14 | Acquisition International, Business Excellence Awards 2026 AIS-Feb26097 Best Structural Steel Fabrication Company 2026 – UK & Client Service Excellence Award 2026 n the fast-paced world of construction, delays cost money and mistakes compromise safety. What people need is reliability, structural safety, and professional coordination, and this is where STEELO comes in. Concentrating on structural steel fabrication in West London, the steel frame specialists behind the company supply and install structural steelwork across commercial developments, residential extensions, new builds, and complex refurbishment projects alike, working closely with builders, developers, and structural engineers. STEELO recognises that, when a customer orders structural steel products, they expect more than just their order to show up. It needs to be delivered on time, built to specification, and designed to last. Luckily, these are three areas the company has mastered since it was founded back in 2009, and it is today widely renowned for designing, producing, and delivering products of the highest quality, raising the bar right across this industry. “STEELO operates in a sector where precision is critical, and our reputation is built on delivering structural integrity without compromise. ” The mastery STEELO stands for in this space begins with its processing plant near London’s Heathrow Airport, from which it combines business acumen with computer wizardry to deliver the reliability its customers need. Lean manufacturing concepts are also used to maximise efficiency, with its systems ensuring that enough stock is kept in-house for two-hour delivery slots to be guaranteed. This novel IT system is just one of the ways STEELO has become famous for providing a reliable and outstanding service at every turn. Introducing new technologies and innovating across the steel industry have both become synonymous with the STEELO brand over the last 15 years, and this is something that can be attributed to the team here. The ones who greet customers early on a Monday morning, come up with the complex designs, meet the deadlines, and get the projects to their intended destination on time, these passionate and talented sales, design, production, and logistics professionals are all committed to STEELO’s continued growth and success. It is thanks to the team here that STEELO has completed some impressive projects over the last few years, including a nearly 50-tonne steel project at BBC’s Elstree Studios, an almost 30-tonne steel project (made up entirely of straight beams with a length of up to 19.15m) at the Lane – which is near Abbey Road Studios – in London, and a development comprising almost 16 tonnes of galvanised steel at the fun-focused Chiswick Business Park. These projects are just the tip of the iceberg, and with more than 28,700 projects having been completed for over 5,200 happy clients across the UK, STEELO is clearly an authority in the diverse realm of structural steel fabrication, manufacture, and supply. What makes these figures even more special for the team is that they reflect the commitment to fostering long-term partnerships with clients and industry partners paying off, meaning the success is shared. This, more than anything else, sees STEELO remain at the head of the table. As all of this shows, the company has come a long way since it was founded in a garage in Isleworth, but one thing that has not changed is its commitment to managing as much of the process as it can in-house. Spurring these multifaceted capabilities on is the set of core values STEELO revolves around, namely commitment, integrity, precision, respect, inquisitiveness, reliability, adaptability, passion, transparency, gratitude, excellence, and innovation. With these values in tow, STEELO is coming off the back of a year filled with consolidation and strategic growth, having completed an array of developments and installations. 2026 is set to be a similarly bold year for the company, which is focused on controlled expansion and continuing to build relationships with those developers and contractors who align with its aforementioned values. All of this positions the brand favourably, and underpin the reasons behind its third consecutive recognition in our Business Excellence Awards. More on the structural steel contractors behind Steelo Ltd can be found below. Contact: Olivia Smith Company: Steelo Ltd Web Address: https://www.steelo.co.uk/ The title of the UK’s Best Structural Steel Fabrication Company is not one the team at Steelo Ltd (STEELO) take lightly. However, having carved out a reputation for themselves as London’s leading steel fabricators – attested by nearly 900 five-star reviews on Trustpilot – these experts are no strangers to acclaim. Renowned for the blend of an unrivalled service and reliable solutions, we examine the secrets of success behind a company known for going above and beyond across every project. I
Australian Enterprise Awards 2026 | 52 The aim of every business is to grow, be it in profit, staff, or impact. Helping make this possible is Magnetic Alliance, which started out advising across areas like sales and leadership, before moving on to own and grow its own businesses, boosting revenue by more than 260x. This makes the team capable of understanding the common issues businesses face across industries, and addressing these challenges using proven strategies. Below, we take a closer look at this and how it translates for clients. Best B2B Sales Training Company 2026 & Excellence Award in Offshore Staffing 2026 With an ecosystem of more than 85 growth services to its name helping businesses to increase their revenue, margins, and profits, Magnetic Alliance leverages these services and its proven results to help its clients avoid common mistakes, set clear goals, and achieve their desired outcomes faster. Allowing the company to deliver on this for its clients is the strong relationships it enjoys with them, with these built on a winwin agenda and the drive to add value at every turn. This paves the way for them to scale with sustainable growth. Having developed a proven system for growth including an ecosystem of growth services that it has plugged its own business into, Magnetic Alliance stands for strategies, not theory. These same strategies were responsible for 260x growth in its operation mentioned above, as well as a staggering $2.1 billion and counting in client growth across more than 150 industries. The methods Magnetic Alliance uses for its clients are the same that it uses for itself, highlighting their practical, battle-tested nature in a sea of poor execution. “These strategies have enabled us to grow our businesses, with three surpassing the $10 million mark and even reaching $20+ million.” One of the most transformative services delivered by Magnetic Alliance is its B2B sales