Staffordshire business owner wins High Sheriff Award for entrepreneurial spirit and ‘uplifting others’
A business owner has been recognised as a ‘remarkable example of British entrepreneurial spirit infused with Midlands charm’ by the West Midlands High Sheriff.
Kyle Raffo, owner of printing and branded merchandise firm, Embello in Tamworth, has been honoured with a High Sheriff’s Award from Douglas Wright MBE.
High Sheriff’s Awards celebrate the work of individuals and organisations across the West Midlands, who have made outstanding contributions to the communities in which they live or work.
The 31-year-old entrepreneur was presented with the award by Mr Wright at a special ceremony at Holy Trinity Parish Church, attended by other award winners, and dignitaries including His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Derrick Anderson CBE, Priest in Charge, Rev’d Canon Becky Stephens, Chaplain to the King, Rev’d Canon Mark Pryce and Lord Mayors and Mayors of all seven boroughs of the West Midlands.
During the ceremony, Kyle was commended for his journey to business success, which began with him selling sweets from the school playground, before being mentored at Dragon’s Den investor Peter Jones’ academy, and founding the leading printing business.
Embello manufactures thousands of items of printed and branded merchandise and workwear from its dedicated facility in Tamworth, serving a variety of customers, including global brands such as Spotify, Costa Coffee, Google, PlayStation, Bentley and Morrisons.
Already this year Embello has won the Tamworth Small Business of the Year award in the Royal Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Tamworth and Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce Awards and was a finalist in the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Excellence in Manufacturing Awards.
Kyle was also a finalist in this year’s West Midlands Leadership Awards.
‘Fostering a new generation of innovators’
As well as ‘entrepreneurial spirit’, High Sheriff Douglas Wright also highlighted Kyle’s impact beyond business, including charity work, mentorship and supporting other start-up businesses.
The award commendation reads: “Kyle’s impact extends beyond business; he moonlights as a paramedic, saving lives while championing mental health awareness.
“He actively supports future entrepreneurs through mentorship programs and internships, fostering a new generation of innovators. Kyle’s story is not just one of personal success, but of uplifting others, making him a powerful role model and a deserving candidate for recognition.”
Delighted to receive the accolade, Kyle said: “I feel really privileged to have been put forward for the High Sheriff’s Award and the lovely comments that went with it. I firmly believe in community and we will always do what we can to support young people at the beginning of their careers, other entrepreneurs, and the charity sector.
“Last year was a very busy one on the business front and it looks like 2025 is going to be the same. Over the past 12 months, we’ve doubled turnover, invested heavily in training and leadership, and are looking to expand to bigger premises again.
“We’re on a mission to reignite British manufacturing, alongside a commitment to eco-friendly branded products, and I think both of these factors have played a key part in our success.
“The triple award shortlistings is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole Embello team. It motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and contributing to the growth of our local community and the wider West Midlands economy.”
