music as well as DJing as a hobby.” With such an avid lover of music, film, and TV at its helm, Zebra is able to empathise with its customers’ needs when it comes to their home cinema and sound systems. “For the last twenty years, I’ve been researching, auditioning, and buying the best Hi-Fi and home cinema systems that I could afford,” he adds. With this dedication and persistence in his “pursuit of excellence”, Atif has found brands that he particularly loves. For example, Miller and Kreisel Speakers, Lyngdorf Audio Electronics, and Steinway Lyngdorf Digital Audio systems are heavily used in Zebra creations. This is so that customers get only the best technology in the industry. All television and stream viewing are meant to be immersive experiences that can capture and inspire each viewer. Now, with Zebra, you can enjoy your favourite tracks, films, and series in style. Due to its appreciation for the production of visual effects and sound, Zebra decided to reinvent the way we experience films. It offers the chance to enjoy films in a way that can only usually be experienced at the cinema. However, even in a cinema screening, there are still plenty of distractions and disturbances which mean that movies may not be enjoyed to their full potential. This is where Zebra comes in. By inviting the cinema into your own home, you can enjoy all that every film has to offer with less distractions. All of Zebra’s audio system designs can be customised so that they fit in with any home décor, and they are especially powerful even without the need for any acoustic treatment. For music lovers everywhere, Zebra has produced a sound system that will leave you wanting to listen for longer. Its systems are completely unique due to its cleverly designed loudspeakers that are now more affordable and compact than ever. By focusing its efforts on the quality whilst keeping the costs low, Zebra is giving its customers the chance to purchase something long-lasting that is affordable and, most importantly, satisfying. Gamers will be extremely happy to find Zebra due to its revolutionary, high-definition,
Business Elite 2021 | 9 Q3 2021 | 53 Magic In The Making affordable, and reliable products and services. Not only can you stream everything you wish, but you can enjoy all of your favourite games in style. Gaming technology has evolved with the times, and Zebra is delivering the technology to support the stunning 4K resolution, awe-inspiring colour, and brilliant brightness. Combined with its Dolby Atmos and DTS-X audio, every experience can be truly treasured. Since its inception, Zebra has worked on some particularly interesting projects, such as The Steinway Lodge Entertainment Room which was equipped with a powerful home cinema system. This stunning Georgian building was converted into a serene and peaceful retreat for relaxation and enjoyment. The client already owned a highquality turntable and speakers, which he wished to incorporate into the design and layout of the new sound system. By installing exceptional sound processors and extra speakers, Zebra was able to satisfy his desire for crystal clear sound, alongside the exceptional equipment installed for top-quality movie viewing. Another project that it has worked on is a home cinema loft conversion where the homeowners created a specialist loft conversion for two spaces. The home office/library was situated next to the home cinema. This was an open plan area with a central dividing space that was used to prepare drinks. By integrating its exceptional system into the lavish loft, it formed a sleek overall style that compliments the décor preferences of the clients. Throughout the pandemic, and during multiple lockdowns, people have been watching films and television more than ever. Zebra has been able to expand its client base due to the high demand for home cinema systems, and it has responded to their needs in a professional yet down-to-earth way. Its systems range anywhere from £3,000 to £300,000, with home cinemas starting from £10,000. There really is something for everyone to purchase and enjoy in their own homes. These systems are all complimented by RoomPerfect sound systems, one of Zebra’s premier brands, for a stunning overall sound that picks up all notes and bass in its flawless fashion. Every project that Zebra takes on mimics the style of the client, so that they may have something that complements their personalities. It is this bonus feature that really differentiates Zebra from the rest. All that it does is about quality for the customer. After all, the whole company has been built with viewing and listening pleasure in mind. Contact: Dr Atif Ghaffar Company: Zebra Home Cinema Web Address: https://zebrahomecinema.com/