training, which allows its clients to skip the five-to-ten-year learning curve and take their skills to the next level. Over the course of a four-day bootcamp, attendees learn how to sell powerfully, confidently, and ethically, with regular follow-ups and unlimited online access boosting outcomes. Across this course, the team tap into the skills they use on Magnetic Alliance, which has itself achieved thirteen out of fourteen years of consecutive growth. Supporting this growth has been Magnetic Alliance’s integration of AI, which, despite enhancing its operation, has not replaced the strong, human-first culture it boasts, with collaboration, respect, and continuous growth all being cornerstones. This translates to an environment where win-win outcomes, humility, leadership, teamwork, development, value, and fun are nurtured daily. The team here are responsible for upholding these values, and are rewarded for their efforts with countless opportunities to develop professionally. Of course, with offshore staffing being a key element of Magnetic Alliance, its work building other teams is just as important as it building its own. As for how exactly it does this, the company handles everything from the recruitment process to background checks, contracts, compliance, and onboarding, allowing its clients to focus exclusively on performance. This is just one of the things that makes offshore staffing highly beneficial for businesses, something the company is tapping into, and a low-cost way to build sales infrastructure. Perfect for the more specialist business sectors because it not only injects new talent at lower cost, but also makes companies more profitable as well as helping to fill labour shortages where staff are very difficult to find locally offshore staffing is one of the primary focus areas for Magnetic Alliance this year. Set to play an integral role in helping its acquired business to reach profit objectives, the combination of high-quality talent and a lower cost is just one example of the win-win situations desired. Another key area of focus for the team in 2026 is Magnetic Alliance Capital, an Australian investment fund launched late last year so that the company could invest in SMBs across the country, with these often-undervalued businesses underperforming in their mature markets on the back of poor processes, inconsistent management, and reduced resources. The company aims to change this, helping to build more profitable businesses and enhance sub 5% EBIT/DA margins many of these SMBs currently persist with, and get them to a healthy 10% and beyond. Boasting 23 awards for excellence across state, national, and international levels from prestigious global brands, it is clear that Magnetic Alliance’s blend of growth services, results-based strategies, and a successful track record are helping to position it as a business like no other, with its distinction in B2B sales training and offshore staffing being particularly noteworthy. More on all of these services can be found by following the link below. Contact: Mark Lim Company: Magnetic Alliance Magnetic Alliance - https://magneticalliance. com.au/ Magnetic Alliance Capital - https:// magneticalliancecapital.com
Sustainable Building Awards 2025 Vacation homes are big business in the US – with figures estimating that around four in ten Americans have a second property to their name. This is unsurprising given the diverse landscapes the country boasts, from bustling cities and stunning beaches to picturesque lakes. It is in the latter where Cornerstone Construction, a homebuilder based in Arley, Alabama, thrives. Recognised for the sustainable approach it takes to its work; we caught up with the company’s own Corey Noe for more on its distinction. Best Sustainable Home Builder 2025 – Southern USA Having built and maintained homes since 1983, Kevin Noe, the president and owner of this award-winning construction company, has been privileged to both live and work along the Gulf Coast for decades. Settling into his forever home in the Smith Lake area of Alabama, along with his wife, Angela, Kevin has been building homes – not houses – here for many years. Joining Kevin on this venture is his son, Corey, who is the vice president of the company and also moved to Arley from the Gulf Coast, with his wife and four children. Both men believed they were following God’s calling as they moved, and this faith-based approach is the cornerstone of Cornerstone Construction. Every decision is prayed over and the company’s value system reflects both this faith and a commitment to the clients it serves. To this end, its values – which span areas such as integrity, honesty, high standards, moral excellence, and a strong work ethic, are all linked to particular verses from the Bible. Operating in such a manner in a deeply religious area of the country, Cornerstone Construction attracts clients from many walks of life from across the US, all of whom are united by an appreciation for the beauty of the Smith Lake region where the company carries out new construction, additions, remodels, and home maintenance services alike. These services are underpinned by the values discussed above, as well as a rigorous sustainable focus seen through every element of a build, such as an emphasis on energy conservation. “Building lakefront and rural homes with an awareness of the surrounding environment, we aim to minimise disruption and blend in with the landscape around us”, Corey explained. “Our sustainability contributions tend to be practical and project-based, with key aspects including prioritising well-insulated homes, modern HVAC systems, and efficient windows/doors.” These services reflect a shift in the consumer market more widely, with buyers seeking out ‘green’ features to both reduce their costs and protect the planet. “Cornerstone Construction can present eco-friendly alternatives alongside traditional ones, giving clients a way to align sustainability with their personal style.” The Smith Lake home construction carried out by the team here is a unique in a number of ways, first and foremost being its strict adherence to building codes. Despite this region having much fewer requirements than the Gulf Coast, where Kevin and Corey constantly had to deal with numerous regulations and the constant presence of building inspectors, the duo and their team pride themselves on maintaining the same high standards they have always done, like carrying out their own inspections and introducing the ZIP System. Explaining this further, Corey told us: “The ZIP System is not a requirement but something that can give the homeowner peace of mind, as well as offering incentives. With FORTIFIED®, a programme geared around weather-resistant roofs, now available in North Alabama, there are specific guidelines for its installation. We work from engineered plans for