Bid writing firm named among UK’s best SMEs

The founder of bid writing firm Ask the Chameleon is celebrating after being named among the top performing SMEs in the country.

Rachel Hayward won Solopreneur of the Year (seven years-plus trading) at the inaugural Best SME Awards.

The awards are designed to highlight innovation, resilience and business excellence, as SMEs play a vital role in the UK economy.

Rachel’s category specifically recognised an individual who has built a thriving business single-handedly, demonstrating exceptional skill, creativity, and determination in their chosen field.

The judges said Ask the Chameleon was “an outstanding Best Solopreneur winner, blending sharp commercial insight with a genuine passion for helping others to grow”.

Rachel writes “winning words” that have helped businesses and charities secure many millions of pounds in funding, contracts and awards, unlocking new jobs, services and opportunities in their communities.

She uses her expertise for good, to support small businesses and charities with skill-swapping and collaboration and consistently giving back through networking and volunteering.

The judges added: “This is solopreneurship at its BEST; values driven, impactful and deeply supportive of the wider business and charity ecosystem.”

Rachel said “Winning this award is an incredible honour. It’s proof that even as a solo business owner, you can create meaningful impact at scale.

“While I craft the words, it’s my clients who bring them to life – together, we turn ideas into opportunities and outcomes that make a real difference.”

Head judge, business expert Roma Bhowmick, said: “I was impressed by the standard of entries showing innovation, meaningful impact and excellent customer service.

“The winners reflect talent, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit from across the UK.

“In these challenging trading conditions, the selected businesses truly demonstrated determination and resilience.”