10 | Business Elite 2021 46 Q3 2021 Jun21148 A Safer Community with Aico Aico, winner of the Best Carbon Monoxide and Domestic Fire Protection Company award 2021 - United Kingdom, is the European market leader in domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) protection. Aico is pioneering new technologies and offering high-quality alarms designed, developed, and manufactured in Shannon, Ireland. Aico is an Ei Company and is the European leader in home life safety, pioneering new technologies and offering high-quality alarms, developed, and manufactured in Ireland. All Aico alarms meet UK standards and offer various sensor types to guarantee protection for every home, delivering education, quality, service, and innovation. In 2020, Aico expanded its Connected Home offering by acquiring the leading Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider, HomeLINK. HomeLINK are a multi-award-winning high-tech software team within Aico that leverage cutting edge smart home integration and analytics technologies, providing a complementary platform to present a synergistic approach to IoT. Relationships Manager of Aico, Tony Boyle, states, “We aim to make homes safer. We believe our responsibility is to create the right safety products and raise awareness of dangers through our educational campaigns to communities, alongside promoting best practices through our Expert Installer training programme. In terms of education, we are also proud to work with schools, colleges, and universities, educating young people on fire safety within the home and offering support with careers advice and guidance to help create opportunities for the next generation and to share our vision.” Each alarm is third party accredited to the relevant British or European standard for the most reliable life-saving detection. Both Aico and Ei Electronics operate to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and OHSAS 18001:2007 standards. In addition, Aico’s dedicated Research and Development Team continues to innovate with new products and applications. Together with Ei Electronics, it holds over 20 patents on lifesaving alarm detection technologies. Aico has been first to the market with many ground-breaking innovations that improve protection and make maintenance more accessible, including rechargeable battery backup, wireless radio frequency interconnection, domestic multi-sensor fire alarms and digital information extraction. Tony states, “We have a mission statement that reflects our market leader status, which was formulated with input from every Aico colleague: to be ‘The leader in home life safety, promoting best practice, engaging with our communities, and delivering safer homes.’” Aico works closely with Housing Associations (HAs), Local Authorities (LAs) and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) across the UK to specify its high-quality, reliable Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide alarms and accessories. Tony explains, “Our RSMs provide a consultative role, liaising with HAs, LAs and RSLs regarding legislation and regulation and offer solutions and specifications tailored to them.” All Aico alarms are manufactured in Ireland, and every alarm is individually tested at multiple points of manufacture and never batch tested to ensure quality and reliability. Tony states, “We are pioneers in the industry, providing unparalleled levels of customer support, from our dedicated team of Regional Specification Managers (RSMs) covering the whole of the UK to our knowledgeable Internal Sales and Technical Teams. Our knowledgeable RSMs also deliver free, CPD accredited training all over the UK using our Mobile Training and Demonstration Units. In addition, our awardwinning Expert Installer training programme provides electrical contractors with updates on legislation, products and technologies and facilitates the sharing of best practices. This training also provides all the required information
Business Elite 2021 | 11 Q3 | 47 A Safer Community with Aico to select, site, install and maintain Aico alarms to the highest quality. “Additionally, we offer our state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence training facilities, based at our Head Office, at no charge to local organisations and trusts, including councils and local charities,” Tony continues. “Here, we can deliver our Expert Installer training sessions, offer students of all ages the opportunity to attend Fire Awareness and Safety Sessions, as well as provide local organisations with the facilities to host networking events and business meetings to assist and promote their work.” First and foremost, the company is about people. Every member of the Aico team has input into creating the values and mission statement and that shapes both the day-today running of the business and the future. Tony explains, “Aico’s company culture is a positive culture of trust, passion, shared genius, teamwork and accountability to deliver safer communities. Aico colleagues collaborate and support one another and are driven to provide quality services in all that they do. Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, Aico in the Community, was developed in 2018 to help schools, colleges, charities, and community organisations achieve their goals and to help build sustainable futures. Our culture, values, behaviours, and ways of working all contribute to the success of our CSR programme.” Aico has a passion for developing people, and it shows in its culture. It holds itself to high standards and makes sure the values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment, and sustainability come to life in the way it works. One of the overarching issues in this industry is that of tenant safety, in particular access. Whether this relates to high-rise blocks, sheltered accommodation or the private rented sector, the challenge of gaining access to properties is prevalent. Subsequently, resident engagement