Business Excellence Awards 2023

www.acquisition-international.com • Business Excellence Awards 2023 Portull Training Services Ltd: Most Dedicated Business Training Services Provider 2023 - UK

2 Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 About the Business Excellence Awards 2023 Acquisition International is very proud to host the Business Excellence Awards for it’s seventh year! The Business Excellence Awards 2023 aims to reward a vastly diverse range of hardworking businesses from across the globe, which are demonstrating innovation and excellence throughout a turbulent economic climate many firms are suffering through. With the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic still lingering, as well as the energy and costof-living crisis starting to emerge around the world, the global economy is paying a high price. Global GDP stagnated in the second quarter of 2022 and output declined in the G20 economies, furthermore, high inflation is persisting for longer than expected. However, despite these challenges, many businesses are managing to weather the storm and still provide outstanding levels of service. Sofi Parry- Senior Editor Contents 4 Portull Training Services Ltd: Most Dedicated Business Training Services Provider 2023 - UK 6 Little Monsters House of Fun: Best Children’s Soft Play Experience 2023 - Essex 8 myConsult OHG: Best Change Management Experts 2023 - Germany 10 Robotic Parking Systems, Inc: Most Innovative Parking Systems Provider 2023 - USA 12 Nightfox Investigations & Debt Recovery Ltd: Debt Collection Agency of the Year 2023 - UK 14 D E Accounting & Payroll Services Ltd: Most Client-Focused Business Accountancy Firm 2023 - Lincolnshire No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Editors Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Rebecca Scotland, Editor Alejandra Garcia, Writer Izzy Mifsud, Writer Designers Daniela Levinte, Graphic Designer Lauren Baldwin, Graphic Designer 16 Krause Autos Ltd: Best Regional Car Repairs & Servicing Business 2023 - Bedfordshire 18 AVASK Accounting & Business Consultants Ltd: Most ClientFocused Global Indirect Tax Consultancy 2023 20 SIN Homes Ltd: Most Client-Focused Accounting & Bookkeeping Business 2023 - Portsmouth 22 SchoeppeFX International Consulting: Best Investment & Trading Consultancy Firm 2023 – Frankfurt 23 Anima: Most Cultural Game Event Company 2023 - France 24 Maped Helix: Stationery & Creative Toy Manufacturer of the Year 2023

Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 3 6 25 Bespoke & Co. Candles: Best Spiritual Wellness Candle Brand - Australia 26 FilmWorkshop.net: Best Martial Arts Film Entertainment Platform 2023 - North America 27 rTriibe: Revolutionizing Temp Recruitment: rTriibe Crowned Best AI-Based Platform 2023 28 Matson Electrical Services Ltd: Electrical Contractor of the Year 2023 - Lincolnshire 29 Magic Garden Landscapes: Best Landscape Gardening Business 2023 - East Yorkshire 30 Plogix Gallery: Best Online Modern Art Gallery 2023 - UK 31 Ruddocks & Co: Construction Accountants of the Year 2023 - London & Southeast 32 BW Business Accountants & Advisers: Best Tax & Accountancy Firm 2023 - South West England 33 iVent: Virtual Events Platform of the Year 2023 - UK 34 Mettyear’s Day Spa, Salon & Cafe: Hair & Beauty Salon of the Year 2023 - Kent 35 VirtuCompta Inc. / VirtuAccounting Inc: Most Client-Focused Start-Up, SME & NPO Accounting Firm 2023 - Province de Québec 36 Lastminute Care & Nursing: Most Trusted Health & Social Care Staffing Agency 2023 - UK 37 Champions UK plc: Best Business Growth Consultancy Firm 2023 - UK 38 ROKi Group: Most Client-Focused Global Digital Agency 2023 - London 39 Incap Electronics UK Ltd: Best Full-Service Electronics Manufacturing Company 2023 40 SEAMATE MARITIME INTERGRATED SERVCIES LIMITED (SMISL) RC 713064: Business Excellence Award in Maritime Sustainability 2023 41 Herko Limited: Best Loft Conversions & Extensions Specialist 2023 - Essex 42 AIO Création: Best Turn-Key Digital Solutions Provider 2023 - Northeastern France 43 Topp Kids Out of School Clubs: Best Out-of-School Club Operator 2023 - Greater Calgary 44 GEOBIKE: Best Electric Bike Retailer 2023 - Europe 45 The Virtual Training Team: Best Virtual Training Organisation 2023 - Midlands 46 Ikonic Technology Ltd: Most Trusted International IT Supplier 2023 - UK 47 Nolan Coaches: Coach Hire Business of the Year 2023 - ROI 48 Sage Home Chef: Healthy Cuisine Personal Chef Service of the Year 2023 - Oregon 49 SICGEN Antibodies: Best Antibody Manufacturing Biotechnology Company 2023 - Europe 50 Debbie Ingram: Best Residential Property Sales Agency 2023 - North West London 51 MailStore Software GmbH: Best Independent Email Archiving Vendor 2023 52 International Country Club: Best Family Leisure Club 2023 - Northern Virginia 53 Pro Era Construction: Property Restoration Company of the Year 2023 - South East England 54 Berger CPAFirst LLC: Best Tax Firm 2023 - New York 55 European Contact Inc.: Most Trusted Financial Services Provider 2023 - Southeast USA 56 The Social Brain: Best Social Media Support Service 2023 - Essex 57 MedLamps: Best Medical Consumables & Equipment eCommerce Business 2023 - UK 58 Petaurum HR: HR Consultancy of the Year 2023 - UK 16

