Xero Awards UK 2025: Winners announced

The Xero Awards winners and finalists for 2025 are...

Small Firm of the Year: Contando

Contando stood out for their clarity of purpose: empowering small charities to thrive by removing financial barriers and freeing them to focus on their mission. What’s remarkable is their tangible impact - helping one charity recover £40,000 that would have been written off, giving trustees greater confidence in their financial management, and saving days of work every quarter through automation. Contando are the perfect example of why it can be such a strong choice for an accountancy practice to focus on a niche sector, as their specialised approach allows them to provide exceptional support to their clients - And their 100% five-star client feedback shows that this isn’t just good accounting, it’s partnership with heart. Finalists: Double Digit, Starfish Accounting, EOG Accounting, Cloud 10 Accounting, Shapes

Contando stood out for their clarity of purpose: empowering small charities to thrive by removing financial barriers and freeing them to focus on their mission. What’s remarkable is their tangible impact - helping one charity recover £40,000 that would have been written off, giving trustees greater confidence in their financial management, and saving days of work every quarter through automation. Contando are the perfect example of why it can be such a strong choice for an accountancy practice to focus on a niche sector, as their specialised approach allows them to provide exceptional support to their clients - And their 100% five-star client feedback shows that this isn’t just good accounting, it’s partnership with heart. Finalists: Double Digit, Starfish Accounting, EOG Accounting, Cloud 10 Accounting, Shapes

Mid-Size Firm of the Year: Thorne Widgery

Thorne Widgery impressed the judges as a traditional firm that has transformed in a truly effective way - investing not just in adoption, but in actually developing and writing code. With 90% of clients now on Xero, they’ve built a service model that blends technology with a deeply personal touch, backed by clear evidence of efficiency gains. They genuinely understand the unique challenges faced by their clients and offer true support to the rural and small business community around them. Dan and the team are generous with their time, working not just to improve their own practice but to transform local industries too, they’re Xero advocates who have a strong voice in the partner community and actively champion small businesses. Finalists: DNA, PJE Accountants & Advisors, DL Accounts, LKA Chartered Accountants

Thorne Widgery impressed the judges as a traditional firm that has transformed in a truly effective way - investing not just in adoption, but in actually developing and writing code. With 90% of clients now on Xero, they’ve built a service model that blends technology with a deeply personal touch, backed by clear evidence of efficiency gains. They genuinely understand the unique challenges faced by their clients and offer true support to the rural and small business community around them. Dan and the team are generous with their time, working not just to improve their own practice but to transform local industries too, they’re Xero advocates who have a strong voice in the partner community and actively champion small businesses. Finalists: DNA, PJE Accountants & Advisors, DL Accounts, LKA Chartered Accountants

Large Firm of the Year: Cottons Group

Cottons stood out with a purpose that goes far beyond numbers. Their human-centric approach to empowering small businesses and championing their team’s careers, helps their clients to reach their full potential and is enabling them to build a vibrant, community-connected brand. Cottons are genuine Xero advocates with a strong voice in the partner community. They’ve embedded Xero into every workflow as they’ve transformed operations, enabling them to boost efficiency, and through real-time data, they’ve shifted from compliance-led services to future-focused advisory. Beyond accounting, they host events and share practical tools that help small businesses face today’s challenges head-on. Finalists: Shorts, HaysMac

Cottons stood out with a purpose that goes far beyond numbers. Their human-centric approach to empowering small businesses and championing their team’s careers, helps their clients to reach their full potential and is enabling them to build a vibrant, community-connected brand. Cottons are genuine Xero advocates with a strong voice in the partner community. They’ve embedded Xero into every workflow as they’ve transformed operations, enabling them to boost efficiency, and through real-time data, they’ve shifted from compliance-led services to future-focused advisory. Beyond accounting, they host events and share practical tools that help small businesses face today’s challenges head-on. Finalists: Shorts, HaysMac

National Partner of the Year: Dains Accountants

Dains stood out with their clear vision and purpose - they do things “The Dains Way”- they put people, platforms and processes at the heart of everything, helping SMEs thrive. By embedding Xero as their core platform, they’ve transformed compliance into insight. They combine scale with personal care and innovation. Their group-wide Xero partnership underpins advisory-led, digitally-enabled services, supported by structured training. And the results speak for themselves - from supporting a £17m business sale with real-time data, to giving family-run farms “life-changing” visibility, to creating affordable software packages that bring cloud tools to businesses of every size. Finalists: AAB, S&W Partners

Dains stood out with their clear vision and purpose - they do things “The Dains Way”- they put people, platforms and processes at the heart of everything, helping SMEs thrive. By embedding Xero as their core platform, they’ve transformed compliance into insight. They combine scale with personal care and innovation. Their group-wide Xero partnership underpins advisory-led, digitally-enabled services, supported by structured training. And the results speak for themselves - from supporting a £17m business sale with real-time data, to giving family-run farms “life-changing” visibility, to creating affordable software packages that bring cloud tools to businesses of every size. Finalists: AAB, S&W Partners

Bookkeeping Partner of the Year: Accountability Edinburgh

Accountability Edinburgh’s passion shines through and they clearly put people and purpose at the heart of everything they do. From empowering small businesses, to nurturing their team with clear career pathways and championing sustainability through B-Corp accreditation, they live their values every day. Accountability Edinburgh are relentless advocates and are a Xero-only practice. They've transformed the way clients engage with their numbers, combining smart use of the ecosystem with dedication to both internal and client education. With an outstanding NPS of 71, a reputation for innovation and care, and 87% of new business coming from referrals, Accountability Edinburgh set the standard. Finalists: Ookkee, Pinpoint Plus, Office Assistants, LJM Bookkeeping

