As part of the British Chambers of Commerce’s annual Chamber Business Awards 2022, Beth Heath’s winning combination of entrepreneurial drive and community spirit bagged her the Game Changer award, sponsored by Meta.

The awards, now in its 19th year, is one of the showpieces of the business calendar, highlighting the role of firms in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities. 

The Game Changer award recognises an individual who has transformed an idea into a successful, sustainable business by understanding their market’s key challenges, customers and the competitive landscape.  

Beth Heath, owner of Shropshire Festivals, has just done this, turning her love of food and festivals into a hugely successful events business. Shropshire Festivals, a member of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, provides community-based days out at price points accessible to all ages and backgrounds. Attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond, Beth’s business has a hugely positive impact on Shropshire tourism.

The business faced a significant challenge when the pandemic hit, but Beth overcame many hurdles and pivoted the business to ensure its survival. She launched a series of drive-in events, as well as a new hamper business, online marketplace for local businesses and a national campaign to unite isolated communities.

Sarah Howard, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said: 

“Beth’s company highlights the positive ripple effects successful businesses can have on their local economies. By going above and beyond to ensure her customers enjoy unforgettable experiences, people flock from far and wide to attend Beth’s events. Not only is Beth passionate about her local area, she is also raising its profile and welcomes a whopping 90,000 visitors to the Shropshire region every year.”

Sinead O’Grada, Head of Small Business Marketing for EMEA at Meta, said:

“Shropshire Festivals is an award-winning business with a company ethos to provide the local community with best-in-class events, along with enticing visitors from across the UK and beyond. Beth and her team are an inspirational example of adaptability in the face of challenging times. With the events industry being significantly impacted over recent years, Beth’s resilience and agility to pivot her business is remarkable and truly a game changer.”