4 Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 Feb23481 Most Dedicated Business Training Services Provider 2023 - UK Formed in 2007 to meet the growing needs of the Ports industry with regards to plant training, Portull Training Services Ltd has gone from strength to strength. Over the last few years, it has gone enormously which is why it has achieved such success in the Business Excellence Awards 2023. We take a closer look to find out more. arket demand has resulted in the development of some of the UK’s leading industries, but few markets have faced such demand over the last few years as the ports sector. With increasing opportunity here, teams have needed skilled labour that can operate increasingly sophisticated machinery. The growth of Portull Training Services has been built specifically around what the market needs, and it’s this that has brought about their success. Since opening their doors, Portull Training Services has invested significantly in key accredited learner management systems, building strong links with regional colleges, educational awarding bodies and customers as well as developing a significantly broader range of training solutions. These are all designed to meet vocational, accredited and bespoke training needs. This specific approach is based on the unique needs of customers, who require practical solutions wherever possible. To this end, the Portull Training Services team don’t just offer academic support. They, in fact, come to worksites in order to train candidates on the specific equipment that they are going to use. While modern training facilities play a major part in what the team offer, it’s in the practical skills training can be conducted using a variety of plant and equipment set in realistic industrial and dockland situations where this operator shines. Across a broad range of market sectors, Portull Training Services are the trainer of choice! The clients that the Portull Training Services team work with vary enormously. They can be skilled and unskilled individuals either in work or long term unemployed. When the team are finished, however, they have new skills or improved skills which will make them not only more of an asset that can be utilised further than before, but more employable too. There are clear benefits to working alongside Portull Training Services, which makes their business model one which is focused and uniquely valuable to customers. The needs of the market have always been of primary importance to the Portull Training Services team, and they build what they offer around that. Unlike the competition, the Portull Training Services approach is one which is always looking at more ways of remaining as cost friendly, honest and supportive as possible, while also maintaining the high standard of customer service that sets them apart. Key to this is the marketing message that the team deliver, which includes special offers, upcoming courses and any Portull news. The various partnerships that the team has built up over the years includes job centres and various employment hubs as well as sister company HPLA & partners. Such breadth of resourcing has meant that Portull M Training Services is not just a business which trains people in how to operate machinery, but trains them for a future in industry. Finding new faces and names to train is a key part of how Portull Training Services operates, with the only real potential risk to the operation of the business being referral shortage. Using multiple routes has prevented any challenges in recent years, however. One of the aspects that has brough the Portull Training Services team increased success over the last decade has been their ability to adapt to new challenges that might arise. New technologies and methodologies have altered how many industries work, but the team have been able to retain all the accreditation and awards they have so far been given thanks to a proactive approach in this direction. In fact, the unique challenges of the last few years, namely Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, have only proven that Portull Training Services is immensely strong. These unprecedented challenges have been met in unprecedented ways, going above and beyond what might have been possible in the past. Looking ahead, it’s clear that Portull Training Services will need to continue to adapt to achieve triumph in this rapidly growing sector. Over the last ten years, the team have been able to draw on the unique expertise of experienced instructors who have detailed knowledge of industry sectors. The business model championed by the team is one which gives skills and employment opportunities in manufacturing, ports & logistics, warehouse & storage, security industries. By continuing to asses the trends in production, skills needs and gaps in manufacturing, import/export, warehouse & storage, hospitality industries, Portull Training Services will continue to be able to adapt to the changing needs of the day. Honest self-reflection is a core part of what sets the team apart, and is precisely why they have proven to be such an invaluable partner to so many organisations. We were happy to get a few words from Cherie Andrew on how she felt about Portull Training Services earning the milestone of Most Dedicated Business Training Services Provider 2023 – UK. “In business it is easy to get caught up with our daily routines so we would therefore like to thank all our customers old and new for their continued and valued support. We would like to thank you for choosing us and supporting our accomplishments. We highly appreciate your business and hope to have the opportunity of working with you again in the near future.” We can’t wait to see what this talented team does in the future either! Company: Portull Training Services Ltd Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.portull.com

Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 5 Most Dedicated Business Training Services Provider 2023 - UK

