M Squared

Dr Graeme Malcolm OBE and Dr Gareth Maker met at the University of Strathclyde while completing their PhDs. After selling their university spin-out Microlase to Nasdaq-listed Coherent for £2m, the pair teamed up again in 2006 to start M Squared. Claiming to produce “the world's purest light”, this Glasgow-based company designs and ...

Highly Commended: Trailar

As part of a DHL management development programme, Aaron Thomas and Denny Hulme were paired up and tasked with thinking of products that could potentially disrupt the transportation industry in the UK. Their idea: to generate extra energy for trucks through solar panels on their roofs. They worked with UK trailer manufacturer Don-Bur and a sol...

Punter Southall Aspire

Since launching in 2016, workplace pensions and savings firm Punter Southall Aspire has acquired four businesses, adding five regional offices and almost doubling its workforce from 75 to 144. To make sure all employees at the £15m-turnover company felt included, respected and able to fulfil their potential, CEO Steve Butler set ab...

Tamara Littleton, The Social Element

Tamara Littleton started The Social Element from her garage in 2002 using a £10,000 loan from her parents. It was one of the country’s first social media agencies. Her first big project was the "Picture a Healthy World" campaign for GE – the first digital "take over" of Times Square. Clients including PlayStation, Disney, Toyota an...

Code Worldwide

Started in 2003, Code Worldwide is a digital strategy and technology consultancy with 172 employees and clients ranging from Peugeot to the Post Office. To make sure its workforce is reflective of “Real Britain”, the firm has ramped up its diversity and inclusion efforts over the past year. Driven by Code’s managing director Carolyn S...

Kura (Transport2)

Mathew Hassell started Maidenhead-based Transport2 in 2011, creating a range of apps that deliver safer, greener, lower cost travel for the corporate, education and leisure sectors. Now, with his latest service Kura, he’s revolutionising the daily school run. The app allows parents to track their children’s school journe...

Highly Commended: School Lettings Solutions (SLS)

Spotting an opportunity to help schools rent their facilities after hours, former colleagues Scott Warrington and Paul Andrews started School Lettings Solutions in 2012. Working with more than 300 schools across the country, they take the keys to the school gates and hire out the athletics tracks, tennis courts, sports halls, sw...

Kura (Transport2)

Mathew Hassell started Maidenhead-based Transport2 in 2011, creating a range of apps that deliver safer, greener, lower cost travel for the corporate, education and leisure sectors. Now, with his latest service Kura, he’s revolutionising the daily school run. The app allows parents to track their children’s school journe...