A Welsh nail art brand has been honoured with the title of ‘Small Business of the Year’ at the prestigious Small Awards, highlighting the remarkable contributions of small enterprises across the United Kingdom. HONA—short for ‘Home of Nail Art’—secured the top accolade amidst tough competition, shining a spotlight on the increasing recognition of local entrepreneurial spirit within the beauty sector.
Founded by Michael Henson in Newport, HONA was established with a clear mission: to improve safety standards in the nail industry by delivering hypoallergenic, high-performance products for professional nail technicians. Henson’s commitment originated from first-hand observations of the health challenges faced by nail artists, who are frequently exposed to allergens in standard nail products and often left in the dark due to insufficient transparency from industry suppliers.
The Small Awards, organised by Small Business Britain, annually seek out and celebrate the UK’s most dynamic and influential small companies, with this year’s ceremony attracting significant attention and sponsorship from digital marketing specialist Constant Contact. Now in its ninth year, the event continues to champion enterprises from every sector, paying tribute to their resilience, innovation, and community commitment.
HONA’s impressive year did not end with its overall win. The company was also awarded the ‘Supply Chain Champion’ title, acknowledging its dedication to raising industry standards and ensuring the well-being of both clients and professionals. The awards ceremony, hosted in London by renowned presenter Sue Perkins, brought together inspiring entrepreneurs from every corner of the country.
Beyond HONA’s triumph, ten other businesses from various industries received recognition for their unique contributions. Among the winners was Blind Beauty, a skincare company founded by Hazal Baybasin after she lost her sight, who took home the ‘Mission Possible’ award for making the beauty sector more accessible. Meanwhile, Leyla Alexander Design, a web design studio, was celebrated as the top solo-operated business with the ‘Sole to Sole’ award.
Community focus was a prominent theme throughout the awards. Deaf Friendly Limited, an educational business focused on deafness, was honoured for its role in shaping policy and supporting learners, while Books On The Hill was praised for its commitment to accessibility in literature. Other winners included independent eateries, sustainable fashion retailers, and healthcare education start-ups—demonstrating the immense diversity and social value of Britain’s smallest firms.
Addressing the esteemed gathering, Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain, remarked on the vital economic and social input of small-scale enterprises and the necessity of celebrating their achievements. “Small businesses are the heart and soul of their communities and contribute massively to the UK economy,” she said. “We are incredibly proud of all the nominees, and congratulate the winners for their success.”
The awards, decided by a panel of enterprise experts, took place in the unique setting of St Mary’s Church in London, with guests treated to choral performances and independent catering. The atmosphere reflected the celebratory spirit and camaraderie of the UK’s small business network, which continues to face both economic challenges and opportunities with notable resilience.
Erika Robinson, UK General Manager at Constant Contact, highlighted the positive effect small businesses have on everyday lives, referencing research indicating 79 per cent of Britons feel positively impacted by local firms. She stated, “This year’s winners exemplify innovation, resilience, and deep community roots. We’re proud to support their continued growth.”
Reflecting on his company’s achievements, Michael Henson of HONA expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasising the motivational boost such accolades provide. “Awards like this give us the validation and push to keep doing what we’re doing, making a difference in the beauty industry,” he noted.
For more details on all winners and their stories, the full list can be found at The Small Awards website. The annual celebration stands as a testament to the undiminished spirit of small businesses, whose agility and passion continue to shape Britain’s economic landscape and foster community well-being.