St Neots Businesses Shine at SME Huntingdonshire Business Awards

It was a night of celebration for St Neots businesses at the SME Huntingdonshire Business Awards, with several local organisations recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community and local economy.

The SME Awards honour the achievements of small and medium-sized enterprises across the region — businesses that employ fewer than 250 people but play a major role in driving innovation, supporting communities, and boosting local growth. The Huntingdonshire Awards feature nine categories, each judged by an independent panel recognising excellence in everything from customer service to social impact.

Citizen Hub proudly picked up a Silver Award in the Social Impact category, which celebrates organisations going above and beyond to support their communities. Directors Grace Marsh, Alex Hughes and Katy Davies attended the ceremony to celebrate the successes of local businesses and community organisations across the district.

“We are a collective – it has taken hundreds of local residents and businesses to enable us to exist today. A big thanks to our key partners, including Cambridge Regional College, Inspire 2 Ignite CIC, The Bedford College Group and Money Advice St Neots. We’re proud of the growth and impact the project has made this year – and we’re just getting started!”

Community favourite Chaii Hub was also celebrating, taking home a Silver Award in the Tourism & Hospitality category. The award recognises businesses that go the extra mile to deliver exceptional customer service, innovative tourism experiences, and sustainable practices that enhance the visitor experience.

“We’re absolutely over the moon! To be finalists among so many inspiring people was already an honour, but to be recognised for our contribution to travel and tourism in St Neots and beyond has left us ecstatic. We couldn’t be prouder that our little café, built on love, community spirit and great Chaii, is helping put St Neots on the map.”

Another St Neots-based business celebrating success at the awards was Binney & Sims Design Ltd, which picked up the Silver Award for Small Business of the Year.

The award recognises the vital role smaller enterprises play in driving the local economy, celebrating innovation, resilience and community contribution.

Founded in 2013 by Katie Davies-Binney and Phill Sims, Binney & Sims Design has built a strong reputation across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and beyond for providing high-quality architectural and planning services. The company’s dedicated six-person team helps clients design and build their dream homes, offering a full range of design, planning and structural solutions.

Speaking after their win, the team said:

“Running a business is so tough at times but moments like these make it so worthwhile and rewarding.
Proud to be part of St Neots.”

There was more good news for the town too, with a strong list of St Neots finalists across multiple categories, including:

• Rose and Mango St Neots – Tourism & Hospitality Award

• Chaii Hub – Social Impact Award

• Pilar Sifas Obiol (Clarity Coaching) – Best New Business

• Cambridge Support – Small Business of the Year

These achievements highlight the growing success and community spirit of St Neots, where small businesses continue to make a big difference — not only to the town’s economy but to its identity as a thriving, forward-thinking place to live, work, and visit.