continuous load path strapping tying the roof through the frame to the footings. This is how we build homes that stand up to weather and stand the test of time.” As well as this, Cornerstone Construction prides itself on keeping every client up to date with the progress of their build in this coveted vacation area, allowing them to manage progress through an app and stay in contact with the project manager. They can also see any invoices and pay their bill through the app, which is especially useful for those who live far away. Beyond this, its wider audience is engaged through regular social media posts. Finally, on the back of the above, Cornerstone Construction has grown at a steady pace over the last few years and is excited to announce work on many large projects in the coming months, including a three-milliondollar build. This is just the beginning, and other projects span a luxury tree in house in Crane Hill and even a 65home development right on Smith Lake. These projects reflect a company working at the top of its game. In closing, Corey shared with us the ethos guiding Cornerstone Construction at every turn: “Remember what we’re building: homes meant to span generations. 100 years from now the families living in our homes will never meet you, but they’ll feel your craftsmanship every day. That’s legacy work.” More on these generational projects can be found below. Company: Cornerstone Construction Web Address: https://webuildsmithlake.com/
CEO MONTHLY / MARCH 2026 11 Heading up the UK’s Innovative and Independent Water Retailer With business customers in England now able to choose their water provider in the same way the choose their energy and internet provider, the world of water looks very different to what it did a decade ago. Helping customers to make the most of the possibilities this brings is ConservAqua. With Mark Hanlon, its founder and CEO, being named the Most Influential CEO 2026 – Water Retail Services (UK) in this feature, we caught up with him for more on his company’s work. As many people in the UK are aware, 2017 saw the water retail market open for competition in England, meaning that more than a million business, charity, and public-sector customers are able to choose their water and wastewater providers. The biggest industry shake-up since Margaret Thatcher privatised the UK’s water industry in 1989, this change has meant that these customers can shop around and negotiate the best deal for them, rather than having to access water through their regional monopolies. The exciting opportunities this shift has brought about has helped to keep costs down, raise awareness surrounding water efficiency, and improve customer services in the industry, not to mention increasing the competition and all the benefits that come along with the drive to stay ahead. It is from this competition that ConservAqua emerged in 2019, offering tailored packages to non-household, high-use customers concerning their water supply, specifically in reducing water and waste, thereby saving money and the planet. ConservAqua may provide Water & Environmental Specialists who specialise in cutting down on water and wastewater, but this is just the beginning of how it helps save the planet’s most precious resource. For example, it also delivers monthly reporting and analysis on water usage, smart water readings, water efficiency advice, e-billing/ consolidated billing, and bill validation. The services of an expert trade effluent team are also available; with all water enquiries a customer has being handled by a dedicated Account Manager. Mark Hanlon is the man at the helm here, having founded the company and served as its CEO since it opened its doors in late 2019. Mark brings more than two decades of experience in developing businesses and managing teams to this role, with his primary responsibility being to oversee the delivery of these tailored water supply solutions, making sure the service attached to them not only meets but exceeds the expectations of customers. Since day one, the aim at ConservAqua has been to reflect the relentless pursuit of innovation and customer satisfaction sought out in the utilities sector, and Mark has embodied this to the full. His journey here has been defined by the growth and excellence he has fostered, a common theme over the course of his career. Mark spent almost 20 years at One Point Communications, which he cofounded back in 1999. By the time the company was sold, it had a turnover of £6 million and employed more than 20 members of staff, a testament to Mark’s ability to grow a business from nothing. ConservAqua has enjoyed similar success over the past 5 years, spurred on by initiatives including the user-friendly Aqua Manager online portal, released to give customers comprehensive visual reporting of their water usage. Just some of the companies to benefit from these services include football clubs, golf courses, and racecourses. Mark Hanlon founded the company with only two members of staff. Five years later, ConservAqua employs over 30 members of staff and has achieved a turnover of approximately £30 million. His response to this success is simple: “I don’t build companies; I build teams that build my company for me.” With a very hands-on approach, he pushes his team to develop their skills and supports them in every way he can. His philosophy is clear: clients always come first, ConservAqua second, staff third, and he is always the last priority. Personally, he enjoys seeing the development and progression of his staff within the organisation, offering direction and advice drawn from his many years of experience as a CEO. Taking a closer look at its work in action, one happy customer shared their story of working with Mark and the ConservAqua team: “We were called about six months ago by Mark, who alerted us to the anomalies in our water bills, and it turns out he was spot on. He was so sure that he arranged for a data logger to be fitted on our water meter and engaged his Technical Director to conduct a site survey at our hotel. The survey report confirmed the extent of the leaks, outlining that we could be due £8k in potential refunds.” On the back of this, the customer continued: “We have now switched our water supply to ConservAqua as they delivered on all their promises. I would recommend ConservAqua to any other businesses looking for a new water supplier in a heartbeat. The service we have received from the management has been outstanding and we are very happy.” There are many more examples like this, with the team here handling issues with suppliers from all over the UK quickly and effectively for their customers. Without Mark Hanlon, none of this would be possible. It is for this reason that we are delighted to recognise him as the Most Influential CEO 2026 - Water Retail Services (UK) in this feature. More on Mark’s major impact can be found below. Contact: Mark Hanlon Company: ConservAqua Web Address: https:// conservaqua.co.uk/
