Celebrating young entrepreneurs with MDHUB’s Kindness Award
This year’s MDHUB awards include a new category with a particularly meaningful purpose, and one that Desbruslais is very proud to support
It’s time for the annual MDHUB awards ceremony, where outstanding business leaders and colleagues are celebrated for their hard work and dedication. And this year, Desbruslais is very proud to be sponsoring the Kindness Award.
This award was created in loving memory of MDHUB Member and colleague Joe Mattalaer. To honour his memory, and to support young entrepreneurs like Joe, The Kindness Award celebrates those who have newly embarked on their business career.
The recipient receives not only recognition for their hard work, but also an annual MDHUB membership and coaching support through the early stages of business growth and development.
The Kindness Award will now be an annual award, so that young entrepreneurs can continue to be recognised, celebrated and supported during the crucial early stages of their careers. We are beyond proud to be sponsoring this award, and look forward to seeing not just who the winner will be, but all the budding entrepreneurs and future business leaders in the running.
The benefits of awards
Business awards can give companies something that is hard to create for themselves: independent recognition. Being shortlisted or winning gives customers, suppliers and potential partners an extra reason to trust a business, particularly when the award is judged by respected people from within the local or wider business community. MDHUB recognises the benefits of awards and has long been a supporter of business growth in this way.
Awards can also have a useful impact inside the business. Recognition gives teams a sense that their work has been noticed, while giving companies something credible to talk about across their website, social media, PR and marketing.
For smaller and growing businesses and entrepreneurs in particular, an award can help raise their profile, open new conversations and put them in front of people who may not otherwise have come across them.
Something we know about only too well!
Amanda Fearon receiving the Lioness Award in 2025, on Robert’s behalf. Photo by Poppy Berry
Last year, our very own Robert Desbruslais was honoured to receive The Lioness Award, celebrating the creation of his exceptional, happy and hard-working team. Amanda Fearon, as a member of this exceptional team, kindly received the award on Robert’s behalf, and had a wonderful time celebrating all the other well-deserving winners.
That recognition made us want to support the awards ourselves this year, which led to our sponsorship of the Kindness Award. The thinking behind the category also has a personal connection for Robert, who has long supported charities and endeavours working with young men and mental health. It felt like a natural fit for Desbruslais, and a chance to back an award that recognises the value of kindness in business as well as success. Something that aligns closely with our values here.
After such an incredible event last year, MDHUB are now gearing up for their 2026 awards ceremony, with some new awards added to the annual roster.
The Leaders Lunch & Awards Ceremony will take place on 14 October 2026, where business leaders and colleagues can meet, mingle, and enjoy an incredible two-course meal before celebrating one another’s achievements.
MDHUB is the leading collective for managing directors and senior business leaders in the south of England. You can read more about their services on their website.
