Local CEO and Businesses Shortlisted for Prestigious Great British Business Awards
 
Swindon entrepreneur Rob Firmin, CEO of The Guardians Group Limited, has been shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Business Awards 2025.
 
Alongside this personal recognition, one of his companies, Bespoke Guardians, has also been nominated and shortlisted as SME of the Year – a testament to the growth and impact of the business within the local community and beyond.
 
Rob is the driving force behind several well-known Swindon businesses, including The Vault, Honky Tonk, Sunbeam Clothing, and as co-owner of the Swindon Wildcats Ice Hockey Team.
 
Statement from Rob Firmin
 
Speaking about the nominations, Rob said:
 
“I’m immensely proud to have been shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year, and for Bespoke Guardians to be recognised as SME of the Year. For someone like me – a simple bloke who served 12 years in the infantry and has no formal business qualifications – this is beyond anything I ever imagined. None of this would have been possible without the dedication and hard work of every single member of our team. These nominations are as much theirs as they are mine.”
 
Recognition of Local Achievement
 
The Great British Business Awards celebrate the very best in business talent across the country. For Swindon to be represented on a national stage is a huge achievement and reflects the town’s entrepreneurial spirit.
 
The winners will be announced on Friday 26th September in Slough, where business leaders from across the UK will gather to celebrate excellence and innovation