2025: A Year of Awards and Achievements for SBR
Published date: 23 Dec 2025
This year has been nothing short of extraordinary for Southbourne Rubber. From industry recognition to community impact, 2025 has showcased our commitment to excellence, innovation and people.
Our year in review:
April – Portsmouth Business Awards
We kicked off the year with a proud moment at the Portsmouth Business Awards, where SBR was awarded Highly Commended Business of the Year. This accolade reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team.
We kicked off the year with a proud moment at the Portsmouth Business Awards, where SBR was awarded Highly Commended Business of the Year. This accolade reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team.
October – Apprenticeship & Skills Recognition
October brought even more success at the South East Region Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025. SBR was named Regional Winner in the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT – SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year category.
October brought even more success at the South East Region Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025. SBR was named Regional Winner in the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT – SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year category.
Adding to the celebration, our talented Quality Systems Engineer, Sam G, received Regional Highly Commended in the British Army Higher Apprentice of the Year category. These awards highlight our passion for nurturing talent and investing in future leaders.
Platinum Status at The 5% Club Skills Summit
Our Managing Director, Stephen Wilde, attended the 5% Club Skills Summit in London, where SBR was awarded Platinum Status. This honour recognises our outstanding commitment to employing and developing apprentices - a core part of our business ethos.
Our Managing Director, Stephen Wilde, attended the 5% Club Skills Summit in London, where SBR was awarded Platinum Status. This honour recognises our outstanding commitment to employing and developing apprentices - a core part of our business ethos.
November – Entrepreneurial Excellence & SME Recognition
In November, we were thrilled to be finalists at The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Established Business of the Year category.
We also celebrated winning Gold at the SME Business Awards 2025, securing the South East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (SEAAN) Apprentice Employer of the Year title.
Championing Apprenticeships Beyond Awards
Our dedication to apprenticeships goes beyond accolades. Stephen Wilde proudly became an Apprentice Ambassador for SEAAN, attending their prestigious conference at The Oval earlier this year. His role strengthens our voice in shaping the future of skills development.
Thought Leadership in Print
2025 also marked a new chapter for Stephen Wilde as an author. He published two influential books for industry:
- Growing and Retaining Apprentices for SMEs – A practical guide to help businesses attract, develop and retain young talent.
- Turnaround – The inspiring story of how Stephen transformed Southbourne Rubber from a struggling enterprise into the thriving, multi-million-pound business it is today.