Service Business of the Year 2015: Meet the finalists A hugely popular category for obvious reasons, but which companies made it through to compete for the title of the UK's best service-based start-up? Written by The Startups Team Published on October 12, 2015 Our experts We are a team of writers, experimenters and researchers providing you with the best advice with zero bias or partiality. Written and reviewed by: The Startups Team The services sector dominates the UK economy, contributing close to 80% of the nation’s GDP, so identifying a small group of stellar start-ups for the Service Business of the Year category was never going to be simple.From agencies to software as a service, marketplaces to consultancies, the category sponsored by accountancy software provider Big Red Cloud, boasts a wealth of possibilities when it comes to high-quality entrants. According to Marc O’Dwyer, CEO of Big Red Cloud: “We are so impressed by the calibre of this year’s finalists and are looking forward to helping choose a winner – I’m sure it will be a tough decision!”’Always popular, our six finalists have already achieved something reaching this stage, all showing enviable growth rates to match their no doubt peerless service provision. ForrestBrownThe R&D tax credit consultancy which wants to help innovative businesses grow by assisting them in navigating the government’s R&D tax credit scheme. It has already helped companies recover over £9.5m with a 100% success rate on claims submitted.View the full profile here.Gate OneA specialist business transformation consultancy which looks to add measurable value in increased revenue, improved customer satisfaction or reduced costs. Revenue is already in the millions and it prides itself on providing a focused, tailored approach.View the full profile here.Much Better AdventuresAn online marketplace for tailor-made adventure and activity holidays. Users fill out one form and it then shares details with local and independent businesses who pitch bespoke deals; a proposition which attracted investment from the Nokia Snake creators.View the full profile here.HousekeepThe online booking platform for professional home cleaners. Along with secure key collection, tracking and a £2m insurance policy, the company ensures the same cleaner is sent every time to your home to ensure a regular and reliable service.View the full profile here.LOVESPACEBy-the-box storage company founded by Streetcar co-founder Brett Akker and run by Steve Folwell which collects and returns your items straight to your door. In 2014, the business closed £1.6m crowdfunding with backing from 259 investors.View the full profile here.Roc TechnologiesManaged IT services provider which works with some of the biggest names in the private and public sector. Helping to “transform” business processes, IT project delivery and technology, the start-up already employs 350 staff and has outperformed competitors.View the full profile here. Share this post facebook twitter linkedin Written by: The Startups Team