Small Business Awards 2023 | 15 March 2026 | 15 also develop leadership skills and help their community at the same time. It’s a win-win-win!” Across both its Build-A-Bike programme and its other community-focused team events, The Leaders Institute has published more than 1,200 case studies and success stories, which are available to view here. Exploring just some of these, Liberty Bank recently celebrated its 200th birthday, and marked the occasion by donating 200 children to the children of the Native American Mohegan Tribe. Similarly, the fans, Ice Girls, and even the mascot of NHL team the Dallas Stars recently built 200 bikes for kids in the local schools. “These are a couple of the big ones, but most of our clients are 20-50-person teams who just want a break from the normal business meeting to race through a team treasure hunt or to build teamwork into their normal business meeting.” Outside of these activities, The Leaders Institute is excited to have developed a system for training and certifying ‘Master Team Building Facilitators’, with the goal here being to create a standard certification for all facilitators. This will help add capacity for smaller organisations in the field of team building and improve the quality of delivery for larger ones. As this shows, training others is a big part of what this team do, with Doug himself having trained hundreds of friends who now serve as friendly competition. Nevertheless, the industry remains full of people who are manipulating SEO to appear as those they are big players (more on this can be found here). It takes a real company to reach the top of the lists detailing the top team-building companies, and with The Leaders Institute® frequently topping these, its team have positioned themselves as fitting recipients of the title of Best Corporate Team Building Specialists 2026 in this feature. More of the company’s team-building experience examples can be found at the link below. Contact: Doug Staneart Company: The Leaders Institute® Web Address: https://www.leadersinstitute.com/ For more than 25 years, The Leaders Institute® has been revolutionising team building, taking a concept that has long been associated with forced, awkward socialising and introducing a blend of real teamwork and a community focus. Clearly this has paid off, with over 90% of participants reporting that their expectations were exceeded and the overall satisfaction rate of the company sitting at more than 99%. Thus, The Leaders Institute is today setting the standard for great service in the world of team building. Before this team came along in 2005, a team activity involved everyone being treated to dinner or taken to a ball game. This all changed when Doug and co. delivered their inaugural Build-A-Bike® programme, starting an entire industry in the process. Recounting this, Doug explained: “For the first time, companies could experience an interactive game based on working together as a team to solve challenges.” He continued: “As they accomplished the fun challenges, they earned bike parts. So even if one of the team members didn’t actually turn a wrench to build the bike, they still knew their contribution was important.” Impressively, this was just the beginning, as just when the last groups were finishing up building their bikes, a group of children from an inner-city kids club came running in to receive their first new bicycles. This was the icing on the cake for these teams, who had not only developed real business skills and had a blast doing it, but also had a real, measurable impact on their local communities, which they were able to see first-hand. In the years since, more than $10m worth of bicycles have been given to global children’s charities. Commenting on this tremendous success, Doug told us: “The best part about the charity team-building industry is that the companies we work with are going to spend money to entertain their team anyway. But if they invest in a charity team activity, not only do they get a fantastic, shared experience for their team, they Boasting a presence in all 50 US states and more than a dozen countries worldwide, The Leaders Institute® specialises in charity team-building activities for its clients. With its team having been recognised as the Best Corporate Team Building Specialists 2026 in this programme, a feat underpinned by them working with more than 400 companies in the Fortune 500 and countless independent business, we caught up CEO Doug Staneart for more on what makes this one of the top team-building companies. Rewarding Corporate Team-Building Activities for Groups of Any Size
EU Business News- Q1 2024 Ethical Hospitality Pioneer of the Year 2025 – Italy Few things are more frustrating for a hospitality host than when a guest is disruptive, careless, messy, causes damage that cannot be claimed on, or leaves negative feedback that does not reflect their actual experience. All of these things are highly common for B&B owners, who often feel powerless to defend themselves or their properties as the big platforms only protect the customer. Now, thanks to GoodGuest, it is not just possible for guests to speak, as here, only the hosts can leave reviews. For more on the impact this will have, we caught up with Oscar Solofrano, its founder. In today’s hospitality industry, unprecedented challenges are being faced by hosts. False reviews, property damage, and disrespectful behaviour threaten to undermine the trust between guests and B&B managers, not to mention jeopardising the reputation, profitability, and even the future of many of these properties. This is where GoodGuest comes in, as an innovative solution that transforms these challenges into opportunities by rewarding guests, encouraging positive behaviour, and offering a system where everyone wins. The ethos behind GoodGuest is simple: bad guests should not be allowed to get away with their behaviour and good guests should be recognised as such, provided with discounts and perks for their behaviour and not treated with apprehension as a result of a host’s previous experiences with other guests. This is a vision the company has realised through its system, which – although still in its pre-launch phase at the time of writing – is the first meritocratic, bilateral, and verified evaluation system in the field of hospitality. Marking a paradigm shift, GoodGuest makes it possible for hosts to finally review their guests, and for guests to earn points, badges, and perks for their positive behaviour across every stay. This is a welcome and much-needed change, as the big booking and review platforms make it difficult for hosts to share an authentic opinion of guests, who have all the power. The imbalance that exists as a result is simply unfair, and this is