Wiltshire firms strike gold at national SME Awards
Two Wiltshire businesses, RWB Auctions and Revolution Performing Arts, have each picked up the Gold award in their categories at the Best SME Awards 2026.
Royal Wootton Bassett-based RWB Auctions was named Best New Business at the event, recognising its early growth in a competitive industry.
The business was set up by Jon White, who converted a former supermarket into a premium saleroom, complete with a gallery space and on-site cafe bistro.
Members of the team travelled to Daventry for the ceremony in April, alongside businesses from across the UK. The Best SME Awards recognise small and medium-sized businesses, highlighting those showing strong growth and performance in their sectors.
Jon said, “I am incredibly proud of RWB Auctions for winning Best New Business at the Best SME Awards. Finding our footing in a competitive industry has been a real challenge, but in the two years since our first sale, we have seen remarkable success.
“This award is a testament to the hard work that has brought us to this point and to the fantastic, dedicated team that has made it possible.”
Grace Leo, Auction Administrator at RWB Auctions, said, “The team had an amazing night, celebrating great businesses from across the UK. We did not expect to win Best New Business, but we are absolutely thrilled to bring home the trophy. It was also fantastic to see other Wiltshire businesses picking up prestigious prizes.”
Judges commented that RWB Auctions has made a strong start in a traditional sector, bringing a more modern and customer-focused approach. They highlighted the team’s clear understanding of their costs and market, and their willingness to make difficult decisions early on, which has helped move the business forward.
They also pointed to the company’s focus on customer service, noting that in just two years it has seen strong growth and built up a high number of five-star Google reviews.
Jon added, “It’s been a lot of hard work to get to this point, so to see it recognised like this is a great moment for the team. We’re looking forward to building on it.”
Revolution Performing Arts
Meanwhile, Revolution Performing Arts, a Swindon-based performing arts company, was awarded Gold in the Best Family Business category at the Best SME Awards.
Founded in 2007 by Fi Da Silva-Adams, the business has grown into a well-established creative community, offering performing arts classes, holiday clubs and performance opportunities for children and young people.
The award recognises Revolution Performing Arts’ family-led approach to business and its commitment to supporting children and families through creativity, confidence-building and community.
As the business grew, Fi’s husband Paul joined in 2012, leaving his corporate career in IT to help grow the company, making it a fully family-run business.
Judges said, “Revolution Performing Arts Ltd is a truly outstanding family business. The company stood out across all criteria, with its journey, resilience and ability to overcome challenges clearly demonstrated through strong evidence of impact and sustainability.
“An excellent example of a well-run family business, each family member brings their own skills to the business. It is built on strong family values, and that ethos is reflected in everything they do.”
For Fi, the award reflects the community that has grown around the business.
She said, “Winning Gold in the Best Family Business category means a huge amount to us. Everything we do is built around supporting children and families, so to have that recognised at a national level is really special.
“To receive this award as we approach 19 years in business feels really significant. We’ve grown alongside so many families over the years, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.”
The Best SME Awards winners were announced at a gala evening held at Daventry Court Hotel on 24th April 2026.
To find out more about Revolution Performing Arts, visit: revolutionpa.co.uk/
Pictured: (Top of page)The RWB Auctions team at the Best SME awards ceremony. (Left to right) Grace Leo, Gordon Brockman, Claire Turner, Jon White and Kimberly Day
