WRS Chief Operating Officer, Sophie Jackson, has joined the judging panel for the Gerald Edelman Family Business of the Year Award at this year’s Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards.
The invitation follows a memorable year for Isle of Wight based, WRS, at the national awards having been crowned Business Enabler of the Year in 2025.
This time, Sophie experienced the awards from the other side of the table, helping to judge one of its prestigious categories. As part of the judging process, Sophie heard from an impressive group of finalists, each sharing the stories, people and values behind their businesses.
For Sophie, the category had particular significance. WRS has been a family-owned business since it was founded in 2003, with Sophie playing a key role in its continued growth and development. Current clients include Cornish Bakery, Costa Coffee, Red Funnel, Mountbatten, Away Resorts and Wightlink.
Sophie said:
“As someone who is proud to be part of a family business, it was a real privilege to hear their stories and learn about the passion, resilience and people behind their success.
“We had some brilliant discussions as a judging panel, although choosing between so many outstanding businesses certainly wasn’t easy!
“It was an absolute honour to be invited to judge such a prestigious award. Best of luck to all the finalists, I can’t wait to celebrate at the awards.”
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Sophie was joined on the judging panel by Adam Walsh, Helen Tonks MBE, Daniel Hildebrand and Fiona Graham.
The Family Business of the Year finalists include Champions UK plc, Kendamil (Kendal Nutricare), Nyton House, RCP Parking, Resolve Care, Sandwich Sandwich, Tulleys, Rock Fall, Arthur C Towner and Little Foxes.
Having gone from award winner to judge, Sophie’s involvement represents another proud moment for WRS and reflects the company’s growing involvement with the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards.
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in November, where Sophie will join the finalists to celebrate some of the very best businesses from across the UK.
