Nicky Halliday (alumni) and Rachel Hayward
A business of one can still play a big game, and Ask the Chameleon’s founder has another award to prove it!
Rachel Hayward, founder and Managing Director of Ask the Chameleon, has been named Alumni Business Person of the Year 2026 at the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
The awards ceremony, held on 3 September at the University’s Catalyst building, brought together more than 360 guests to celebrate outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals across Staffordshire.
With 225 entries across the awards, judged by a panel of 19, it was a competitive evening. For Rachel, a former University of Staffordshire student, receiving recognition from the institution that helped shape her career made the achievement particularly special.
From redundancy to award-winning entrepreneur
Rachel established Ask the Chameleon in 2015 following redundancy, drawing on her experience in HR, education and business support to help organisations navigate the often complicated world of tenders, grants and business awards.
More than ten years later, the Midlands-based consultancy has helped businesses, charities and other organisations secure almost £200 million in contracts and funding, including more than £4.6 million in charitable grants.
And she’s achieved this while deliberately remaining a business of one.
Rachel’s approach has always been to help smaller organisations compete for opportunities they might otherwise consider beyond their reach. From ambitious SMEs bidding for major contracts to charities seeking funding for vital community projects, her work is about helping others achieve more.
A business of one can still play a big game
The Staffordshire award is Rachel’s second major business recognition of 2026, following her success as Solopreneur of the Year at the Best SME Awards.
Both awards recognise the contribution that smaller businesses and individual entrepreneurs make to the wider economy.
Reflecting on her latest achievement, Rachel said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to receive this award, particularly from a university that played a part in my own journey.
“When I started Ask the Chameleon, I didn’t have a grand plan to build an award-winning business. I just knew I had skills that could help other businesses succeed, and I was prepared to give it a go.
“Ten years on, I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved, but even more proud of the successes I’ve helped my clients secure.
“I’ve always believed that a business of one can still play a big game. Being small doesn’t mean you can’t be ambitious, make an impact or compete with much larger organisations.”
Ready is overrated
Rachel’s career has taken several unexpected turns, from HR and lecturing to establishing her own consultancy. That experience has helped shape her approach to business and her willingness to embrace new challenges.
One of her favourite sayings is “Ready is overrated.”
It’s a philosophy that has served her well, encouraging her to take opportunities, learn new skills and challenge the idea that everything needs to be perfectly planned before taking the first step.
Receiving the Alumni Business Person of the Year award is another milestone in a business journey that began with an unexpected change in circumstances and has grown into an award-winning consultancy.
Rachel added:
“These awards are a wonderful reminder of how far I’ve come, but there’s still plenty more I want to achieve. A huge thank you to the University of Staffordshire, the judges and, of course, the clients who continue to put their trust in me.”
A business of one can still play a big game. And Rachel certainly isn’t finished playing yet!