Nick Hewer – Retired British television presenter, company director and former public relations consultant.

Star of TV’s The Apprentice Nick Hewer has once again agreed to head up the judging panel for this year’s Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards. Nick’s PR company first represented Amstrad in the 1980s, and Nick built a long working relationship and friendship with Alan Sugar, who eventually asked him to sit alongside him on The Apprentice.

Stuart Branch – MBA Chartered Fellow CIPD – Executive Board Director at Weetabix

Stuart has over 10 years of executive-level experience across various sectors, including hospitality, retail, financial services and manufacturing. His customer-centric and commercially focused approach is well-suited for the fast-paced FMCG industry. Currently, he oversees the organisation and effectiveness of people, systems, technology, culture and performance at The Weetabix Food Company. Stuart is dedicated to making Weetabix a great, safe and effective workplace while being mindful of environmental and community responsibilities.

Before joining Weetabix in 2012, Stuart held several key positions, including European HR and Customer Services Director at Masco Corporation, Interim HR Director at Thomas Cook, and Group OD Director at Boots PLC. He believes that HR, IT and EHS teams add significant value through support services and business partnerships.

Stuart lives in Silverstone with his wife, Christine, and their twin daughters, Megan and Sarah. He is also an avid fundraiser and enjoys participating in triathlons, swimming and endurance sports.

David Thomson – CEO and founder of Suada.

David is the CEO and founder of Suada, an innovative Learning Experience Platform (LXP) designed to revolutionise how people learn, retain, and apply knowledge. Unlike traditional learning management systems, Suada focuses on long-term retention, using a unique teach-back methodology proven to enhance understanding and recall. A master of sales and influence, David built and sold a multi-million-pound business by applying the very principles Suada now teaches.

He has trained thousands of professionals in persuasion, negotiation, and high-performance sales techniques, making him a sought-after expert in the field. He is one of only 6 trainers worldwide personally trained by Dr. Robert Cialdini to teach the Principles of Persuasion (POP) workshop. Despite struggling with dyslexia, his life changed when he discovered the power of structured learning. Suada is the culmination of his experience, designed to ensure learners don’t just consume content, but truly master and apply their skills for lasting success.

Debbie Dymock – Registered Career Development Practitioner and founder of Northamptonshire Careers

Debbie is the founder and owner of Northamptonshire Careers and as a multi-award-winning CV Writer and Career Development Practitioner, works with educational establishments and professional organisations across the UK to support career education.

With qualifications in Adult Education and Career Guidance & Development and being a founding board member of the British Association of CV Writers, Debbie works with senior leaders in both business and education delivering a range of consultative services and building a business with a reputation for positivity, empathy, friendliness and success.

Debbie is involved with Wellingborough schools as a governor and an Enterprise Advisor providing strategic support in school policy and governance as well as bridging the gap between career education and the world of business.

She has a keen interest in developing the future talent pipeline for the careers sector and works with the Career Development Institute as an Assessor for the level 6 Career Leaders and Career Guidance & Development qualifications.

Pippa Walsh – Business Development Manager at Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company

With over two decades of experience in the hospitality and beer industry, Pippa has built a distinguished career centred on delivering excellence in customer experience, brand growth and operational leadership. Having spent a significant portion of this journey with Carlsberg, one of the world’s leading breweries, she’s played a key role in shaping the brands presence in her home town of Northampton, fostering strategic partnerships and driving performance. When she’s not in pubs, restaurants and stadiums talking beer, she enjoys travel, adventure and outdoor pursuits with her husband Mark and son Zach.