is imperative to managing and minimising this issue, which provides the basis for Aico’s efforts to increase engagement and raise awareness amongst tenants. Tony explains, “The Covid-19 pandemic meant that we had to implement measures to protect colleagues while ensuring continuity of service in the supply of our life safety devices. It was paramount that we continue to supply the industry while keeping colleagues’ safety and wellbeing at the forefront of all decision-making. In March 2020, we communicated that no one would be furloughed and that all jobs would be safe, relieving financial anxieties and reassuring all job security. Any colleagues deemed as being at-risk were sent home immediately, on full pay, and we introduced flexible working for three months. Safety measures were also swiftly implemented with daily temperature checks, sanitisation stations, increased cleaning and social distancing enforced to ensure the safety of colleagues and the maintenance of our protected working environment.” Following the launch of Aico’s innovative SmartLINK Gateway, which provides real-time data insight into connected Fire and Carbon Monoxide alarms within a property, and the acquisition of leading IoT solutions provider HomeLINK, Aico is expanding its footprint in the Connected Home arena. Tony explains, “We are extremely excited about the value this can bring to customers across the social housing sector and look forward to continuing innovations and progression across the Connected Home and IoT arena.” Company Name: Aico Contact Name: Tony Boyle, Relationships Manager Address: Maesbury Road, Oswestry, SY10 8NR Web Address: www.aico.co.uk Contact Email: marketing@aico.co.uK
12 | Business Elite 2021 50 Q3 2021 Jun21217 New Tricks For All Ages For somewhere to relax, reconnect, and discover the magic side of life, Houdini’s Magic Bar is offering its customers a place to both unwind and find something that will leave them in awe. It has won Most Outstanding Specialist Bar, 2021 – Kent for its incredible efforts and unrivalled service. Here we take a look at what it has on offer for a fun packed evening with family and friends. First established in the very centre of Canterbury, Kent, Houdini’s Magic Bar has become the heartbeat of the city’s nightlife. Having dominated the cultural stage of Canterbury, the bar has since expanded its premises to include a trendy hotspot in the coastal town of Broadstairs too, ensuring that there is plenty of magic to go around! With around 23 different magicians that all provide the best magic tricks for an unforgettable experience, Houdini’s is helping its customers to create the best memories. The variety of magicians all supply Houdini’s with a distinguished mix of incredible, show-stopping tricks. The tricks range from slight-of-hand, coin, and card tricks to more dangerous tricks involving fire and knives, all sure to shock and amaze! Houdini’s has hosted themed evenings for Valentine’s Day and Halloween, as well as hosting themed events such as Peaky Blinders Evening, Moulin Rouge, Retro Rewind, Roaring 20’s, Speakeasy, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and more. Customers can even hire the venue for private parties and children’s parties. It hosts themed events and weekly themed nights that will not only blow customers away, but leave them feeling utterly inspired. For those eager to don their own top hat (with or without the rabbit) and have a go for themselves, Houdini’s offers exclusive and exciting masterclasses for great prices, as well as gift cards for people to purchase for their friends and loved ones. These gift cards are redeemable in both locations. Its masterclasses involve mixing and making both classy and delicious cocktails. In addition to this, Houdini’s team of magicians teach the customers some fun magic tricks that customers can take home and impress their friends and family with. Customers can learn two magic effects taught by experts and they can even take home a certificate. All of this is accompanied by live music and snacks. The bar’s many happy customers have given Houdini’s a five-star rating on TripAdvisor and it will continue to live up to its reputation by keeping their magicians happy and by providing them with a space where they can learn and grow as artists. Houdini’s social media pages really showcase everything that it does for its customers. Its Instagram page keeps it image fresh and fun, as well as being informative on the kinds of drinks it serves. Providing customers with event information and clips of its niche events, it has created a unique presence online as well as in person. Therefore, for an evening that is sure to put a spell on you, don’t miss a trick and head to Houdini’s Magic Bar today! Company: Houdini’s Magic Bar Web Address: www.houdinis.co.uk
