UK Small Business Growth Awards

There is a particular energy that comes with small business success stories: part optimism, part endurance, and part sheer refusal to stand still. At The Savoy in London on 4 June, that energy was in full view as eight businesses were crowned winners of the HSBC UK Small Business Growth Awards 2026.

The awards, delivered in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), brought together entrepreneurs from across the UK whose companies span everything from healthy drinks and electric bikes to specialist manufacturing and campervan conversions. Taken together, the winners point to a small business landscape that is as diverse as it is determined.

Across the UK, around 2,800 businesses entered the competition, which was launched to recognise small firms driving jobs, innovation and community impact. From that field, eight national winners emerged following regional finals held across April and May. Each will now receive a mentoring session with businesswoman, broadcaster and former Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies MBE.

The recognition comes at a time when small businesses are navigating an uncertain economic backdrop, though many appear to be adapting rather than retreating. Research commissioned alongside the awards found that around seven in ten UK SMEs (70%) say their business is either fairly or very resilient, despite the challenging outlook.

The winners reflect that sentiment in practice.

Manchester-based healthy soft drinks brand Hip Pop was among those recognised, having scaled to 12,200 distribution points across the UK and secured partnerships with major retailers. Alongside it, Vanlife Conversions, which builds premium campervan interiors designed to support a more mobile lifestyle, and VOLT, a UK electric bike brand focused on greener transport, were also named national winners.

For Hip Pop co-founder Emma Thackray, the award marks a milestone in a journey that began on a far smaller scale.

“This award feels like a real marker of how far we’ve come. What started as a small operation has grown into something with genuine momentum. This success is down to a lot of hard work, from a brilliant team that care about doing things properly. As we look to take Hip Pop further into new markets, it’s a reminder to keep pushing, keep improving, and stay true to the values that got us to this point.”

Sara Davies MBE, who will mentor the winners, said the awards highlight the resilience and determination required to build a business in the current climate.

“Huge congratulations to all the Small Business Growth Awards winners — from those in the regional finals and the runners-up to the national award winners.

“I love seeing small businesses getting the recognition they deserve through awards like these and hearing first-hand the stories behind so many incredible SMEs across the UK.

“Running a business is never easy and, especially in the current climate, it takes a huge amount of resilience, determination and courage to keep showing up and growing a company, and I am genuinely honoured to be mentoring the national winners.”

Alongside the national awards, the ceremony also recognised winners of the HSBC UK Regional Customer Champion Award, who will receive mentoring support from EY and senior HSBC UK leaders, as well as featuring in a national campaign later this year.

Among them were Hip Pop, GottaBe! Ethnic, VOLT Bikes and Rhino Perimeter Security Limited.

Also recognised was Limb-art, founded in 2018 by ex-Paralympian swimmer Dr Mark Williams OBE and his wife Rachael. The company designs lightweight prosthetic leg covers made from 100% recyclable nylon, aiming to promote confidence and individuality. It introduced the first injection-moulded covers in its sector, replacing heavier alternatives and enabling wider global distribution.

Tom Wood, Head of SME Business Banking at HSBC UK, said the awards reflect the strength of the UK’s small business community.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy and a powerful force for growth in communities across the country.

“SMEs have had to adapt at pace against a backdrop of global volatility and uncertainty. Repeated stress-testing has created a more adaptable business community than many give it credit for, and we continue to support them to raise their profile.

“With 2,800 businesses entering the competition, it’s clear there’s no shortage of ambition, confidence and innovation in small businesses across the UK.”

Martin McTague OBE, National Chair of FSB, emphasised the broader impact of the sector.

“These awards highlight the vital contribution that small businesses make to local communities and to the wider economy. Behind every success story is an entrepreneur who has taken risks, created jobs and delivered growth – often against the odds – and that deserves to be recognised and celebrated.”

Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation Blair McDougall said:

“Congratulations to all the winners of these awards, which shine a light on the ambition, resilience and innovation of small firms right across the UK.

“Small businesses are the heart of our communities and a vital driver of growth, and through our Small Business Plan this government is backing SMEs in every part of the country to start up, scale and succeed.”