30. Smart Rewards

Founder: Bob Cuthbertson
Website: www.smartrewards.co.uk

A finalist in the 2007 Startups Awards, Bob set up his small business loyalty card venture in 2005. The company gives smaller retailers the chance to sign up to a Nectar Card style system of reward points, helping promote customer loyalty and giving independent shopkeepers an easy way to offer promotional incentives.

Bob started the business with a few thousand in personal savings and a Small Firms Loan Guarantee backed bank loan and is now turning over £100,000 a year.