Business Elite 2021 | 13 49 | Q 021 Jun21257 For a distinguished food experience, there is a place that includes everyone’s taste. The Fat Pizza has just won Best Fresh Pizzeria, 2021 – Essex. We take a closer look at the kind of food that it serves and what it is doing to make a difference to the industry. Serving up some of the best food in Essex, The Fat Pizza produces the best, freshest and most delicious pizzas in the area. Prepared on demand and by the hands of a team of experts, The Fat Pizza’s pizzas are customizable to suit even the most bizarre and niche of customer tastes. From deep pan, thin crust, or cheese crust bases to a complete smorgasbord of possible toppings, customers’ imaginations are given the freedom to run wild and create the pizza that they really want. Once the decision is made, the pizzas are fired and served immediately – you can’t get much fresher than that! Despite its name, The Fat Pizza offering is not limited to pizza, with a menu that also includes everything from gourmet burgers to chicken, garlic bread to a selection of potato products and sweet dishes. Visitors come from all over to indulge in the Fat Pizza’s offerings of real gelato sundaes, waffles, topped cookie dough, amazing milkshakes and Tango Ice Blasts to boot. With something for everybody, The Fat Pizza has become well-known for its inclusive menu that even supplies vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free pizzas. As a result of the pandemic, the company has made some subtle but crucial changes to its systems. For example, The Fat Pizza implemented contactless delivery and reviewed its hygiene protocols, ensuring they met the highest standards so that the team could continue making pizzas and customers could continue enjoying them safely. This adjustment has meant that people can still order their favourite food without being at risk. This has made a huge difference to everyone, especially to vulnerable people who may have otherwise had no access to food supplies without the help of family and friends who go shopping for their supplies. The Fat Pizza has been dedicated to ensuring that its loyal customers can continue enjoying the best pizza around, safe in the knowledge that the team has their safety and best interests at heart. It’s a Pizza Paradise To that end, The Fat Pizza has also introduced sustainability initiatives that have the power to make a huge difference in the food industry. These initiatives include encouraging carbon free dining, and, for 99p, letting any customer can plant a tree through The Fat Pizza. It is also providing seaweed extract sauce packets with its meals. This is a novel idea that it is experimenting with, but The Fat Pizza is hopeful that it is one will catch on in the industry if enough people support and endorse it. It is clear to see that for The Fat Pizza, it is not just about the pizza. Having expanded as a franchise from four shops only a year ago to 27 stores today and another 30 either being built or going through permissions, Fat Pizza is demonstrating clear ambition for the years ahead. It is about forming better ideas for the future, about providing new and existing customers with quality food that will satisfy their hunger for food and about contributing to a greener environment for us all. And, well, it is about pizza too – the freshest, most delicious pizza to be found in Essex, recognised this year at the SME Business Elite Awards. Contact: Sundeep Singh Chhina Company: The Fat Pizza Web Address: www.thefatpizza.co.uk
14 | Business Elite 2021 48 Q3 2021 Jun21329 Find A Little Beauty In Everything If you’re looking for somewhere to gather the latest news on trends in the fashion industry alongside the finest quality beauty products, you needn’t look any further. Founded in 2016, A Little Find has been building itself an excellent reputation as the ultimate destination for all things beauty. Now, it has been awarded as the Most Outstanding Beauty and Wellness Shop, 2021 – London at the SME Business Elite Awards 2021. A Little Find is the place to discover some of the best beauty products and trends. There is something for everyone; it supplies products for men, women, children, and babies. Founder Caroline Jacobs informs us, “We cater for everyone but of course we can see that we have some specific customer profiles who come to A Little Find because they appreciate our extensive range of independent brands that we represent.” Word travels fast about the latest trends and beauty products, thanks to A Little Find and its fantastic social media presence, not to mention its loyal customers who recommend it to their friends and family. By using both social media and newsletters, A Little Find is able to spread information coherently and with the most modern trends in mind. With interviews and talks about specific topics, A Little Find interacts with brand founders and members who share what they are doing in the industry, thereby connecting customers with brands on a more personal level. Its team is a passionate and enthusiastic family of entrepreneurs who, in Caroline’s words, “are capable of thinking outside the box and who can work in a fast-paced environment.” Its team members all provide support and valuable aspects to A Little Find’s presence. Caroline continues, “We have a company culture that is friendly, collaborative, creative, and leaves room for everyone to develop.” A Little Find is the place to find eco-friendly products from eco-conscious brands. As it only stocks responsibly-sourced and eco-conscious products, it is making a huge difference with what it does. Caroline finds the most covetable, beautifully designed products from brands that are conscious of their impact on the planet, and this is truly reflective of A Little Find’s mission. It is centred around finding the best products to offer: products from natural resources and