Hubbub Awards 2025 - The Winners

“So,” asks Fiona Shafer, “how are you finding Hubbub?” Fi is the Managing Director of MDHUB - the collective of CEOs and directors’ own leader. At the start of the 2025 Hubbub awards ceremony, MDHUB’s annual gathering to celebrate leaders’ achievements, Fi notes this is my first event - an interesting one to observe with fresh eyes.

As the attendees gather, MDHUB members recognise familiar faces from their regular peer-to-peer workgroups, or from their splinter groups themed around topics as diverse as tech, succession planning and the 4-day workweek. This is a rare chance to get over 60 leaders in a room together, with as many taking the chance to make new connections as catch up with old friends.

I’m sitting next to Josh O’Riordan,  a previous Hubbub winner. He picked up ‘Best Supporting Act’ in 2023, and has since stepped up as Managing Director of app developer Brightec. He remarks that while he’s tried plenty of senior leadership groups, MDHUB is the only one that has stuck. When I ask him why, he pauses. “It’s the longevity… my group… Rob [Day, MDHUB Facilitator]... they know my business inside out.” Both this comfortable camaraderie and the diversity of leadership experience is in evidence as the awards are announced.

The first award is handed to Andy Ferret of secure messaging app Joyned, who is recognised with The Disruptor Award. Andy was Brightec’s previous MD, before taking on Joyned - going up against some industry heavy hitters in the process. He’s the kind of leader we all want to work with - bringing out the best in people, not by demanding it but by inspiring it,” remarks Emma Hall of Nordell, who is sponsoring the award “Through Joyned, he is redefining what it means to lead with purpose, disrupting not for attention but for connection, collaboration, and community.” 

In her opening remarks, Fi acknowledges that for many businesses the past year has presented many challenges, so it seems fitting that the next award is The Braveheart Award, sponsored by Wave Active, for a leader who has shown courage and resilience. It is awarded to Joanne Lucas of Alistair Fleming Design, who is recognised for taking on the Lewes-based Kitchen & Interiors company from its founder-namesake.

Sometimes, a little bit of magic is needed to transform a business. The Alchemy Award, sponsored by ROCC, is won by the trio of Barney Dines, Paul Howard and Mark Rickard of Heritage Parts Centre who have seen their hard work over the past few challenging years flourish in 2025, setting them well on the way to their ambitious growth targets.

It’s clear from the energy in the room that strong personal relationships are key to the MDHUB’s ethos. The Lioness Award, sponsored by Brightec – for the leader who has created an exceptional, happy and high performing team - was awarded to Robert Desbruslais of Desbruslais Chartered Surveyors, and it was perhaps fitting that the award was collected by his colleague Amanda Fearon, who paid tribute to the warm atmosphere created by her MD.

Many of the awards were recognising not only overcoming challenges, but also great success and momentum. So, when Camille Pearson of the Float Spa picked up the ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ Award, it brought a wry smile when she subtly corrected the assertion that she had “almost 30,000 clients”. “Over 30,000” said Camille, with a big smile “Almost 31,000” to a big round of applause.

The camaraderie was also evident with The Best Supporting Act, sponsored by nTrust. This unique award allows the leaders present to nominate a key member of their team who has demonstrated leadership in their own right. In a fiercely competitive category, Tash Wilson of ROCC was crowned winner, with tributes paid to her strength in adversity, her compassion and generosity, along with her stellar performance.

MDHUB’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders is evident through The Kindness Award, presented in memory of Joe Mattelaer. Last year’s winner - Dylan Jones of DJ Engineering, told the assembled leaders how valuable his mentorship had been, before announcing that Zoë Thompson of Quirky Gerties, a gifted illustrator and British Sign Language advocate, would receive expert guidance in the coming 12 months.

The final award of the night is saved for an outstanding achievement - The MDHUB Leader of the year, which saw Alan Margetts of TKS Group take home the prize. “Alan is one of those rare leaders who combines strength with deep humanity,” noted DMH Stallard’s Jonathan Grant, presenting the award. “He leads not from the front or the top, but from alongside guiding, supporting, and inspiring those around him to do their best work.”

The winners from all eight categories gathered for a group photo, exchanging hugs and handshakes. The lasting impression Hubbub leaves is that, when taking a moment to step away from the day-to-day of running complex businesses, it’s nice to celebrate our individual successes, but it’s even better to experience the genuine delight at seeing friends - some whom you’ve known, worked with and respected for years - recognised for all their hard work and dedication.

The Awards In Full

The Disruptor Award – Andy Ferrett, Joyned

For the leader who is using technology to disrupt for the greater good. Sponsored by ROCC.

The Braveheart Award – Joanne Lucas, Alistair Fleming Design  

For the leader who has shown great courage, resilience and determination by overcoming many barriers as they led their team and business in the past 12 months.  Sponsored by Wave Active

The Alchemist Award - Barney Dines, Paul Howard & Mark Rickard of Heritage Parts Centre

For the leaders who have transformed their business for the better in 2025. Sponsored by Nordell (UK) Ltd 

The Lioness Award – Rob Desbruslais, Desbruslais Chartered Surveyors

For the leader  who has created an exceptional, happy and high performing team.  Sponsored by Brightec.

The Don’t stop me now Award - Camille Pierson The Float Spa 

For the leader who has known no boundary in the exciting, fast and sustainable growth of their business.  Sponsored by Liqui Group.

The Best Supporting Act - Tash Wilson, ROCC

For the exceptional colleague behind the scenes who helps keep it all together to help the business owner lead effectively and thrive.  Sponsored by nTrust Systems.

The Kindness Award, in memory of our colleague Joe Mattelaer.

 – Zoe Thompson, Quirky Gerties

This will be an annual award nominated by our members for a young entrepreneur who is embarking on their business career. They will receive an annual MDHUB membership and coaching support for those crucial early stages of growth and development.  Sponsored by MDHUB.

The MDHUB Leader of the Year - Alan Margetts of TKS Group

For the MDHUB member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the past 12 months. Sponsored by DMH Stallard.

MDHUB would also like to thank all our sponsors, including Espresso Solutions, Adventure Connections, Andy Sturgeon Garden Design who each sponsored food & drink at the event.