Laceeze, based in Ringwood, has been ranked 33rd in the Elite Business 100 (EB100) list, following their recent appearance on BBC’s Dragon’s Den.

The company will be recognised at an awards evening in St Paul’s, London on March 12 and will be featured in the EB100 digital guide and online directory, which reaches over half a million people.

The EB100 ranks firms on various criteria, including community engagement, innovation, and growth.

The list highlights businesses that excel in the SME community and demonstrates their commitment to a thriving entrepreneurial culture in the UK.

Laceeze, a small family-run business, aims to transform children’s grassroots sports.

The founders expressed pride in providing a leading range of products and being acknowledged as a top 100 UK business.

Simon Squibb, founder of HelpBnk, said: “Being part of the Elite Business 100 judging panel has been an incredible opportunity to witness first-hand the passion and innovation driving the UK’s SME sector. It’s inspiring seeing so many entrepreneurs turning their visions into reality.”

Scott English, brand director of Elite Business, said: “Laceeze is an innovator in the UK’s SME scene and has earned its well-deserved recognition from the Elite Business 100. This distinguished list spotlights the premier SMEs within the UK.”

Emma Burke, Laceeze and Defiance Clothing, founder, said: “I was delighted to find out that we had been nominated for the #EB100 list and then thrilled to find out that we made into the top 50! SMEs are the lifeblood of the UK economy.

“So recognition for Lazeece & Defiance Clothing on this level has been both humbling and inspiring as we enter the next phase of our business journey.”

The competition saw a significant rise in applicants this year, and judges were impressed by the sales and growth figures, community spirit, and the overall high standard of entries.

This recognition comes at a challenging time for SMEs in the UK and serves as a boost for the Laceeze team.