ingredient, that are equally as beautiful and aesthetically pleasing to boot. A Little Find’s determination to allow people to enjoy beauty without the guilt goes even further. It uses innovative practices such as compostable packaging, or reef-safe sun creams that prevent the bleaching of coral reefs. Meanwhile, the shop’s commitment to cruelty-free beauty also ensures that its products are vegan and have not been tested on animals. It is the details like this that really make a difference to the planet and the way we see beauty products. As a partner of 1% For The Planet, a percentage of A Little Find’s sales go towards the protection of the environment as well as social initiatives across the UK. Moreover, many of its partnered brands have charitable donations at their core. This is something that A Little Find considers to be important when choosing who to work with. The Find Magazine is an online publication where A Little Find posts tips and advice on the latest beauty trends and popular products. It also promotes ‘Self-Care Awareness Month’ with advice on how best to look after yourself for each season. It has been featured in The Guardian, Metro, The Telegraph, and The Sunday Times: Style Magazine. As a plus, A Little Find offers 10% off its entire line of products, for the first order, when a customer signs up to its newsletter. It also offers free UK delivery on orders over £30, which is another incentive for potential and existing customers. From this great offer, to its line of fabulous products, to the knowledge that the shop is doing its bit from the planet, this truly is guilt-free shopping! Contact: Caroline Jacobs Company: A LITTLE FIND Web Address: www.alittlefind.com
Business Elite 2021 | 15 55 | Q 021 Jun21342 After a particularly difficult year for many, Allegro Optical is celebrating winning Best Family Run Eye Care Clinic, 2021 - West Yorkshire, as it becomes one to watch in the world of eye health. Here, we talk to Managing Director, Sheryl Doe, as we take a look at what it has done to achieve this award. Allegro Optical is a unique practice that provides focused and flawless customer service to its many preexisting and brand-new clients. Managing Director Sheryl Doe tells us, “The company specialises in performing arts eye care and its practitioners are the only optical professionals in the UK to be registered with the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM).” As its practitioners are musicians themselves, they understand exactly how important it is for musicians to have brilliant eyesight. Sheryl says, “We are in a unique position to be able to help with career-limiting eye conditions and to find optical solutions that can help performers to continue working.” As Allegro helps all sorts of performing artists for film, television producers and presenters, actors, singers, musicians, and more, it is making a difference to the quality of the arts in general. After all, it is important for each musician to be able to see their music sheets clearly so that they may play pieces correctly. “We work very closely with BAPAM who refer clients to us, and we also work with The Royal College of Music and The Northern College of Music,” Sheryl adds. Allegro gets a lot of its customers this way and helps them to experience their artistic lives to the fullest with its 3D eye scans and visual stress tests. Sheryl shares its unique selling point from her perspective, “Our USP is to take a completely different approach to conducting the eye test and dispense, this enables us to provide the client with a solution which matches their needs, solves their problems, and considers their lifestyle.” COVID-19 has presented some problems for Allegro, much as it has done with other practices. But Allegro has been able to adapt itself to the current situation by continuing to provide emergency services to those who need them Unfortunately, many of its performing arts clients have been furloughed or laid off, as well as being unable to travel. It now has a large backlog of clients that are waiting to be treated now that they can travel Visions Of A Clearer Future again. And with the increase of eye issues due to lockdowns where people were forced to read music in smaller spaces, and therefore physically closer than before, Allegro has a lot of custom. As far as 2021 goes, Allegro is treating its influx of customers while also expanding into the hearing care market as well as its podiatry/chiropody treatments. It is now opening a new practice in Marsden, West Yorkshire and continues to support as many clients as possible. The new practice will be the largest and closer to a railway station to allow musicians to travel to it with ease. Allegro is a family run business of musicians who really care about the health of its customers. But Sheryl adds, “You don’t have to be related by blood or marriage to be part of the Allegro family.” It is a family of all kinds of individuals who want to make a difference. After all, Allegro promotes the use of UK manufactured lenses as well as ethical eye care for a brighter, more focused future. Contact: Sheryl Doe Company: Allegro Optical Web Address: www.allegrooptical.co.uk “We are in a unique position to be able to help with career-limiting eye conditions and to find optical solutions that can help performers to continue working.”