6 Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 Feb23018 Best Children’s Soft Play Experience 2023 - Essex When it comes to your child’s enjoyment and safety, there’s absolutely no way you can compromise. If you’re taking them to a place to have fun, you need to guarantee that safety and cleanliness are the top priorities of the establishment you’re visiting. Thankfully, Little Monsters House of Fun (Little Monsters) delivers a perfect balance of fun and safety that’s been fine-tuned since 2014. If you’re looking for a fantastic soft play experience for your children, this excellent establishment has everything you could ever ask for. ome may believe that soft play centres are all designed in the same way. Slides, ball pits and the like are to be expected, but nowhere implements these features more tactfully than Little Monsters. With its determination to reinvent the very notion of soft play centres, Little Monsters has discovered how to deliver a soft play experience unlike any other for both parents and children. As a result, it’s become renowned in the local area as the best soft play experience there is, all thanks to its extraordinary expertise in how to craft inventive ways for kids to have fun. Little Monsters offers an action-packed soft play experience for children of all ages, and hosts a whole array of different methods of keeping your kids entertained. Its ball pools, which have their own dedicated ball washing machine to upkeep its 5-star hygiene rating, slides, crawl tubes, and so much more, each provide children with explorative stimulation that’ll bring joy regardless of age or temperament. Little Monsters has brilliantly adapted its facilities to appeal to every type of child, all whilst guaranteeing safety and an unparalleled cleanliness. Of course, if you’re wanting something a little more relaxed for your younger ones, Little Monsters also has a separate designated play area for babies and toddlers. This way, parents can relax and socialise whilst their tiny tots enjoy a gentler play experience, and they can be sure that every inch of the area is tailored to the younger age range. And, when summer arrives, Little Monsters opens a newly refurbished garden space and outdoor play area, complete with sandpits, to give kids the chance to make the most of the warm weather. Additionally, parents are able to order food and drinks from the all-day café. Whilst your children play, you can relax, socialise with friends, and dine on freshly prepared meals that’ll be delivered right to your table by the highly enthusiastic team. Little Monsters promotes a fantastic service alongside a fun environment for children, all to present guests with the definition of enjoyment. It has mastered the art of children’s entertainment, and has stopped at nothing to keep enhancing its facilities to provide for every child. And, if your child has a birthday coming up, Little Monsters offers a multitude of party packages for every occasion. With its newly refurbished multimedia air-conditioned party rooms, Little Monsters can accommodate parties up to 40 with ease, and will streamline the entire experience for both the parents and the kids. The helpful hosts will take care of everything for you, so you can simply book and enjoy the day when it arrives. And with its handy RSVP app, you can easily S

Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 7 keep track of essential attendee information, without the stress of having to meticulously organise everything manually. Alongside hosts that are committed to making your child’s day special, Little Monsters also has the option to invite important guests to your party. Whether that be a superhero, princess, or a cuddly monster, Little Monsters will cater to your every need. And, if you’re wanting a more exclusive experience, Little Monsters also offers a private hire service that’ll deliver a day dedicated to you, and only you. Regardless of your selection, you can be certain that the service will embody Little Monsters’ award-winning status perfectly. Helping you and your children make memories is what Little Monsters strives to accomplish, and it will stop at nothing to ensure every guest is cared for with the utmost attention. As well as soft play and parties, Little Monsters understand the importance of play in a child’s development, so have a highly successful weekly timetable of Mini Monster classes and activities aimed at babies and toddlers. Currently with 18 classes a week, all the classes are structured, welcoming and full of fun and adventure, introducing a range of different experiences as the children learn through play. The classes are designed for the children, as well as their parents, grandparents, carers to make memories and enjoy their play experiences in a safe and structured play environment. With highly trained staff who devote themselves to guaranteeing absolute spotlessness across the soft play centre, Little Monsters presents a cleanliness that most establishments simply can’t compete with. Since its inception, it has continually valued its ideals to commit to its mission – to create a great environment for children that’s safe and clean, but still promotes the peak of fun. No child is exempt from enjoying themselves, and Little Monsters will eagerly welcome any child looking to discover their more adventurous side. So, whether you’re looking for somewhere to hold your child’s next party, or wanting to visit a soft play centre that has fun at the forefront of its practises, Little Monsters has everything available to you. No matter your expectations, the team will go above and beyond to exceed them, all so you and your children can have an experience that’s fun for all ages. No soft play centre in Essex can match the cleanliness standards that Little Monsters upholds. Being safe has never been more fun. Company: Little Monsters House of Fun Web Address: https://www.littlemonstershof.co.uk/

