Poly UP has been recognised at the 2026 HSBC and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Small Business Growth Awards, winning Startup Business of the Year 2026 (North West Regional Winner) and Micro Business of the Year 2026 (North West Regional Runner-Up).

The awards celebrate outstanding small businesses and self-employed companies from across the UK, recognising organisations that demonstrate growth, innovation, leadership, customer service, and community impact.

For Poly UP, a sports and safety surfacing company specialising in the installation of football pitches, playground surfacing, multi-use games areas, athletics facilities, tennis and padel courts, and safety surfacing for schools and public spaces, the recognition marks an important milestone in the company’s journey.

Held at the iconic Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, the North West regional finals brought together ambitious businesses from a wide range of sectors for an evening of networking, recognition, and shared experiences.

Representing Poly UP on the night were Managing Director Lewis Nickson and Client Relationship Manager Tom Stone, who joined fellow business owners and entrepreneurs from across the region to celebrate the achievements of the UK’s small business community.

Building Something Worth Being Proud Of

For Poly UP, the recognition means far more than simply winning awards. It reflects years of hard work, consistency, and a commitment to maintaining high standards across every project.

Since its beginnings, the business has grown through strong client relationships, attention to detail, and a determination to do things properly. Winning two awards in one evening was a proud moment for the team and a reminder of how far the company has come.

Speaking after the event, Lewis reflected on the journey:

“Poly UP started from very little. There was no blueprint, no safety net, just a belief that if we did things properly, treated people fairly, and never cut corners on quality, we’d build something worth being proud of…Walking into a room full of incredible businesses was nerve-racking, but inspiring at the same time. In true Poly UP style, we didn’t just walk away with one award, we walked away with two”

An Evening of Inspiration and Networking

For both Lewis and Tom, the evening was as much about the people and conversations as the awards themselves.

Lewis said:

“The evening started with a warm welcome from HSBC and FSB, incredible hospitality, and a room full of ambitious people all building something meaningful. The networking alone made the night worthwhile…We met Steve Oliver, founder and CEO of musicMagpie, who spoke openly about the realities of building a business and the journey to success. Hearing those honest experiences from someone who’s built something so successful genuinely stayed with us.”

Tom also reflected on the scale of the competition and the atmosphere on the night:

“Hearing how many applicants there were really put the achievement into perspective. The judges from HSBC and the FSB spoke about how difficult it was narrowing down the finalists, which made the recognition even more special.”

“What stood out most was hearing the stories behind other businesses in the room. Everyone had taken on the challenge of building something from the ground up, and it was inspiring to be part of that environment.”

Proudly Supported by Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates

Poly UP would also like to thank long-term partner Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates for sponsoring the awards evening and continuing to support the company’s growth journey.

Known throughout the industry for quality and reliability, Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates supplies the market-leading DALTEX dried aggregate range.

DALTEX dried aggregates are sourced from across the world.  They are meticulously dried and screened to produce a high quality product which, when combined with DALTEX UVR stable resin, delivers a beautifully consistent Resin Bound finish.

The DALTEX UVR Resin Bound System is BBA Approved and has been researched and independently tested in the laboratory and real-life applications to ensure strength, workability and performance. The DALTEX UVR System also comes with a 15-year Peace of Mind Product Quality Guarantee.

Their commitment to quality and high standards closely aligns with Poly UP’s own approach, making the partnership a natural fit.

Lewis commented:

“The support from Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates has been there from early on and it genuinely makes a difference. It’s that kind of partnership that helps a small business grow into something real.”

Looking Ahead to the National Finals

Following the regional success, Poly UP will now progress to the national finals in London later this year.

While the awards mark a major milestone for the business, the team sees them as motivation to continue growing, improving, and delivering the highest standards possible for clients across every project.

With the national finals now on the horizon, the team is looking forward to building on the momentum and continuing the journey that has brought Poly UP this far.

The journey continues, and Poly UP is only getting started.