why GoodGuest was created by hosts for hosts – to change this and put an end to disparity. Guiding us through exactly how the platform works, Oscar explained: “Our ethical reputation system allows hosts to evaluate guests based on five clear and objective criteria – communication, cleanliness, compliance, sustainability, and punctuality – without fear of retaliation. Every guest then accumulates reputation points and moves up the ranks: the more they respect spaces, rules, and people, the more access they have to benefits, experiences, and rewards.” The result is a more balanced connection between travellers and hosts. “Real reviews, cross-checks, open dialogues. We build trust, not appearances.” Hosts are able to view a guest’s reputation profile before accepting their booking, which helps them to reduce any risk to their property, community, or reputation as a host. This is not the only benefit for hosts, as they can also access a number of exclusive tools, from educational resources and discounted insurance through to marketing support. On the back of all this, Oscar was excited to share with us that hundreds of hosts have already registered for its waitlist and joined its community, which is currently gearing up for the release of the GoodGuest app, scheduled for later this month. This will see the reputational system go from a work in progress directly into the hands of hundreds of hosts. Whilst this is the next milestone for GoodGuest, and the biggest one to date, it marks the start of a new beginning, with the small team behind the platform having to observe and refine the system in the first few months after launch, ensuring it fulfils its ultimate goal of delivering a more confident hosting experience. At the same time, there is a particular focus on the company strengthening its partnerships with providers across the hospitality space, ensuring that GoodGuest goes beyond a digital project to set the recognised standard. A simple, ethical, and powerful system, GoodGuest is the perfect accompaniment in an industry where responsible tourism is booming and the demand for authentic, sustainable travel experiences is growing. Another added bonus is that GoodGuest can be integrated in with the platforms a host already uses, making it a highly convenient solution. Clearly then, GoodGuest is set to take the market by the storm, with the upcoming release of its app set to mark an important date in the rule-changing hospitality revolution that the company and its team are currently orchestrating. More on this can be found at the link below, where hosts and guests alike can pre-register to get benefits in advance. Contact: Oscar Solofrano Company: GoodGuest Web Address: https://goodguest.it/ AIM-Oct25301
8 GHP Biotechnology & Lifesciences Awards 2026 Based in Paris, SYNAPTYS neuroscience has spent more than ten years developing a new drug candidate capable of transforming the lives of patients with Alzheimer’s. The purpose of the drug is simply to provide patients and their loved ones with a simple, affordable solution to enhance quality of life and help those with the disease to live a longer, more fulfilling life. With there having been no adequate treatment to Alzheimer’s provided to date, SYNAPTYS aims to be the first, all thanks to its advanced combination therapy. Inspired by advances in oncology, the company has created SYS0108, a conjugated-action drug designed to protect the functions of the brain by reaching the centre of its physiological mechanisms. Comprising memantine and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), the drug offers precise targeting of the cerebral receptors involved in the NMDA and vitamin D receptors, which have been proven to play significant roles in neurogenerative diseases. Everything from the molecules screening to the dosage has been thoroughly researched by the company in a process that dates all the way back to 2010, when Sébastien Lasnier first discovered the synergy between vitamin D3 and memantine. Devoting more than ten years to exploring, validating, and then patenting this approach, SYNAPTYS’ first decade was very much about this idea taking shape. Then, over the next four years, in silico studies and pre-clinical in vitro studies would both be performed for the first time. Whilst SYS-0108 is still in the in vivo preclinical results stage, with the first human study planned for 2028, previous in vitro preclinical studies completed boasted promising results, with approximately 42% of injured neurones preserved when the four special conditions that the drug is patented for are met. This represents a significant improvement to the 8% offered by memantine and the 2% offered through vitamin D3 alone, underpinning the powerful synergy that exists between these two potentially transformative molecules. B Unlike oncology, where big steps have been made in treatments such as breast cancer, the field of neurology has been late to introduce combination therapies to treat patients. This is especially true of Alzheimer’s, which is irrefutably one of the most terrible things a person can face. With there being one new case of Alzheimer’s detected somewhere in the world every three seconds, it is clear more needs to be done to help in the fight against its debilitating symptoms. Aiding in this is SYNAPTYS neuroscience, which we discovered more about from its CEO, Sébastien Lasnier. However, this is just the beginning, as Sébastien explained: “This year we are starting a new in vivo preclinical study. We shall test the efficacy of SYS-0108 on three different types of memory and biomarkers in Alzheimer’s mice: Aß accumulation, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration.” The study, which focuses on compartmental cognition and biomarkers, is set to be completed alongside INSERM, which is the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research and one of the country’s leading research institutions. This is just the first stage in what is a comprehensive five-year plan, and set to include the company moving on to a round of Series A funding between 2028 and 2031. Having spent more than 10 years on this already, Sébastien is confident his programme of combination therapy will meet the target, especially given that, in independent studies from earlier this year, the molecules comprising the drug demonstrated a reduction in mortality and a slowing down of the ageing process. Just imagine then their impact on Alzheimer’s. Despite having the science on its side, SYNAPTYS is experiencing the same struggle that befalls almost all biotech start-ups – finding enough money for their development. So far, the company has been able to find a way to make this funding possible, but as it progresses further along its journey, things will only become more expensive. For example, whilst it needs around €2.6 million for the rest of preclinical program (Tox, PK/PD, ADME), and CMC and regulatory affairs. It will also need around €35 million for its Series A funding, with around 80% of this going towards R&D costs. Although there are many challenges ahead, the combination of Sébastien’s tenacity and the teams of experts he has assembled over the last 12 months (including across its scientific and strategic boards), demonstrates alignment under this shared goal of fighting Alzheimer’s. We wish Sébastien and the rest of the team at SYNAPTYS neuroscience all the best as they continue the development of the SYS-0108 drug, championing the company’s dedication by naming it the Alzheimer’s Drug Development Company of the Year 2026. Contact: Sébastien Lasnier Company: SYNAPTYS neuroscience Web Address: https://synaptys.com/ Alzheimer’s Drug Development Company of the Year 2026 SYNAPTYS neuroscience: A New Hope Against Alzheimer’s
