Consultants shortlisted for duo of national growth awards

Business consultants Champions (UK) plc is celebrating after being shortlisted for a brace of national growth awards.

The firm, alongside chief executive John Hayes, managing director Matthew Hayes and director Jack Hayes, has been shortlisted for two national prizes at the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Champions has been nominated for ‘Family Business of the Year’, while the aforementioned trio have been honoured alongside their Champions Speakers division for the ‘Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year’ award.

Established in 2003, Champions specialises in providing growth services to medium and large-tier businesses across four key areas: sales, people and HR, AI and technology, and mergers and acquisitions.

Over the past decade, the firm has collaborated with clients to increase sales by over £5 billion and has contributed to capital valuation growth exceeding £15 billion.

Champions Speakers is a keynote speakers agency, representing a global network of thousands of keynote, motivational, celebrity and after‑dinner speakers while delivering over 5,000 bookings annually.

With several family members working across multiple divisions, the company has evolved over two decades into a multi-service consultancy with an international client base.

Matthew said “My family and I are so thrilled to be named finalists at this year’s Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

“Alongside the nomination for Jack, John and myself, it’s even more special to see that Champions itself has also been shortlisted for ‘Family Business of the Year.’

“That dual recognition makes this moment even more meaningful.

“Scaling both Champions Growth Partner and Speakers from a single-service agency into the family-run organisation it is today has been a remarkable journey.

“It’s been fuelled by an incredible team, and a commitment to delivering outstanding results.”

The winners will be announcing at a glittering awards ceremony in London on 17 November.