8 Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 Feb23336 Best Change Management Experts 2023 - Germany Change is key to success in any business, but ensuring that you can find the right success for your company is no easy task. The team at myConsult OHG have thrived on providing a pathway forward by executing bottom-up and top-down processes in parallel. In the Business Excellence Awards 2023, the team were recognised for their tremendous achievement. We dig a little deeper to find out more. n a world where change is the only constant, the need for businesses to adapt as swiftly as possible to new circumstances has never been more obvious. Creating a model where businesses can adapt successfully, however, is no easy task. Smaller organisations often do not have the resources to lead such a transformation and bigger organisations do not see the need for it. With offices based in both Hamburg and Frankfurt, the team at myConsult OHG take on the challenge of creating and implementing methods of change processes that can really have a transformative effect on businesses in a host of different sectors. Over 30 years of experience in implementing change processes has gone into the leading schemes that the team is able to recommend. Needless to say the success of these schemes is built on an approach that considers not only professional development, but the needs of people as well. I The success over the years of the myConsult OHG approach is thanks in no small part to an attitude which is agile in the extreme. The team are often called upon to produce ways of working which allow for silo thinking as well as following John Kotter’s dual organisation. A factor in this growth, therefore, is the transformational leadership which the team champion and apply wherever possible to the ways in which their clients work. The team live out the way they inspire their teams to change which gives them the confidence that their methodology works. Of course, a scientific approach is what many want to see when they’re looking for methods of change. Proven techniques rely upon a data-led approach that stands apart from the crowd. The consultants who bring the techniques of myConsult OHG to the market all have appropriate training alongside numerous years of practical experience. The result is a team that can not only talk the talk, but walk the walk as well. Since opening their doors, the myConsult OHG team has been proud to execute bottom-up and top-down processes in parallel, with a 100% track record. Many businesses are stuck in the past, so one of the factors that is most in demand is the need for a business which can modernise processes and digitalise them professionally. myConsult OHG takes these steps to ensure that their clients are, at all times, at the cutting edge of what business management is able to achieve. Once you work alongside the myConsult OHG team, you can be certain that there is no need to call them back because their guidance ensures that a business can look after itself for the foreseeable future. As business is constantly changing, it pays to work alongside this talented team because they can guarantee that your organisation is always prepared for what is to come. The use of Objectives and Key Results (OKR) to achieve sustainable success has always been vital to these developments. The result of turning to myConsult OHG is a client that is able to keep their business processes on a modern management level. Far from just supporting them through one project, myConsult OHG is a key part in the successful execution of projects long into the future. The team have already collected more than100 references for the implementation of change processes for corporate groups and medium-sized businesses and are therefore happy to recommend ourselves as a reliable partner for successful change processes. This sort of success is something that is to be celebrated, both now and long into the future. Company: myConsult OHG Claus Diers - Partner myConsult OHG.

Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 9 Best Change Management Experts 2023 - Germany

10 Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 Feb23188 Most Innovative Parking Systems Provider 2023 - USA The Robotic Parking System is a fully integrated automated parking facility capable of receiving, parking, and retrieving passenger vehicles automatically. All operations are performed by independent machines directed by computer programmes with no human intervention. Here, we discuss the innovative technology created by Robotic Parking Systems Inc. and the many premium advantages it offers. ight or wrong, parking and its availability, or lack thereof, is a defining factor for commercial real estate. In fact, a commercial area can fail or succeed based on the parking it provides. The solution is not just more parking spaces, but rather a safer and more efficient use of space for parking. In 1994, Robotic Parking Systems created its new patented automated parking technology that offers more efficient, safe and effective parking. The term “robotic parking” was coined by the company and used to refer to both the business and its products. The Robotic Parking Systems automation technology compresses up to three times the amount of parking spaces into the same volume as a conventional concrete ramp carpark. This efficient use of space results in greater development capacity, creating space for other uses such as revenue generation or additional amenities. Robotic Parking Systems was the first to build and utilise simultaneously operating robots for parking in all three dimensions. With three axis independent motions, the system can deliver the speed and reliability that is required for large parking facilities of hundreds to thousands of spaces. The company built the first automated parking garages in the US and Middle East. Adding substantial parking facilities to developments in innercity districts is important, but it can be a challenge to ensure the building fits in with its surroundings. Robotic Parking Systems can accommodate any type of façade, meaning massive, ugly, concrete garages can become a thing of the past. Machinery and equipment are installed inside the supporting structure and never interfere with the outward aesthetics. This gives architects a free hand in designing the external appearance of the facility to fit harmoniously into its environment. Entry and exit terminals can also be integrated into the façade to meet both visual as well as functional criteria. Any piece of machinery made by man is bound to fail. For example, cars, appliances, and computers are all prone to malfunction. The only way to successfully overcome this inherent possibility is the strict application of true redundancy throughout the entire system. This does not mean simply installing two motors on a single machine; it means ensuring the redundancy of all components as well as providing a backup machine. By ensuring there are multiple elements controlling the same process, Robotic Parking Systems provides true redundancy. All major components have at least one backup system and, in some cases, as many as four. This means that users of the system can count on a R high level of reliability and uninterrupted operations. No single failure will ever result in the Robotic Parking System being inoperable. The company is the only manufacturer that offers this level of redundant protection, making it extremely unique. Robotic Parking Systems’ technology has been evaluated and audited by several independent technology experts. For example, Zuhlke reported the “system is very solidly designed with lots of redundancy,” and its “service plan is based on threshold values for each component.” Following the Covid-19 pandemic, there is an increased emphasis on environment, health and safety in commercial projects. A benefit of automated parking is the premium valet experience that offers contactless parking to cater to current needs. When the driver and passengers have left the entry area, the driver initiates the parking process with a touchless near field communication (NFC) card, FOB, or an app on a smartphone. Instead of passing the keys to a valet, drivers simply use an app and keep their keys. Furthermore, enclosed parking garages can pose a risk with carbon monoxide (CO) and other harmful toxic emissions. Since no cars run inside the parking facilities, Robotic Parking Systems estimates that, annually, in a 1,000-space garage, it can eliminate 275,422 lbs of carbon dioxide, 15,463 lbs of carbon monoxide, and more. According to the US Department of Justice, between 2004 and 2008 there were over 400,000 reported violent victimisations every year in parking lots and garages. DOJ statistics also document that, in 2004, there was an average of over 223,000 reported sexual assaults across all parking lots, public areas, and garages. A study by Liability Consultants, Inc. of more than 1,000 premises liability U.S. lawsuits between 1992 and 2001 concluded that “parking garages rank second when it comes to violent crimes.” These tragic incidents can be tackled by using automated robotic parking facilities instead of concrete ramp garages and parking lots. Individuals are never inside the garage, only in a well-lit lobby or terminal, where there are multiple security cameras. The company feels that the system meets the principles of “inherently safer design,” and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED). This greatly increases parking safety for both individuals and their cars. It virtually eliminates crimes in parking facilities, which greatly benefits the community. With crimes less likely to occur onsite, potential lawsuits are significantly reduced. This is a major financial benefit to anyone

Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 11 Most Innovative Parking Systems Provider 2023 - USA who has a Robotic Parking System on their premises rather than a concrete ramp parking garage. Furthermore, with many safety and security features, insurance costs associated with the facility are significantly reduced. Another financial advantage of robotic parking over a traditional garage is that the machinery, electronics, and other equipment are eligible for accelerated depreciation. Robotic Parking Systems’ automated machinery is able to accommodate new vehicles currently being introduced by car manufacturers, which is not the case for many other automated parking systems. The company’s increased pallet size accommodates wide sedans and large SUVs. This includes vehicles such as Escalade, Yukon X, Chevy Tahoe, Nissan Patrol, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Range Rover, Land Cruiser, Chevy Suburban, Navigator, Maserati, Aston Martin, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Ford Excursion, and Nissan Armada. Impressively, the Robotic Parking System has twice been awarded the Guinness World Record for the Largest Automated Parking Facility. The company is currently building a project that it expects will earn the title for the third time. Additionally, the company’s CEO has played a key role in developing NFPA 88A fire safety codes for automated parking as well as codes to guide automated parking safety in the UAE and Kuwait. In the modern day, there are many factors for commercial real estate properties to consider in relation to parking. For example, can the property handle electric vehicle charging? Is it ready for autonomous driving? Robotic Parking Systems Inc. has integrated emerging transportation technologies using the C.A.S.E strategy defined by Mercedes-Benz, which stands for Connectivity, Autonomous, Sharing and Services, and Electrification. Firstly, with a fully automated parking system and Emerson GE Cimplicity ® software, the company is fully connected and can share as much or as little as needed by design. Secondly, Robotic Parking Systems has partnered with BOSCH to facilitate the parking of autonomous cars in all its garages. Additionally, car sharing, fleets, and other services can be accommodated in all of the company’s robotic parking facilities. Lastly, the company’s optional Robotic Parking EV Charging Station ® is available for Level 2 charging at all of its parking facilities. Developers can choose to add as few or as many charging stations to their project. Once charged, cars are automatically moved from the charging station into a non-charging slot to make room for other vehicles. This means fewer stations are needed to charge more cars. All of these features combined offer major advantages for commercial real estate developers, from environmental benefits to increased ROI, safety for drivers, and preparation for future technology. For this reason, Robotic Parking Systems Inc. has won Most Innovative Parking Systems Provider, USA, in the Business Excellence Awards 2023. The company continues to innovate and create parking facilities that meet the highest quality standards. Company: Robotic Parking Systems, Inc Web Address: https://www.roboticparking.com/