Hospitality Awards 2024 | 47 Aug24372 Best Fine Dining Experience 2024 - North Yorkshire The beautiful Yorkshire countryside is home to Grantley Hall, a historic property that encompasses a heritage Japanese garden, 47 rooms and suites, and a number of quality dining experiences. Chief amongst them is Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, a Michelin star restaurant that has been serving up exquisite dishes brimming with local ingredients since opening its doors back in 2019. As his namesake restaurant’s Chef Patron, Yorkshire native Shaun Rankin is at the heart of this delectable culinary experience, which offers the best fine dining in the region. Open for dinner on Wednesday to Sunday evenings, the acclaimed Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall restaurant caters to hotel guests and visitors alike, where it offers patrons the opportunity to indulge in its signature ‘Taste of Home’ menu, which is named as such given that the ingredients of its dishes come from either the property’s own Kitchen Garden or from farms and producers within a 30-mile radius. Complementing this menu are two distinct drinks pairings, with an additional non-alcoholic option also available. This local menu reflects Shaun Rankin’s childhood growing up in the Yorkshire Dales, in the days before he attended the Thames Valley University in Slough and honed his cheffing skills at The May Fair Hotel in London’s world-renowned district of the same name. After making the decision to move to the Channel Islands, Shaun lived and worked for a long time in Jersey, joining the Bohemia restaurant in the head chef position in 2003 and then gaining his first of many Michelin stars two years later in 2005. Another milestone for Shaun was opening his first restaurant, Ormier, which he did in St Helier in 2013. Acclaimed from the outset, this establishment would receive its first Michelin star four months after opening its doors, before going on to receive three AA rosettes shortly after. Returning to London in the wake of this success, Shaun would open Ormier Mayfair, as well as a nearby restaurant at 12 Jay Hill, before finally settling into its his leading role at this eponymous Yorkshire restaurant, representing his career coming full circle. Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall is unlike anything Shaun has ever attempted before, as aside from the aforementioned authentic Yorkshire menu served in a 38-cover dining space, this location is also home to two private dining experiences. The first of these takes place in the Dales Suite, an immaculate dining area boasting 19th century-style luxury décor that can serve up to 18 guests at a time. The second is even more intimate, given that this table for six is located squarely in the restaurant’s kitchen. Unwilling to stop there, Shaun’s commitment to creating new and impactful dining experiences has resulted in his orchestrating of an entirely new journey for the restaurant, which has extended into Grantley Hall’s magnificent Drawing Room. Preceding being sat down in the main dining area (the Music Room), guests are afforded a range of snacks and aperitifs in this setting that offer a taste of the layered, four-dimensional culinary experience to follow. This ensures a great introduction to this unique three-hour journey. From here, the team at Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, which is comprised of seven chefs, 12 front of house, and one sommelier, go the extra mile to ensure that the passion reflected in Shaun’s menu is present across every course. “The guest is at the forefront of everything we do at Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, and service is delivered with warmth and lots of Yorkshire charm”, says Shaun. On the back of such an experience, this team are working incredibly hard to earn two Michelin stars in the next Michelin Guide. Renowned for the unique flow of the experiences it provides and the everevolving menu that celebrates the best of its region, this Yorkshire Michelin Star restaurant represents the culmination of Shaun Rankin’s illustrious career so far. The fact that its backdrop is Yorkshire’s premier five-star hotel is the icing on the cake, with Grantley Hall also boasting a number of additional dining locations, such as the panAsian Bar & Restaurant EightyEight. With a Michelin star to its name – and more sure to follow – as well as four AA rosettes, Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall is fine dining personified, taking patrons on a journey that they will never forget and use as the benchmark for judging restaurants thereafter. Recognised as offering the Best Fine Dining Experience 2024 - North Yorkshire, quality food seekers will be hard pressed to find anywhere for miles around that hits the highs of this luxury establishment. Contact: Shaun Rankin Company: Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall Web Address: https://www.grantleyhall. co.uk/dining/shaun-rankin-at-grantley-hall
