I’m really pleased (and a little surprised) to say I’m now a finalist in two categories:
• Small Business of the Year – for the second year running
• Outstanding Personal Achievement
The Small Business category means a lot to me because it reflects what Andy and I have been building at Wilson Design Associates over the last two decades — steady growth, long-term client relationships, and consistently turning up week after week producing work we’re proud of.
But the Outstanding Personal Achievement nomination feels slightly different. That one makes you stop and think. Because when you’re in it — running a business, working with clients, keeping everything moving — you don’t really step back and look at the bigger picture. You just get on with it. This nomination has made me reflect on that journey a bit more…
40 plus years as a self-employed designer, more than 30 years running WDA and over 25 years being part of the Chichester business community, working locally with clients, many of whom we still work with today.
And alongside the day-to-day work, being part of the local business community has always mattered. I’ve been a member of the Chamber for over 20 years, and networking has played a big part in that — including starting the First Friday Network all those years ago. I'm really proud that the network is still alive and flourishing today!
That’s probably what this really represents. Not one big moment… but a lot of small ones, repeated over time.
Whatever happens on the night, I’m chuffed to be recognised — and grateful to everyone who’s been part of the journey.
Good luck to all the finalists.