12 Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 Feb23054 Debt Collection Agency of the Year 2023 - UK Founded in 2009, Nightfox Investigations and Debt Recovery Ltd. offers recovery services for personal, commercial, and international debt. Its 5-star rating on Trustpilot is a testament to its efficient and professional services. Collecting debt nationwide across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the company believes in putting right the wrongs of debtors and helping clients put their hard-earned money back in their pockets. Nightfox offers face-to-face debt recovery services for businesses and individuals that are owed money by debtors that refuse to pay and are unwilling to communicate. When the company sets out to collect debt on clients’ behalf, it will not stop until it gets every penny back to who it rightfully belongs to. It uses ethical techniques and technology to get the best results, always prioritising clients’ reputations. Its team can be trusted to maintain professionalism and a high level of confidentiality throughout the whole process. Many debt collection companies are not backed by a solid financial history, often they have outstanding debt, county court judgements, and have failed to submit accounts on time. Unlike its competitors, Nightfox has an impeccable credit history. The agency values complete transparency when it comes to its business and history, which is why it publishes its official Credit Safe rating so that clients can see that it truly stands against debt. For this reason, it has an excellent reputation in its industry. Many of Nightfox’s clients have tried Small Claims Court or the Money Claim Online service with no success. They often feel trapped by the legal systems in place throughout the UK and decide to use a debt collection agency as a last resort. While letters and emails can be opened and forgotten, debtors cannot ignore a real person stood in front of them. This is why Nightfox uses traditional doorstep face-to-face debt collection techniques, forcing debtors to take the client seriously. The company employs people from all walks of life, including many who are ex-military or former police officers. All staff are highly trained and have the necessary skills to get clients’ money back effectively, assisting them in a speedy and professional manner with high success rates. Nightfox refuses to be beaten by debtors. It carries out personal collections until the cash has been fully recovered or every avenue has been exploited. Unlike Court Bailiffs and High Court Enforcement teams, Nightfox’s debt collectors do not let clients down. In many cases, debtors who haven’t repaid a client owe money to other creditors too. In the UK, some consumers and businesses see their large debts as inconsequential, so they continue to rack up more debt with other entities. Using tailored debt collection techniques, Nightfox strives to prevent these debtors from getting away with non-payment. No matter how old the debt is, as long as the agency can legally undertake it, Nightfox’s team of expert collectors will treat full repayment as a priority. Even when debtors have disappeared from their previous address, the company will use its superb investigation techniques to track them down. It has travelled across the world to recover debt from individuals who previously thought they had gotten away with non-payment. One of Nightfox’s first objectives is to open a line of communication with the debtor, which is usually what the client is lacking. This is commonly because the debtor is prioritising other creditors. Nightfox sets out to ensure that its clients are on their debtor’s mind first thing in the morning and last thing at night. The company believes that those who shout the loudest get paid first. When clients choose to work with Nightfox, they can count on a straightforward experience. Before taking on a case, the company puts time and effort into assessing the client’s situation and making sure it understands the full extent of their debt. This way, clients’ time and money will not be wasted on chasing deceased or imprisoned debtors. The team will begin working on the client’s case promptly, usually within 24 hours. An upfront quote will be provided with no hidden fees to follow, ensuring clients know exactly how much the services will cost. These fees are fully recoverable – a fixed fee to cover expenses and administration will be added to what the debtor owes. Additionally, all customers of Nightfox gain access to an interactive portal, through which they can access all contractual information and updates on any progress that has been made with the case. This includes details about debtor visits, filming of debtors during these visits, information about the money received so far, and an outline of the next steps that will be taken. Clients will not be left in the dark when they work with Nightfox. As a result of its expert debt collection services, Nightfox Investigations and Debt Recovery Ltd. has won Debt Collection Agency of the Year, UK, in the Business Excellence Awards 2023. Moving forwards, the agency is working to improve its real time information gathering and IT processes, striving to always be one step ahead of competitors. Nightfox is also planning to open offices in the USA, which has been its goal for several years. The office will be located in Tampa and will cover Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. In the future, the company plans to further expand to other southern states. There is no doubt that the agency will continue to change people’s lives by ensuring they receive the money they are owed at no cost with minimal stress. Contact: Phillip Dunn Company: Nightfox Investigations & Debt Recovery Ltd Web Address: https://www.nightfoxinvestigations.co.uk/

Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 13 Debt Collection Agency of the Year 2023 - UK

14 Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 Feb23013 Most Client-Focused Business Accountancy Firm 2023 - Lincolnshire Despite being a bookkeeping company – among other things – there’s little that D E Accounting & Payroll Services Ltd (DEAnP) does that is ‘by the book’. As an independent accountancy practice, DEAnP has curated a reputation through comprehensive work, and an innate understanding on how best to help its client base. We spoke with Director, Dendy Elvera Choma to find out more on the back of the company’s well deserved success in the awards programme. There’s a potency to independent bookkeeping and accountancy practices that is lacking in their often larger competitors and peers. Accountancy, after all, is rarely cookie cutter, especially when you work with businesses of various sizes, in various locations, and in various industries. No business is the same, so the services you offer must adapt to the needs of the individual entity. That’s where DEAnP have thrived, and where they continue to deliver excellence across its plethora of solutions. Based in Spalding, Lincolnshire, the company serves both local businesses and those across the UK and beyond its shores, as Dendy begins by explaining. “We are an independent bookkeeping, payroll, and accountancy practice based in Lincolnshire. We work with all entity types and sizes across a range of industries, including selfemployed, sole trader, limited companies, not-for-profit organisations, charities, CICs, PLCs, trusts, partnerships, parish councils, parent companies, and subsidiaries. “Our main core values are to help everyone we work with understand the process and be available seven days a week for any questions they may have. We ensure every option and questions we have for our client is asked, to ensure every business entity receives the highest possible standards. Each entity is unique and therefore, we believe should be treated as such.” After all, why else would a business outsource their payroll and other services? They trust experts to navigate the potential minefields with more dexterity than they ever could. To take the reigns and work in their best interest, lead by experience and an ability to cater to the very individual needs of their company. That’s where DEAnP has thrived, and where the team continues to impress. Dendy makes it clear from the outset that the entire team enjoy their work – are passionate about their industry, and are driven to helping their clients thrive in turn. “I believe this has contributed to our success. When you truly enjoy your profession, it doesn’t feel like work. Therefore, helping business owners with their requirements and building trusted relationships comes naturally. Whether it is a tight deadline, company restructure, a complete ‘hands-off’ experience, understanding all options available, or just starting out – our clients know we are dedicated and available for them.” Let’s go back to not doing things by the book, as Dendy knows that accountancy services tend to operate best outside of the standard nine to five hours, when most other industries are focused on doing the work that brings them profit. “We understand that the Monday to Friday nine to five work pattern isn’t convenient for many of our clients. With different schedules and work patterns, being available to our clients seven days a week is a quality DEAnP are proud to offer and consistently striving to achieve,” Dendy clarifies. It is essential, then, that the team at DEAnP embrace this ethos with a passion for the work. With recruitment efforts ongoing in light of growth and expansion, the company are always looking for new team members who believe in its values, as Dendy moves on to explain. “When recruiting for a role within DEAnP, Dendy is seeking a strong work ethic and the willingness to project DEAnP’s core values onto all clients. Teamwork is something we strongly believe in as well, so success is always shared across the team. Being approachable is a very important element too. I have a sense of humour and have found this useful for being approachable, whilst reassuring – especially for new clients. “I’d like to mention Julie who was with DEAnP for 15 months before she sadly passed away late last year. She has left a huge imprint on the practice which will always be cherished and remembered moving forward. Julie was very much an active part in this award, and I hope to capture her drive moving forwards as well.” And so we come to the future of DEAnP, as it endeavours to continue its current path through ongoing innovation, improvement, and development of its core services, with Dendy concluding, “To stay ahead of our demand, we have very recently upgraded our system to enhance efficiency. This has given us more time to dedicate to new and existing clients. We are also planning to introduce an apprentice to the team later in the year. “We are innovating the service we provide to clients. We aim to reach more clients this year, near and far. We have continued to improve and implement working remotely with several clients, leading on from the restrictions introduced from Covid-19. We have found this useful and preferred by a range of clients from different industries.”

Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 15 Company: D E Accounting & Payroll Services Ltd Name: Dendy Elvera Choma, Director Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.deaccountingandpayroll.co.uk Address: Spalding Lincolnshire PE11 Telephone: 01775 540 172 / 07710 050 553

16 Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 Feb23009 Best Regional Car Repairs & Servicing Business 2023 - Bedfordshire Established almost three years ago at the height of the pandemic, Krause Autos Ltd has continued to impress through its diligent approach to its work. We spoke with Cole Demetriades, Director at Krause Autos Ltd, following its deserved success in the awards programme to find out how the company has thrived during an incredibly challenging period for the greater industry and region. Despite its growth and expansion, Krause Autos Ltd is still very much a family run business through and through, utilising seamless collaboration with the family members that comprise its core team and the people it has grown to encompass. It would be easy to conclude that this collaborative culture was the key to success for the company as it navigated the treacherous waters of the COVID-19 pandemic, but that’s only part of Krause Autos Ltd’s story. First, while it has grown over the last couple of years on the back of its enduring success, Cole and the team have always been aware of ensuring everything remains scalable – not expanding too quickly or beyond its means, or sacrificing its approach to client service. Second, its offering has remained unchanged, robust, and relatively simple. As Cole says in his own words, “we service and repair cars and vans, and also offer MOTs.” There’s something very down-toearth and grounded about Krause Autos Ltd, and that will remain in place as the team move forward into the future. “We set up in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, with one unit, one ramp, and one man. It’s since scaled to ten employees, 4x units and become a trusted name in the Bedfordshire area. However it remains family owned and run - I have four members of my immediate family including my mother, wife, and brother on the payroll in key positions. By far the most valuable service we have is that we offer free collection and delivery to all our customers. This helps customers who are busy at work (we can collect from their work and deliver back there). It also provides peace of mind to customers who are unsure about driving the vehicle themselves (if it’s been in an accident or is making a noise or demonstrating signs of a fault) - it also benefits our less able/disabled/incapacitated customers too,” Cole explains. It’s clear the customer service underpins the entire company, with most decisions stemming from a place of customer consideration. Does this make this easier for the customer? Or more accessible? More cost-effective on their side? If the answer is yes, Krause Autos Ltd endeavours to do it, even if – to anyone else – the resource cost of that would weigh heavier on the business itself. “Behind the scenes, this means us employing 3x drivers on a full time basis, a fleet manager to look after them and our 20 plus company owned vehicles, and lots of co-ordination back and forth as sometimes we are collecting and delivering 20 cars a day. There’s a huge expense to this but it’s really valued by our customers so we plan to keep doing this.” But, let’s take a closer look at the customer service itself, and how the entire team play a role in delivering best in class services. Honesty goes a long way in this space, rife as it can be with dodgy dealers that look to make extra money from customer naivety. Cole is only too aware of this, and indeed, established its operations to best mitigate that trend, all while building a reputation for being a trustworthy entity in the industry, as he continues. “We always diagnose the vehicle for free, and then call the customer to explain what might be wrong, how long it might take to fix, and how much it would be. We also offer all customers the chance to supply their own parts should they wish, and a choice of whether they would like a new or re-conditioned part. This all has an impact on our bottom line, however we prioritise customer wishes and communicate with them so they feel in control of what’s happening with their vehicle.” From here on out, Cole and the team plan on continuing on the path they have established so far, and continuing to build Krause Auto Ltd’s incredible reputation in the space for, simply, good, honest work. Last year was very successful for the company, and this year looks to be even brighter, as Cole discusses in his closing comments. “2022 was a very successful year for us, completing work on over 3000 vehicles. We also did a lot for the local community. In January 2022 we sponsored the local primary school’s U8’s netball team, providing them with new kits. In October we followed this up by sponsoring Sandy Football Club, both their men’s teams and U18s teams got an array of new training kits, travel wear, and of course home and away football shirts. Finally we also employed a government apprentice which has been really rewarding - he’s learning on the job and studying one day a week but developing really quickly!” Company Name: Krause Autos Ltd Contact: Cole Demetriades, Director Website URL: www.krauseautos.co.uk Social Media Links: https://www.instagram.com/krauseautos/ https://www.facebook.com/KrauseAutos https://www.linkedin.com/company/krause-autos-ltd/ “Our customers love us. We have exceptional reviews across Trustpilot and Facebook.”

Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 17 Best Regional Car Repairs & Servicing Business 2023 - Bedfordshire

18 Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2023 Feb23505 Most Client-Focused Global Indirect Tax Consultancy 2023 Indirect tax plays a major part in how many businesses operate, but few understand the depths of this specific sector. The team behind AVASK Accounting & Business Consultants Ltd know the challenges involved in indirect tax intimately, and have made it their job to support those working in the global marketplace who want to avoid any issues. With success in the Business Excellence Awards 2023, we thought it time to take a closer look. Understanding the nuances of indirect tax obligations in global marketplaces is a job that requires great fortitude and awareness to carry out. This minefield of a sector can be immensely daunting and have a massive effect on what work international operations can undertake. Fortunately, that’s precisely where AVASK come in, with a team of expert consultants and tax geniuses who know every trick of the trade when it comes to eliminating the peskiest of tax issues. The AVASK team come in as part of your operation to build success through clear and simple advice as well as bold new strategies that will ensure growth and development. Over the years, the firm has earned a strong reputation for its work in global e-commerce expansion, international taxation, accountancy, business advisory and consultancy services. This breadth of operation means that they can meet any and every need that their clients might need in this area, ensuring the best results at all times. Needless to say, running a business is already hard enough without having to deal with the unique challenges of taxation on top of that. The team at AVASK have made it their priority to build strong client relationships, and therefore create solutions which are uniquely tailored to their specific circumstances. What sets AVASK apart in their ability to get into the entrepreneurial mindsets that guarantee success for the businesses their clients run. It’s this awareness of what needs doing that generates the ability for the team to offer such high quality service. The team’s work sees them work across global borders, and so it’s of little surprise that they are a multi-cultural powerhouse. Over the years, the AVASK team have worked with online entrepreneurs based in the UK, USA, Europe and the ROW, often connecting directly through Amazon portals and marketplaces. This breadth of reach means that members of the organisation are fluent in numerous languages, allowing them to speak English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Russian and Polish, along with Arabic, Mandarin and Cantonese. It’s clear that while aiming to sort out any indirect tax challenges, the team do this through putting their clients’ needs first and foremost at all times. Creating such a strong team has meant that AVASK has had to choose a path incredibly carefully to ensure continued success. The team is vital as the firm is customer-centric in every respect. Excellence is the standard for what they are expected to deliver. Needless to say, the company values expounded by the team include an insistence on the highest standards, a promise to disagree and to commit, a desire to learn and be curious, a determination to deliver results, the ability to think big, the awareness of the importance of trust and the strength of character to uphold one’s principles. All of these factors have played a major part in building AVASK to its current heights of success. This focus on teamwork is really what sets AVASK apart from the competition. When it comes to indirect tax support, what you need is a firm that can be trusted to deliver results so that you can focus on what you do best – running your own business. The constant mantra that runs through the very heart of AVASK is “what matters to you, matters to us” because it very specifically does matter to this team. The approach of this talented team is very much built around the mindset that what they do is designed to support their clients in achieving their goals and ambitions. You would expect any business that provides indirect tax support to be experts in this field, but it’s the ability to dig into the granular detail that really sets the firm apart from the crowd. Needless to say, the future for AVASK looks incredibly bright indeed. Beyond the determination to consolidate all systems internally, the AVASK team are planning to complete new levels of automation in key areas and pave the way for a brand new SaaS platform that will cover the various service offerings within the company. Each of these changes is designed not only to improve the customer experience, but to ensure that the business can continue to scale to meet the increasing demand for the team’s services. With such triumphs behind the team, it’s little wonder they have been recognised for their success in the Business Excellence Awards 2023. Putting people first has proven to be an invaluable strategy for success and we personally cannot wait to see what the team do in the future to stand out in a world that is embracing technology more and more. Even though new systems will definitely have a role to play moving forward, it’s clear that AVASK has committed to a path that has the customer at the core every time. Company: AVASK Accounting & Business Consultants Ltd Name: Angelos Katsaris Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.avaskgroup.com

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