Step8Up’s Award Season: A Celebration of Courage, Connection & Continuing Momentum

As we reflect on the past few months, it’s impossible not to feel proud of how far Step8Up has come. What began as a mission-driven vision to help individuals and businesses grow through accessible, practical training has quickly become something much bigger — a movement focused on confidence, capability and real community impact.

This award season has shown us just how much that work is resonating.

Honoured to Be Finalists Across Multiple Categories

We were incredibly proud to be named finalists in two major categories at the Hampshire Growing Business Awards:

  • Business Leader of the Year, recognising the determination, courage and leadership of our founder, Jeev Sahoo.

  • SME Business of the Year, celebrating Step8Up’s growth, innovation, and commitment to supporting learners and local employers.

Standing among such respected businesses across Hampshire was a milestone for us. Every nomination reminded us of the progress we’ve made in such a short time and the positive mark Step8Up is leaving on the local training landscape.

But the excitement didn’t end there. We were also finalists at the Growing Business Awards 2025, representing Step8Up in the national category of Education and Training Business of the Year. Being recognised on a UK-wide stage alongside long-established organisations with significant resources was both humbling and inspiring.

Courage, Heart and the Willingness to Compete

Taking part in awards at this level takes courage — especially as a young organisation surrounded by industry giants. It requires heart to submit your work, share your story, and place your vision alongside those who have been operating for decades.

Yet, courage and heart are qualities Step8Up has in abundance.
Every submission captured the dedication of a team that truly believes in its mission. Every awards night was an opportunity to share our story, build new relationships, and celebrate the impact of what training can achieve when delivered with purpose.

Even though we didn’t take home a trophy this time, the recognition we received is meaningful in itself. We didn’t walk away disappointed — we walked away motivated.

Recognition That Fuels Our Purpose

Awards are not the end goal for us — impact is.
But being recognised shows us that our work is being seen, valued and appreciated. It reinforces that the support we offer to individuals and SMEs is making a real difference.

Whether it’s helping someone step into their first tech role or enabling a business to build a confident, skilled team, the stories behind our work matter more than any trophy.

Momentum Into 2026

As we head into 2026, we’re carrying this momentum proudly.
More impact.
More partnerships.
More lives changed through training.

Step8Up’s journey is still just beginning — and award season has proven that the future is bright.

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