McFade Photography Wins Solopreneur Award at BiY Inspired Awards 2014 | Celebrating Yorkshire's Best Small Businesses

McFade Photography Wins Solopreneur Award at the Inaugural BiY Inspired Awards

Well, folks, I’ve got some rather smashing news to share. On Friday, 3rd October, at the beautiful Met Hotel in Leeds, McFade Photography was honoured with the Solopreneur Award at the first-ever BiY Inspired Awards. It’s not every day you get to stand in front of a room full of Yorkshire’s finest small businesses and be recognised for your hard work, so you can imagine how chuffed I was!

A massive thank you to Paul Dodd for stepping in and capturing the moment – I was a bit busy clutching the award, grinning like a Cheshire cat!

The Big Idea Behind the BiY Inspired Awards

This whole event came to life thanks to the brilliant Louise Turner and the team at Awards Writers, in collaboration with BiY (Business Inspired Yorkshire). Louise, with her passion for supporting small businesses, noticed a glaring gap – there just weren’t any awards specifically celebrating the small and micro businesses that are the backbone of our local economy.

It turns out, while there are plenty of awards floating around, they’re often dominated by much larger companies. For us smaller folks, competing against businesses with turnover up to £10 million is a bit like David facing Goliath, only without the slingshot. So, Louise and her team took matters into their own hands, creating an awards ceremony that truly recognises the unique challenges and triumphs of small businesses like ours.

The Importance of Awards: Why Bother Competing?

Now, you might wonder, “Why should I bother with awards in the first place?” Well, let me tell you, there are more than a few reasons why throwing your hat into the ring can be a game-changer:

Recognition: Awards are a brilliant way to get your name out there. Winning one not only boosts your credibility but also signals to potential clients that you’re at the top of your game.
Motivation: Running a small business can sometimes feel like you’re on a treadmill – always running, but never quite getting anywhere. Being recognised for your hard work is a fantastic motivator, reminding you why you started this journey in the first place.
Networking: Awards ceremonies are great networking opportunities. You’re in a room full of like-minded individuals, all passionate about what they do. Who knows what collaborations or partnerships might spring from a chat over the buffet table?
Benchmarking: Even if you don’t win, the process of applying for an award makes you step back and take a good look at your business. It’s a chance to reflect on what you’ve achieved and where you can improve.
Marketing: Let’s not forget, winning an award is pure gold for your marketing efforts. It’s something you can shout about on social media, in press releases, and directly to your clients. It sets you apart from the competition and gives potential clients another reason to choose you.

The Event: A Celebration of Yorkshire’s Small Businesses

The BiY Inspired Awards were more than just an awards ceremony – they were a celebration of everything that’s great about small businesses in Yorkshire. From those who’ve transformed their businesses from humble beginnings to those who are just starting to make waves, the event recognised the passion, dedication, and sheer hard graft that goes into running a small business.

There were a few teary moments as winners took to the stage, reflecting on their journeys. It was clear that these awards meant the world to everyone involved – a true recognition of their hard work and perseverance.

The Winners

In case you missed it, here’s a rundown of the winners from the night:

Ambition: CooperVance Recruitment
Transformation: PMG Print Management
Next Generation: Illiya Vjestica of The Presentation Designer
Rockstar: Pixelbuilders
Out of Their League: Circuit Electrical
One to Watch: ADS
Solo: – McFade Photography (That’s me!)
Judge’s Choice: Union

Each one of these businesses has shown exceptional talent and drive, and it was a privilege to be recognised among them.

Lots and Lots of Photos!

Of course, being a photographer, I couldn’t resist snapping away throughout the event. Below are some of the highlights – see if you can spot yourself below!

Looking Ahead

This year’s BiY Inspired Awards were just the beginning. Louise and the team are already planning next year’s event, and I’m certain it’s going to be even bigger and better. If you run a small business in Yorkshire, I’d highly recommend watching for the 2015 awards – who knows, you might be the next one standing up there with an award in hand.

So, here’s to all the small businesses out there – keep doing what you’re doing, and don’t be afraid to shout about it. After all, you never know who’s watching.