Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has confirmed the finalists for the Small Business of the Year category at the 2025 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards.
Sponsored by Sempar, this award recognises outstanding businesses with fewer than 50 employees that demonstrate excellence in leadership, innovation, sustainability and long-term performance.
The winner will be revealed at a spectacular gala dinner taking place at Uttoxeter Racecourse on 10th July 2025, bringing together some of the region’s most inspiring small businesses.
The finalists are:
Kilncare
Kilncare is the UK’s leading manufacturer of high-end art kilns, serving not only the art world but also specialist sectors including dentistry and fine dining. From its origins in a small garage, the family-run business has grown into the UK’s largest art kiln manufacturer, recognised for its innovation and energy efficiency. The company’s kilns — including the Eco-Fuser glass kiln — are designed with sustainability in mind, and its bespoke equipment helped Stourbridge Glass Museum win a sustainability award. Recent developments include launching the UK’s largest plug-in kiln and entering the Australian market with a new energy-efficient model.
Caltherm
Based in Chesterton, Caltherm has been designing and manufacturing industrial ovens, dryers, and furnaces for more than 46 years. With clients ranging from Rolls-Royce to the RNLI, the company combines international reach with a commitment to local employment and British manufacturing. Caltherm’s team includes long-standing employees and apprentices, reflecting its dedication to developing engineering skills within the region. Its ability to deliver bespoke, high-spec projects globally while remaining rooted in Staffordshire underlines the business’s strength and agility.
The Inspirational Learning Group (TILG)
TILG is an education company delivering innovative career development and employability programmes to young people across the UK and internationally. Since its founding in 2013, the company has reached over 700,000 students with a team of just 14 staff. Through in-person delivery and its new digital platform, Lightbulb Online, TILG helps students with practical skills and workplace skills. Despite international expansion, the company remains committed to Staffordshire, running local projects in partnership with schools, employers, and local authorities.
Promtek
Promtek is a Staffordshire-based specialist in industrial automation, delivering software and hardware solutions to improve manufacturing processes worldwide. The company supports sectors including animal feed, food and beverage, and chemicals, helping businesses improve compliance, traceability, and efficiency. With 20% revenue growth in the past year and consistent international expansion, Promtek is driving innovation with technologies like its new Condor Microman system. The company has also been recognised by industry bodies, earning finalist and runner-up positions in multiple national awards for sustainability and innovation.
