About the Event

The UK Private Business Awards are now in
their eighth year, having been held every year since 2011.

The Awards are positioned to recognise success and achievement within the vast number of private businesses in the UK. Being presented to the UK's most successful private companies, entrepreneurs and management teams, the Awards are often referred to as "the Diamonds".

Each year sees the attendance of over 450 entrepreneurs, CEOs, FDs, COOs and management teams from a diverse range of industries, along with their corporate advisers.

Sponsored by PwC, this year’s event will be held once again at The Brewery, London EC1 on Thursday 13 September 2018. Providing excellent networking opportunities for anyone involved in this sector, it really is an event not to
be missed!

Message from our Headline Sponsor

As part of my role as Chairman of the judging panel, I have again had the pleasure of meeting many of the nominees and shortlisted companies and I am always excited by the passion, dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit shown by those I meet.

From across the Private Business sector, I regularly encounter stories of unlikely people starting unlikely businesses, of growth against the odds, of unforeseen challenges being overcome and of small firms disrupting in global markets.

As we meet for the Awards this year, ongoing Brexit negotiations mean uncertainty still hangs over the UK economy. Yet, PwC’s CEO survey found that almost nine in ten UK CEOs are optimistic about their organisations’ growth prospects for the next twelve months. Confidence among business leaders is even higher about growth prospects over the next three years, with 96% expecting their revenue to increase.

While UK CEOs are resilient, they are also realistic about the challenges ahead. Geopolitical uncertainty, regulation, availability of skills and cyber threats continue to be key concerns.

There remains a lot to be very positive about in our market and deals are still being made. The London Stock Exchange remained the number one European exchange in Q2 2018 by volume and value, where IPO proceeds were up 25% from last year.

At PwC we get that you want someone with you for the journey. Across the UK, we work with over 16,000 private companies to help them solve important problems and achieve their growth potential.

On behalf of the Partners and staff of PwC, thank you to all of this year’s nominees for taking the time to engage and share your stories and good luck to all of the shortlisted companies.

Brian Henderson
Partner, PwC