What does it mean to be named Positive Business of the Year?
The Positive Business Award, proudly sponsored by Richardson Swift, celebrates organisations that go above and beyond to make a difference in their communities. The category recognises businesses that create a positive impact through fundraising efforts, time donated to local causes, impactful events, green initiatives, mental health and wellbeing programmes, and wider social contribution within their sector.
TBE Awards Judge and Sponsor of the Positive Business Award category, Debbie Boulton, Managing Director of Richardson Swift, met with Graeme Leighfield, Founder and Managing Director of Swindon-based GEL Studios, to find out what winning the award meant to him and his team.
How did it feel to be named Positive Business of the Year?
Honestly, it was one of the proudest moments we’ve had as a business. It’s easy to get caught up in client work and growth targets, so having a night where the focus was entirely on the difference we’d made in our community felt really special.
What did the award mean to you and the wider GEL team?
It meant a huge amount. Over an 18-month period we’d supported 35 local good causes, contributed £219,400 worth of resources, and put in 2,182 hours on community projects, including helping power 12 missions with Wiltshire Air Ambulance. That work is often done quietly, in the background, so having it recognised publicly meant a lot to everyone who put the hours in, not just to me.
What impact has the award had on the business over the past year?
It’s given us a real boost of momentum. It’s reinforced that the community work isn’t a side project, it’s part of who we are, and that’s helped us keep prioritising it even when we’re busy. It’s also opened up conversations with clients and partners about our values, not just our services.
How important is it for businesses to celebrate their achievements and recognise their people?
I think it’s essential. It’s easy for good work to go unnoticed, especially the kind that doesn’t show up on a balance sheet. Taking the time to celebrate it, and to name the people behind it, tells your team that what they do matters. That’s worth far more than the trophy itself.
Have you made any new connections or opportunities as a result of winning?
We’ve certainly had some great conversations come out of it, from other businesses in the community asking how we approach our giving, to it becoming a natural talking point with clients and prospects. It’s helped us stand out for the right reasons.
Looking back, was there anything that nearly stopped you entering?
Time, mainly. Entries always land when things are busy, and it’s tempting to tell yourself you’ll do it next year. There’s also a bit of hesitation about whether the work you do “counts” enough to put forward. Looking back, I’m glad we didn’t let either of those stop us.
What would you say to businesses considering entering the TBE Awards this year?
Just go for it. You don’t need to have a perfect story, you just need to be honest about the impact you’re making. The process itself is a good excuse to properly reflect on what you’ve achieved, and win or not, that’s valuable in itself.
GEL Studios was named Positive Business of the Year in 2025, following Southby & Co Financial Planning, which received the accolade in 2024.
If your organisation is making a difference through community engagement, fundraising, environmental initiatives, staff wellbeing programmes or wider social impact, this category could be for you.
Enter here. The deadline for submissions is 25th September.
Pictured above: Debbie Boulton far right, next to Graeme Leighfield at TBE Awards 2025.