MEA | African Excellence Awards 2025 22 Jul23190 May25103 Best Cookie Bakery 2025 – Cape Town & Community Empowerment Excellence Award 2025 Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Khayelitsha Cookies has spent the past two decades as one of South Africa’s leading social enterprises, empowering women through sustainable job creation and teaching them the skills they need to thrive. Thus, the company does much more than just produce tens of thousands of baked goods per day – including its signature hand-baked cookies – it changes lives and builds stronger communities. We spoke with Adri Willaims, the visionary behind the operation, to learn more about the life-changing impact it is having on so many. Hailing from a corporate background but often feeling unfilled in her career, Adri Williams’ inspiration for Khayelitsha Cookies began when she met a malnourished baby whilst visiting a local hospital as part of her church programme. Over time, Adri watched as the baby began to gain more strength and blossom into a healthy child. Watching this transformation made Adri want to do the same, and she began her social campaign by focusing on the unemployed women in the namesake town behind the Khayelitsha Cookies name. To do this, Adri bought what was then a struggling cooking business, turning its fortunes around and growing it into to an operation that is today more than 100-people (mostly women) strong. Across this team, many people have a limited education, so Adri and the more senior members deliver training through a combination of visual aids and first-language instruction. A strong work-life balance is also promoted through an incentive programme that allows workers to leave early once their targets are met. “Most of the women we employ have never worked before. This is their first job, and one we teach them with pride. We also run the business like a small, familyowned operation, and staff share in the profits with a 30% shareholding.” As for what exactly they are taught, employees have the opportunity to try their hand at everything from the baking itself through to quality control and finance. Not only does this ease local unemployment figures and provide women with a sense of dignity, but it also allows them to provide for their children and other family members that may be reliant on them. This sense of meaningful employment is at the heart of the company, and it is from this foundation that Khayelitsha Cookies has gone international. Creating more than 80,000 baked goods a day, Khayelitsha Cookies prides itself on keeping the entire process as manual as possible, creating as many job opportunities as it can in the process. On the back of the sheer quantity of products it produces, the company has fostered partnerships with major retailers such as Clicks and Shoprite in South Africa, as well as entered into global markets through the You Cookie Company brand in the US – which sees its high-quality baked goods delivered straight to customer doors. Despite its worldwide reach, Khayelitsha Cookies prides itself on sourcing 100% of its ingredients from local suppliers in South Africa, supporting the region’s agricultural output all whilst reducing the impact it has on the environment. This is just the beginning of the impact initiatives delivered by the company, which have included working with a local radio station to raise money to purchase animal feed for farmers during a drought and encouraging fishermen to donate fish to local soup kitchens during COVID. The latest initiative spearheaded by the company is a fundraiser to help it purchase farmland in Duynefontein, creating farming opportunities for the area’s unemployed youth. Farming will be completed using planter boxes and sustainable techniques, reducing water usage by as much as 80% compared to traditional methods. Since Khayelitsha Cookies has low profit margins as a result of its nature as a social enterprise, the success of this project hinges on donations, which Adri tells us are essential in fostering change. Adri explained: “Due to our net profit being below 1%, we are seen as too high a risk for an investment by loan providers. This is why we desperately need angel funders via our online campaign, which will be done on our You Cookie Company website.” Ultimately, Khayelitsha Cookies’ secret ingredient is love, which gives its hand-baked cookies the edge. Beyond being in its goods, love is also key to the great work being done by Adri Williams and the team more generally, and this principle continues to guide them as they move ahead with their aforementioned sustainable farming project. Recognised with a duo of well-deserved titles in our African Excellence Awards 2025, Khayelitsha Cookies is a beacon of inspiration for women-led social led enterprises, and we ask our readers to consider donating to its causes if they can. Contact: Adri Williams Company: Khayelitsha Cookies Web Address: https://kcco.co.za/
Southern Enterprise Awards 2025/ 32 Award for Innovative Approach to Classic Rock and International Reach Flying the flag of classic British rock music, White Heat is a raucous, high-octane band originally formed in Stamford, Lincolnshire. With their current line-up of Simon Atack on lead vocals, Tolis Zavaliaris and Andy Saphir on guitars, Mike Hartnett on bass, and Darren Ashford on drums, the band has recently released ‘Perfect Storm’, an album recorded at the legendary Chapel Studios in South Thoresby. On the back of the band’s recognition with two awards in this programme, we sat down with Simon for more on the unique spin that he and his bandmates put on the classic rock genre. As the founder of the band and a student of rock and roll from a young age, Simon Atack has been singing and writing songs now for more than three decades. Simon studied at music college before getting stuck into the industry, working with such leading brands as Roland, Marshall, and Harman. The songs Simon has written and performed on over the years have been played on some of the UK’s biggest radio stations, as well as on numerous rock music compilations issued worldwide. This frontman believes White Heat has reached new heights with their latest record, ‘Perfect Storm’, which benefits from the stellar acoustics and production capabilities available at Chapel Studios, a space where the vintage rock sound the band was searching for within these songs could be found. The nine-track album runs a little over 50 minutes, with highlights including the ten-minute ‘Mary Celeste’, a song driven by some incredible guitar work, and the swinging ‘Feel The Heat’, which sees the band channel ‘Mark II’ Deep Purple. The album artwork for ‘Perfect Storm’, which was created by renowned neo-surrealist artist and rock aficionado George Grie, captures the feel and themes of ‘Mary Celeste’ perfectly, and serves as a stunning blend of the classic rock album covers of the late ‘70s and 80s with the more modern elements we have become accustomed to in album art today. This similarly describes the album’s unique sound, which is sure to appease fans of new and old rock music alike – a notoriously difficult task. Acclaim has followed the album since its release, with New Releases Now – often touted as the ‘bible of the US music industry’ – describing it as a “stellar new album that delivers pure, classic rock at its finest.” Thanks to these fantastic reviews, the digital launch of the album has been followed by expansive radio airplay internationally, with countries across Europe and North America being particularly receptive. ‘What is Mine’, the album’s penultimate track, even made it onto the cover of leading British music magazine Classic Rock. Several festival appearances have followed suit, including an upcoming gig at Hard Rock Hell, a three-day event held at Camp HRH in Great Yarmouth, this November. This