Sole Trader of the Year Finalist
I was over the moon to discover Dowling Business Mentor had been shortlisted as a finalist in the Sole Trader of the Year category for the Uckfield Business Awards 2026.
I was up against two other local businesses, The Grammar Mamma and The Highland Joker, with the award kindly sponsored by Specsavers in Uckfield.
Co-sponsor of the Best Rural Business Award
I also had the honour of co-sponsoring one the award categories, Best Rural Business, along with Shirley Brooks from Save Bills. It was such an enjoyable experience judging this category and it was a tough decision to choose between them.
The three finalists in this category were Bignose and Beardy, Indulgent Ice Creams and Vine and Dine.
Awards Night
On Thursday 1st October 2026, over 330 people gathered at East Sussex National Hotel near Uckfield for a Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation.
I opened the awards as President of Uckfield Chamber of Commerce welcoming everyone to the 7th Uckfield Business Awards. The event was organised and delivered by Uckfield Chamber of Commerce with support from various members.
To present the award for Best Rural Business, myself and Shirley Brooks took to the stage and presented the award for Best Rural Business to Indulgent Ice Creams. Huge congratulations go to all this year’s winners and finalists.
Despite Dowling Business Mentor not winning the ‘Sole Trader of the Year’ category, I was extremely honoured to have been a finalist.
It was an amazing night showcasing so many talented local businesses and individuals – I am so proud to be part of an incredible, thriving business community here in Uckfield.
If you would like to find out more about what I do, please get in touch or read about me.