16 | Business Elite 2021 3 Q3 2021 Jul21557 Beauty, Inside and Out. Pinky’s Beauty, winner of the Most Trusted for Beauty and Hair Services award 2021, is the first salon of its kind in the Medway towns to bring together a collective group of highly skilled businesswomen offering a multitude of beauty treatments under one roof. Initially, Pinky’s Beauty was a small home-based nail salon. However, with many clients asking for additional recommended services, it was then that Pinky’s brought together an elite group of women to offer a complete list of holistic services. Consequently, Pinky’s has expanded to Pinky’s Hair and The Pink Clinic, which combined, offers over 450 treatments, comprised of the latest in non -surgical cosmetic aesthetic procedures, including the award-winning CACI Synergy Machine, Cryolypolysis, aesthetic treatments, SNS Nails, Lycon Waxing, the skin pen, Ayurvedic massage treatments, LVL, Lash Enhancement and everyday beauty treatments. It aims to remain at the head of the game by ensuring it is the first to introduce new cuttingedge treatments to the market. Additionally, Pinky’s Hair offers the most current trends within the hair industry, including Brazilian blow-dry, Wellaplex, and a complete range of hair extensions. Pinky’s Hair has six colour technicians and is the only blow-dry bar in Medway, specialising in wedding and occasion hair. Furthermore, Pinky’s has recently introduced aesthetic-led cosmetic brand, Allumier MD, to combine holistic prescription-only therapy delivered by an experienced nurse. Its two specialist nurses and its prescribing practitioner (MBE) offer highly skilled, safe, and clinical treatments with EHO sign off. This ensures that in an industry with few regulations, standards are kept as high as possible. Pinky’s core value is to ensure that every client is treated as an individual. It has always been imperative that Pinky’s was not just another ‘take a seat’ salon where clients are passed through on a conveyer belt system one after another. This core value has ensured the business’s success, and has created a welcoming and homely environment for all who enter. Essentially, its USP is not only client care but that it can tailor to every possible aesthetic or beauty need. Whether clients are looking for nail services, massage, hair, or aesthetics, they can find them all under the same roof and from skilled practitioners, safely knowing that they are committed to Pinky’s high standard of care. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the beauty and salon industry saw terrible disruption and Pinky’s had to temporarily shut its doors due to government legislation. However, Pinky’s utilised this time as an opportunity to contribute to its local community. Pinky’s supplied Medway Hospital with over 1000 samples of Eve Taylor hand cream and its in-house brand, donated all remaining PPE to Medway ICU and the Covid wards at the hospital and gave free manicures and pedicures for hardworking NHS staff in the brief periods it was able to open. It heightened a sense of spirit within the community, and the team members felt a sense of satisfaction being able to give back. The time away from the salon also give the Pinky’s team adequate thinking space to work on becoming a sustainable salon. As a result, the salon has recently become a refill hub for plasticfree, vegan-friendly, and environmentally friendly household and beauty products and has managed to lead the local industry to work towards recycling 80% of its salon waste through the Green Salon Collective. The future of Pinky’s is to continue to work toward a fully sustainable salon alongside a range of community projects that help within its local community. For Pinky’s, the measure of a successful business is not all about the finances or how many clients it has. The impact and changes it has had on the industry and all the positive work to support the community. It is the training and support of each staff member, allowing their personal and professional developments to flourish, that is the marker of success, and that has become the foundation of the Pinky’s Training School which is soon to come to life. From small-time kitchen table business to multi-award-winning salon, Pinky’s has led the way in pioneering beauty treatments in the South East. Training, support, encouragement, and development are the fundamental pillars that keep it at the top of its field. More than just beauty, Pinky’s is a community of support and prides itself on helping women feel unique about themselves. We hope it will continue to do so for many years to come. Company Name: Pinkys Beauty Ltd. Web Address: www.pinkysbeauty.co.uk Contact Email: hello@pinkysbeauty.co.uk
