Midlands business shortlisted for two UK awards for “life-changing” impact

At a glance

Clare Haynes, founder of the Leamington Spa-based coaching company Wildfire, has been shortlisted for Coach of the Year at the British HR Awards and Best Impact at the Best SME Awards. These nominations recognise her significant influence on improving workplace communication, particularly in handling difficult conversations. This recognition underscores the importance of effective communication skills in professional settings.

Midlands business shortlisted for two UK awards for “life-changing” impact

Clare Haynes, founder of Wildfire, recognised for transforming how people handle difficult conversations

A Leamington Spa-based business coach has been named a finalist in two major national awards, recognising her impact on workplaces and individuals across the UK.

Clare Haynes, founder of training and coaching company Wildfire, has been shortlisted for Coach of the Year at the British HR Awards and Best Impact at the inaugural Best SME Awards.

The dual recognition highlights a growing demand for skills in handling difficult conversations at work, an area Clare has specialised in for over two decades.

In the past year, Clare has also been named among the UK’s top 100 female entrepreneurs by Small Business Britain’s f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign, alongside winning multiple industry awards for her coaching and consultancy work.

Clare said:

“These awards are based on real case studies and the impact on people’s work and lives, so this recognition really belongs to my clients and their stories.

We avoid difficult conversations, which often causes more damage than having them. Simple language shifts, plus a bit of mischief, can change situations far faster than people expect.”

Clare founded Wildfire in 2002 to help people, particularly women, build confidence in high-stakes conversations, from workplace conflict to leadership challenges. Her work spans coaching, training and speaking, reaching thousands of professionals each year.

Beyond business, Clare supports local initiatives including the Leamington-based Esther Project, which works with women facing issues such as domestic abuse, addiction, mental health challenges and homelessness. She also works closely with families and staff in Special Educational Needs settings.

Her approach draws on a background in psychology, as well as a career across television, sport and the charity sector.

The Best SME Awards, launched in 2026, celebrate small and medium-sized businesses creating meaningful impact across the UK.

Debbie Gilbert, founder of the awards, said:

“Despite mounting pressures on businesses, these finalists have demonstrated resilience, innovation and strong leadership. We are proud to shine a spotlight on SMEs that are the backbone of the UK economy.”

The British HR Awards, which received a record 474 entries this year, recognise organisations and individuals driving innovation and change in the workplace.

Nate Harwood, founder of New Possible, which runs the awards, said:

“As the world changes at pace, organisations are having to learn, adapt and innovate. These finalists represent the people making that possible.”

Winners of the British HR Awards will be announced in London on 22 April, with the Best SME Awards taking place on 24 April.