How mentorship is transforming UK businesses: Stories from the Help to Grow awards

Behind every thriving business is not just a great idea – but often, a great mentor.

This year's Help to Grow Awards shine a light on some of the most inspiring mentoring relationships to emerge from the Help to Grow: Management Course, celebrating individuals who have not only accelerated business success but also empowered business owners to take bold steps, think strategically, and lead with renewed confidence.

From record-breaking revenue growth to AI-led innovation and deeply personal transformations, these case studies show the powerful ripple effect that mentoring can have. Here's a look at the remarkable journeys of the 2025 award-winning mentees and their mentors.

Most Inspirational Mentor: Elizabeth Emelogu

Nominated by Steven Gordon

When Steven Gordon, a community-focused transformation leader with Lumen Nexus Group, began mentoring with business coach Liz Emelogu, the impact was immediate.

Over 10 virtual sessions, they built a powerful rhythm – reviewing learning, applying it to Steven's business and tracking the outcomes.

The ultimate goal was to radically pivot the business's model so it was less dependent on NHS funding and could set up private healthcare services, including travel vaccinations and weight loss clinics.

With Liz's encouragement, the business also began adopting AI to handle routine admin tasks, which freed up staff to focus on delivering a high-quality service.

The results have been remarkable:

• A 10% increase in revenue and customer base in just three months

• Efficient operations powered by AI, giving staff more time to do other work

• The introduction of new longevity and biomarker services for future sustainability

• A better customer experience and a clearer brand mission

More than a mentor, Liz became a strategic ally, offering not just business advice but personal care and tireless advocacy – so much so that Steven calls her "an extension of my leadership team".

Excellence in Mentoring: Nigel Lang

Nominated by Harriet Smith

Harriet Smith, founder of HRS Communications and a registered dietitian, credits mentor Nigel Lang with helping her reclaim her business after being on maternity leave.

Nigel's commitment went far beyond expectations, travelling over eight hours each time to meet Harriet in person while she cared for a newborn.

Despite having no prior experience in Harriet's industry, Nigel immersed himself in her business plans, reviewed pitch decks and offered fresh eyes that helped cut jargon and clarify messaging. His support gave Harriet the confidence to restructure her business and re-engage with previous clients.

The results:

• Secured £500,000 in new business

• Doubled gross revenue in 2024 to over £1 million

• Empowered leadership during a time of transition and self-doubt

Nigel's mentorship continues to this day, proving that the best mentors never clock out.

The Mentor's Choice Award: Sarah Cassidy

Nominated by Liz King

Sarah Cassidy's story is one of personal and professional evolution. Working at Preston-based agency 3manfactory, she faced rising business costs and the sudden loss of a major client.

Through it all, her mentor Liz King offered a steady hand – providing a space to reflect, plan and build resilience.

Together, they tackled everything from HR to leadership dynamics and even personal wellbeing. Sarah rebalanced her life, pursued a new part-time role in the charity sector and established a solid strategy with her senior leadership team.

Notable outcomes:

• Developed a cohesive SLT strategy

• Recovered from losing a client and realigned business goals

• Achieved personal milestones, including a better work-life balance

Sarah's transformation inspired Liz to nominate her – not just for her diligence, but for her courage to evolve.

Best Mentor (Personal Impact): Stephen Baxter

Nominated by Nicole Bland

As head of finance at PowerSheds, Nicole Bland was grappling with impostor syndrome and a lack of self-belief. After meeting Stephen Baxter – whose holistic approach to mentoring combines financial acumen with deep emotional intelligence – her career trajectory saw a complete transformation.

Their relaxed but focused sessions helped Nicole gain practical strategies to handle meetings, improve communication and develop her identity as a leader.

The impact:

• Dramatically improved confidence and assertiveness

• Gained visibility in leadership and strategic initiatives

• Progressed confidently toward her goal of becoming finance director

Stephen's mentorship became more than professional – it helped Nicole feel seen, supported and empowered. 

Small businesses see significant development through mentoring: Become a mentor and provide 10 hours of one-to-one support. Find out more

Outstanding Contribution: Arianna Cerrito

Nominated by Sunil Patel

When Sunil Patel of Hollowood Chemists was paired with mentor Arianna Cerrito, the goal was clear: help the pharmacy navigate financial constraints and embrace private sector services.

Arianna provided strategic, outside-the-box thinking to drive innovation, and Sunil responded with energy and determination.

With Arianna's support, the business implemented AI to reduce its staff's workload, launched private services that met customers' needs and even began developing longevity and biomarker health solutions.

Achievements include:

• a 10% growth in revenue and an increased customer base

• launching AI-enhanced operations and seeing new services taken up immediately

• better employee engagement and a planned rebranding of the staff uniform

Arianna's support wasn't just strategic – it was deeply personal. Her care and involvement helped Sunil not only transform his business but also reinvest in his own growth as a future chartered manager.

Best Mentor (Business Impact): Will Lockie

Nominated by Rebecca Smith

Rebecca Smith, creative director at Pruden and Smith, was seeking mentorship to support her with bringing her jewellery brand into the digital world.

Through the Help to Grow: Management Course, she found a perfect match in Will Lockie. Will brought industry insights, data-driven marketing expertise and the ability to inspire bold change.

Together, they transformed a 35-year-old business with limited digital infrastructure into a modern e-commerce powerhouse.

Some notable outcomes include the following:

• Sales increased from £990,000 to £1.2 million

• Online sales grew by 250%

• Digital ad budgets quadrupled with improved tools for tracking ROI

• They created a clear organisational structure and unified team vision

Will's genuine enthusiasm for Rebecca's brand and practical guidance created measurable growth and a renewed sense of possibility across the business.

Final thoughts

These stories are a powerful reminder that there's more to being mentored than just getting advice. Mentorship is about connection, courage and collective ambition.

The Help to Grow: Management Course has allowed mentors and mentees to build something far greater than business growth: meaningful partnerships that leave a lasting legacy.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees who are proving that with the right guidance, UK businesses can achieve remarkable transformations.

Want to help a small business grow?

Being a mentor goes far beyond the rewarding feeling of 'giving back'. Mentors gain a range of personal development benefits from the experience.

Become a voluntary mentor for the Help to Grow: Management Course and commit 10 hours over 12 weeks to support businesses with their growth action plan. Sign up today

The national mentoring element of the Help to Grow: Management Course is being delivered by a partnership of Newable, Enterprise Nation and the Association of Business Mentors on behalf of the Department for Business & Trade.