Express & Star Business Awards 2025: Meet the finalists - Retail, Leisure And Hospitality Business Of The Year

The award is open to any retail, restaurant, hotel, café, pub, leisure facility, visitor attraction or similar business excelling in its field and driving positive economic impact for the area. 

Dreamland Bedding Centre

 leading independent bed retailer in the UK, Dreamland Bedding Centre in Brierley Hill is recognised for its industry leadership, customer-centric approach, and commitment to excellence. Founded with the mission of transforming sleep solutions, the company has built a reputation for unparalleled expertise, innovative product offerings, and an unwavering dedication to sustainability. 

Over the past year, the firm's efforts have culminated in the esteemed National Bed Federation Small Retail Champion of the Year award, signifying its position as the foremost independent bed store in the whole of the UK.

Dreamland's commercial success is underpinned by a strategic business model that harmonises revenue growth with sustainability and community engagement. Despite the industry experiencing significant economic challenges, Dreamland has demonstrated remarkable resilience, maintaining an increase in both footfall and transaction value. Key to this success has been the company's evolution in marketing strategy, targeting a new demographic that has expanded its customer base and diversified revenue streams.

Little Dessert Shop

Little Dessert Shop, known for the UK's Most Viral Desserts, started its journey in 2015 with a single store in Wolverhampton. Since then, the brand has revolutionised the dessert scene, setting trends and redefining indulgence. With over 50 locations nationwide and ambitious plans to double to 100 stores within the next 24 months, Little Dessert Shop isn't just growing, it's taking over.

What sets Little Dessert Shop apart? Innovation, bold flavours, and trendsetting creations. Always ahead of the game, Little Dessert Shop are now focused on redefining indulgence with their rebranded stores and the new 'Pleasure Without Guilt' menu, featuring, must-try desserts like 'Sticky Toffee Cakey Dough', 'Golden Lotus Bananza French Toast', and fun treats for little ones like 'Bear Crunch Pop' and 'Unicorn Waffle'.

Over the years, Little Dessert Shop has created thousands of jobs, driving economic growth and making a lasting impact on local communities. From welcoming students at University Freshers' Fairs to serving sweet treats at festivals and catering for private and corporate events, the brand continuously integrates with the community, sharing its passion for indulgence.

New Invention Brewery

The brewery began on an industrial unit in Bloxwich, Walsall, in April 2019 after having spent over a decade home brewing, learning and developing the craft. The taproom element opened shortly after in the upstairs area of the same unit. Although beginning as a partnership, this soon became a one man operation. 

The brewery originally consisted of just a small 100l brew kit, brewing pale ales and IPAs and just 6 taps in the taproom upstairs to serve them on. With both the taproom open to the public and the brewery also selling to trade, it didn't take long for demand to grow. Despite just one man running both the brewery and taproom, it began to thrive.

"Our commitment goes beyond crafting some truly exceptional brews, it's about fostering that sense of community and providing that inclusive, welcoming safe space where people come together, share stories and create lasting memories. 

"Our achievements so far are not just a testament to the teams' relentless efforts, but also the unwavering support of the local community. In an industry under threat, we feel this is something to be celebrated."