The Independent Awards 2020

You can find out more about last year’s awards below. But with this year’s awards opening for entries from Thursday 7th October, it’s a great time to remember just how important they are. Why? Because they shine a light on the nation’s best creative small businesses, and the wealth of colour and creativity they bring to the UK.

Spearheaded by Holly Tucker MBE (founder of notonthehighstreet and Holly & Co) alongside Dell, NatWest and Royal Mail, they recognise the bravery, innovation and sheer hard work of our incredible independents.

Plus there’s a £100,000 prize fund to be won — the largest pot of money to be given away to small businesses from any UK awards! See last year’s champions below. This year, could it be you (or a business you know)?

The 2020 Winners

From over 50,000 nominations, below are the first ever winners of The Independent Awards! Each of the winning businesses received £10,000 to help them develop and grow their business.

Passion & Purpose Award

Luminary Bakery

Products of 2020

Blushing Cook

Newcomer Award

Cocoa Publishing

Community Brand Award

One Million Lovely Letters

High Street Shop of the Year

Sancho’s

Modern Crafter Award

Grain and Knot

People's Choice Award

Meticulous Ink

View all Winners

The 2020 Runners-Up

There were too many fantastic businesses to choose just one winner in each category, so we’re thrilled to have six runners up, who each received £5,000 to help them develop and grow their business.

Passion & Purpose Award

ARTHOUSE Unlimited

Products of 2020

The Clay Club

Newcomer Award

The Treats Club

Community Brand Award

playHOORAY!

High Street Shop of the Year

Acorn & Pip

Modern Crafter Award

Basil & Ford

View all Runners-Up

The Award Categories

Aligned with our own core values, our six award categories champion elements that we believe make small businesses truly spectacular!

Passion & Purpose Award

Using business as a tool for positive impact

Products Of 2020

Products that capture the mood of the nation

Newcomer Award

Businesses started in the past 18 months

Community Brand Award

Businesses built with community at their heart

High Street Shop Of 2020

Physical retail at its best

Modern Crafter Award

Businesses keeping handmade craft alive

People's Choice Award

In a year where small businesses were there for the nation, The Independent Awards 2020 were an opportunity to show them your support!

Wholly voted for by the public, the People’s Choice Award was designed to give the supporters of the nominees to chance to show them their support after a tough year.

Meet the judges

When searching for the very best Independent Small Businesses, we knew that we needed the very best to help us crown the winners! Experts highly regarded in each of their sectors, we were privileged to have them all onboard to judge The Independent Awards 2020.

Jay Blades

Founder of Jay & Co

Jay is a modern furniture restorer who's passionate about sustainability. Famed for 'The Repair Shop' he is a passionate champion for the preservation of traditional craft.

Marcia Kilgore

Founder of Beauty Pie

Founder of numerous successful start ups, Marcia has an exceptional eye for building household brands from the kitchen table.

Sir Tim Smit KBE

Founder of The Eden Project

A true visionary, Sir Tim Smit is pioneering a social enterprise and creating a blueprint for sustainability worldwide.

Sarah Sevier

Head of Retail, V&A

Sarah is responsible for the creative direction of all product sourcing and development at the world renowned V&A.

Harriet Vine MBE Rosie Wolfenden MBE

Co-Founders Tatty Devine

Founded in 1999 in the heart of East London, Tatty Devine has been synonymous with quirky creativity for over 20 years.

Joe Wicks MBE

Founder of The Body Coach

British fitness coach, TV presenter and author. Throughout lockdown, Joe galvanised the nation into changing the way people think about food and exercise.

Oliver Tress

Founder of Oliver Bonas

Oliver opened his first shop in 1993, and now has 80 stores nationwide, showcasing great design and innovative homewares and fashion.

Mark Constantine OBE

Co-founder of Lush

Founded in 1995, Lush has stood strong to its beliefs and pioneered a positive impact on the world since day one. It now has over 800 stores worldwide.

Ade Hassan MBE

Founder of Nubian Skin

Named ‘Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year’ in 2014, Ade has successfully pioneered the way in making underwear for women of colour.

Emily Coxhead

Creator of The Happy News

Emily amassed a community worldwide when she launched "The Happy News" in 2015, a newspaper sharing only happiness and positivity.

Edward Perry

Co-Founder of COOK

Edward co-founded COOK in 1997 and is a passionate believer in building businesses that are a force for good.

Bryony Sheridan

Buying Manager for Liberty London

Liberty London is the ultimate emporium for creative product. Bryony heads up the buying team for the celebrated Home department.

View all judges

With thanks to our small business supporters