comes hot on the heels of White Heat’s last appearance, this at Cambridge Rock Festival, where they headlined the Emerald Stage on Saturday night. As you can imagine, the band’s live shows are a lot of fun, and hearing the songs from ‘Perfect Storm’ performed in these settings adds a new dimension to them. More live shows are set for the future, and Simon told us that White Heat is excited to begin work on a new album, which will continue its trajectory of delivering new and engaging music in the vein of classic British rock. Simon explained: “White Heat is still championing good, old-fashioned rock and roll and the human touch in music creativity, despite the industry facing its own ‘perfect storm’ of challenges.” Many detractors have even argued that rock is ‘dead’, but if they do, they clearly haven’t come across White Heat yet. Released via Rock Road Records and The Orchard, the latter a subsidiary of Sony Music, ‘Perfect Storm’ is available to listen to for free here. Should readers like what they here, they should keep an eye out for a forthcoming limited edition vinyl release of the album, which is available as a picture disc depicting a striking image of the same ship – quite possibly the Mary Celeste – which is wrecked ashore on the cover. Other merchandise, including a t-shirt and even a bottle of hot sauce, can be purchased at the website link below. Bringing a healthy dose of innovation to classic rock through both their newest album and the all-round approach they have to their music, Simon and the other talented members of the British rock band White Heat are fitting of being celebrated within these pages. Contact: Simon Atack Company: White Heat Web Address: https://www.whiteheat.rocks/
Best Independent Wealth Management Firm 2025 – UK A private, independent wealth management boutique based in the heart of London, Artvera Private Wealth Management delivers its customised and comprehensive wealth planning solutions and corporate advisory services to high-net-worth individuals, their families, and their businesses. Authorised and regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, the more than a decade of experience the firm has in the market has allowed it to carve out a name for itself as fully client focused. On the back of its win in this programme, we take a closer look at Artvera below. From its Mayfair office, Artvera delivers everything its clients need to manage their wealth holistically, with its detailed range of worldwide investment opportunities spanning four major alternative asset classes: credit, private, equity, real assets, and hedge funds. However, this merely scratches the surface of the firm’s provisions, as its services across wealth management go beyond managing client assets to encompass every single aspect of a clients’ financial life. This is seen through its wealth planning solutions. Another comprehensive offering, Artvera’s work across this complex and diverse arena covers everything from financial, tax, estate, and business succession planning to wealth structuring, legal issues, and fiduciary/trust services. For Artvera, the here aim is simple: to help clients better structure and protect their wealth to ensure they can effectively pass it down to future generations – whilst remaining legal and tax compliant. The third fundamental pillar of Artvera’s operation is based around corporate advisory services, which are those dedicated to matters pertaining to a client’s business, such as strategic issues and business planning. Just some of the areas the firm can offer its support in here include mergers and acquisitions, the right time to sell or purchase a business, advice concerning restructurings, and even support across capital markets and capital structure issues. For business owners, these services have proven invaluable. Lastly, truly underpinning the dedication Artvera has for more than meeting the unique needs of its affluent clients and their families, the firm is delighted to be able to offer lifestyle advisory services. These cover everything a high-net-worth individual needs for themselves and their loved ones, including international relocation, tax residency, and concierge services globally, as well as citizenship, education, and healthcare advisory. A firm that is much more than just the sum of its services, Artvera is built on a series of strong core values and principles. These span independence – the very foundation of this privately owned boutique, which remains flexible and reactive as a result of its ability to focus on clients and not inter-departmental conflicts – as well as a focus on exceptional quality, open architecture, and an alignment of interests. It is up to the small but dedicated team of experts here to uphold these across every client interaction. The man behind this team, Artur Bounegra, is both the CEO of the firm and its founding partner. More than just being responsible for Artvera’s strategic management, Artur ensures he dedicates most of his time to embodying the rigorous, boutique-style service delivery that the firm has become known for across industry circles. Underpinning this is Artur’s three decades of sector experience, 13 years of which come from banking and the remainder from investment management. Such expertise offers clients total assurance. Peace of mind is delivered further thanks to Artvera’s unique business model, which sees the four key areas of focus discussed above form a circle encompassing the client. This reflects the full-service nature of the firm, which has an approach that begins simply with a personal meeting and friendly conversation with a client, during which their financial goals will be identified. Also in this meeting, their appetite for risk and other considerations will be unpacked, paving the way for Artvera to perform its full analysis. What follows this analysis is a bespoke package of investment management and wealth planning solutions tailored from the ground up for the client and their family, accounting for the factors discussed above. Should it be necessary, Artur and the team also include their corporate advisory support and lifestyle advisory services, remaining in touch constantly to stay abreast of any changes and make sure that all of the client’s risks and opportunities align with today’s evolving economic, monetary, and political landscape. On a mission to provide its clients with the gold standard of wealth management services so that it can enjoy a strong relationship with them and see that they more than meet their financial goals, Artvera Private Wealth Management’s consistent realisation of these aims makes it a fitting recipient of this award and a place in the programme. Contact: Artur Bounegra Company: Artvera Private Wealth Management Web Address: www.artverawealth.com/en/
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