BEST NEW SERVICES BUSINESS
SPONSORED BY CORNERSTONE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
FINALIST
Atom Financial
All smiles – Cornerstone Business Solutions business development manager Gemma Holmes presents the Best New Services Business award to 1st for EPA managing director Helen Shinner .
WINNER
1st for EPA
Apprenticeship assessment company 1st for EPA has supported more than 600 apprentices through their end-point assessments ( EPA ), with a hugely impressive 98 per cent first-time pass rate . The company ’ s client list includes numerous huge employers , including JD Sports , BT , Channel 4 , AO . com , B & Q and Poundland .
Doubling turnover year on year , and with ambitious growth plans , 1st for EPA encourages flexible working and continues to champion a modern , innovative approach to end-point assessment .
And now the company – which also won the night ’ s coveted Best New Business title – is on target to launch a “ hub ” focusing on apprentices ’ wellbeing .
MD Helen Shinner explained : “ We ’ re not just looking at general mental health and wellbeing , because there are lots of great resources out there already like Mind and the NHS , but we want to look at resources specific to apprentices and the issues they face .
“ Some of the things we ’ re looking at include the cost-of-living crisis on an apprentice wage – how do you get by ? Or if you have a problem with your employer or training provider , what should you do about it ? What if you ’ ve got additional needs ?
“ All those answers that maybe aren ’ t so easy for apprentices to find , we ’ re making sure the information is there and supporting them to do the best they can do .”
And Helen admitted their awards successes have helped raise the firm ’ s profile and boost her staff ’ s already buoyant morale .
She said : “ We all love what we do , but to get external recognition is something else completely .”
SPONSOR MESSAGE
Gemma Holmes , Cornerstone Business Solutions ’ business development manager , said : “ This year ’ s awards event was a brilliant celebration of the rising stars of the region ’ s business scene . It was a no-brainer for us to again sponsor the Services category as 14 years ago we were a start-up too , so we know all about the challenges and growing pains these young businesses are experiencing . The whole event was a reminder of the brilliant and courageous entrepreneurs across Teesside , who are creating jobs and prosperity in the toughest of economic climates . Well done to winners 1st for EPA and their fellow finalists .”
Last summer , best friends Matt Herrell and Matthew Fannan decided to draw on their experience and expertise to set up Atom Financial . Fast forward 12 months and the business has exceeded sales and cash targets , delivered a six-figure profit , hired a management team and secured a loyal customer base to build upon .
With more than 30 years ’ experience between them in a variety of board-level finance roles , they deliver an array of financial and now HR services to high-growth SME businesses .
Their scope of work also includes financial due diligence , financial forecasting / modelling and , with their latest recruit , payroll and HR services .
FINALIST
Grey-Smith Legal
Grey-Smith Legal is a boutique legal firm specialising in residential and commercial conveyancing . Since opening its doors in early 2020 with just two members of staff , it has grown to welcome new team members , develop its services and boost its financial results .
While still in its infancy , the firm has also made huge strides in the UK conveyancing market , having been shortlisted for two prestigious awards – Boutique Conveyancing Firm of the Year at the British Conveyancing Awards and Property Law Firm 2022 by North East Insider .
As the business continues to expand , there are plans to invest in new office spaces in the North-East and increase employee numbers , while continuing to provide training opportunities for the current team .
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