People are the foundation

"The most successful growing businesses I have encountered without exception are focused on their people - their clients' needs and investing in their team and culture at every stage of growth," observes Lena Rosenior (CEO/Director at De Graft Management). "What really sets them apart is the quality of their leadership. The founders and advisors typically inspire and enrol those around them."

This focus on people isn't just about recruitment, it's about building something that can scale.

Lizzie Meadowcroft (VCP Director, Operations, Carve Out & Integration at LDC) reinforces this: "The most successful growing businesses invest deeply in their people. They develop
talent, strengthen leadership, and create cultures that can flex as they grow. That focus on people is ultimately what sustains performance through scale and change."

Passion powers performance

Beyond strategy and structure, there's something more fundamental at play. Jenna Ackerley (Managing Director and Founder at Events Under Canvas) puts it simply: "The founder's authenticity, energy and determination are markers towards success. If the purpose behind the business is passion and energy rather than finance and strategy, I think
growth is more likely. Passion trumps logic every time."

It's this authentic drive that energises teams, attracts customers, and carries businesses through the inevitable challenges of growth.

Strategy meets execution

Yet passion alone isn't enough. Prashant Selvaratnam (Operating Partner - LDC) highlights the need for a practical foundation: "[Businesses need] a clear, evidence-based ideal customer profile with a clear strategy and repeatable processes to acquire, convert and consistently deliver value to their customers."

The pattern is clear: truly successful growing businesses combine inspiring leadership with genuine investment in people, authentic passion with strategic rigour. They don't just chase growth, they build organisations capable of sustaining it. These are the qualities our judges look for at the Growing Business Awards, and the traits that define Britain's most exceptional entrepreneurial success stories. Think you have the winning formula? Nominations are now open for this year’s Growing Business Awards. View categories and enter here.