Business Elite 2021 | 17 20 | Q3 2021 The Company Spicing Up Everyday Life Having grown out of the tumult of the pandemic by providing its customers with delicious, gourmet chilli sauces and products, Chilli No. 5 limited has become a recent favourite for at-home chefs wishing to experiment and explore. Being the ‘Best Gourmet Chilli Sauce Producer’ in 2021 for the United Kingdom, it has been living up to its name by serving the region and the wider world with an extensive, healthy, thoughtfully created range. Chilli No. 5 limited is the company behind the distribution and creation of the most extensively researched international chilli sauce brand. Fundamentally, this company has developed the goodwill it has amassed amongst its market segment by always driving itself forwards towards bigger and better flavour innovations, offering sauces, oils, and flakes that use the most natural ingredients. In addition, its products contain superfoods and health supplements that are distributed in packaging that has been designed to be highly sustainable. This is all part of Chilli No. 5’s commitment to both its clients and to the corporate environmental responsibility that it is always working towards upholding, sourcing everything from its ingredients to its packaging from ethical sites. Providing ‘gourmet chilli sauces for the bold, the brave, and the curious’, its product range will tantalise taste buds and bring any food to a whole new level. Furthermore, this applies to every flavour of chilli that it supplies, from classic spicy chilli oil to piri piri, sriracha, BBQ, jerk, Mexican, harissa, and Chinese spice options, all of which can be combined into a gift box selection for friends or family. Each of its products have been developed with the goal in mind of creating the tastiest, healthiest range of chilli sauce on the market, serving the international food lover with a friendly local mindset and making its mark on the hot sauce development industry. Each sauce, upon arrival, is contained in designer packaging that promises to make any spice cabinet look extra sophisticated. The element of pizazz gives the recipient an idea of the kind of excellence they can expect within, and indeed, the product never disappoints, with people delighted by the colour and taste of each product, earning it a vast list of return customers. Having added 6 natural health supplements to all of its sauces, they each contains 10-120 superfoods depending on the sauce itself. Aug21247 These can range in anything from white and black garlic to turmeric, red pepper, ginger, ginseng, guarana, and maca; and each superfood helps provide that extra kick of distinctive, delicious flavour that Chilli No. 5’s clients have come to know and love over the years. Operating on social media with a strong following, and with a website that gives any visitor an idea of the sophistication and excitement that sparks every operation within this company, its products can also be bought through Amazon, Etsy, and Google Shopping. Furthermore, it is always looking for more distributors who will help it to bring its amazing range to yet more clients. Offering healthy ingredients, sustainability, and complex superfood recipes, it has effectively set itself apart from its competition. Moreover, by following the brand manifesto and keeping the inspiration and excitement that forms Chilli No. 5’s beating heart at the forefront of their minds, its staff serve its customers with consistent helpfulness, friendliness, and empathy. Each of them is a strong believer in the product and business, and with their organisation and people skills, Chilli No. 5 thanks every one of them for their hard work in creating delicious gourmet sauces that are perfect for all manner of recipes and occasions, pleased to have helped its clients over the lockdowns to find their passion for cooking at home. Company: Chilli No. 5 limited Contact: Muriel Penoty Website: https://chilli-no5.com/
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