Accountability Edinburgh’s passion shines through and they clearly put people and purpose at the heart of everything they do. From empowering small businesses, to nurturing their team with clear career pathways and championing sustainability through B-Corp accreditation, they live their values every day. Accountability Edinburgh are relentless advocates and are a Xero-only practice. They've transformed the way clients engage with their numbers, combining smart use of the ecosystem with dedication to both internal and client education. With an outstanding NPS of 71, a reputation for innovation and care, and 87% of new business coming from referrals, Accountability Edinburgh set the standard. Finalists: Ookkee, Pinpoint Plus, Office Assistants, LJM Bookkeeping

Total Xero Award: Thorne Widgery

Thorne Widgery are leading the way and really have built Xero into the very DNA of their firm. From Workpapers to Practice Manager, from Xero Pay to Hubdoc, they use every tool to its fullest potential. And they go even further - by developing their own apps, creating bespoke integrations, and saving clients thousands while delivering game-changing efficiency. They use Xero not just as software, but as a springboard for smarter advice, closer client relationships, and a whole new level of service. They’ve created their own help centre and have dedicated Xero training and support teams. Sam and Daniel have regularly taken the stage at Xero roadshows, spoken on webinars, contributed to XPAC, and shared their Xero expertise across social. Ultimately, Thorne Widgery don’t just use Xero - they champion it, push its boundaries, and set the standard for what’s possible. Well done, and thank you!! Finalists: Cloud Accounting Support Services, Prevail Accountancy, DNA, TNG

Thorne Widgery are leading the way and really have built Xero into the very DNA of their firm. From Workpapers to Practice Manager, from Xero Pay to Hubdoc, they use every tool to its fullest potential. And they go even further - by developing their own apps, creating bespoke integrations, and saving clients thousands while delivering game-changing efficiency. They use Xero not just as software, but as a springboard for smarter advice, closer client relationships, and a whole new level of service. They’ve created their own help centre and have dedicated Xero training and support teams. Sam and Daniel have regularly taken the stage at Xero roadshows, spoken on webinars, contributed to XPAC, and shared their Xero expertise across social. Ultimately, Thorne Widgery don’t just use Xero - they champion it, push its boundaries, and set the standard for what’s possible. Well done, and thank you!! Finalists: Cloud Accounting Support Services, Prevail Accountancy, DNA, TNG

Client Champion of the Year: Accountability Edinburgh

Accountability Edinburgh put clients at the very centre of everything they do. They specialise in tackling complex financial process challenges that others avoid, taking time to deeply understand each business before designing tailored solutions and assigning a dedicated team. Their client-first approach goes beyond fixing problems - it’s about building confidence and financial literacy, streamlining workflows, and giving back the gift of time. They don’t just implement - they educate, with training events, bespoke resources, and ongoing support that empowers clients long after setup. With glowing feedback praising their speed, knowledge and human touch, Accountability Edinburgh prove that the winning combination of expertise and empathy can transform the way small businesses experience accounting. Finalists: DNA, Simplex Accounting, Cloud Accounting Support Services, Onside Accounting

Accountability Edinburgh put clients at the very centre of everything they do. They specialise in tackling complex financial process challenges that others avoid, taking time to deeply understand each business before designing tailored solutions and assigning a dedicated team. Their client-first approach goes beyond fixing problems - it’s about building confidence and financial literacy, streamlining workflows, and giving back the gift of time. They don’t just implement - they educate, with training events, bespoke resources, and ongoing support that empowers clients long after setup. With glowing feedback praising their speed, knowledge and human touch, Accountability Edinburgh prove that the winning combination of expertise and empathy can transform the way small businesses experience accounting. Finalists: DNA, Simplex Accounting, Cloud Accounting Support Services, Onside Accounting

Community Impact Award: Double Digit

Double Digit stood out for turning bookkeeping into a true force for good. Born from a deeply personal journey, their focus has been on supporting neurodivergent business owners, and their work has been transforming the way ADHD, autistic and dyslexic business owners experience finance - replacing shame and overwhelm with confidence and control. Their impact and glowing client feedback speaks volumes: stabilising struggling businesses, giving clients renewed confidence, and securing a game-changing £45,000 BBC Children in Need grant for the Hope Charity Project. Double Digit proves that by blending empathy with expertise, they’re not just balancing numbers - they’re making a real difference. Finalists: Thorne Widgery, Celtic Bookkeeping and Accountancy Services, Ascentant Accountancy, Think Smart Accounts

Double Digit stood out for turning bookkeeping into a true force for good. Born from a deeply personal journey, their focus has been on supporting neurodivergent business owners, and their work has been transforming the way ADHD, autistic and dyslexic business owners experience finance - replacing shame and overwhelm with confidence and control. Their impact and glowing client feedback speaks volumes: stabilising struggling businesses, giving clients renewed confidence, and securing a game-changing £45,000 BBC Children in Need grant for the Hope Charity Project. Double Digit proves that by blending empathy with expertise, they’re not just balancing numbers - they’re making a real difference. Finalists: Thorne Widgery, Celtic Bookkeeping and Accountancy Services, Ascentant Accountancy, Think Smart Accounts

Environmental Impact Award: Thrive

From embedding Net Zero advisory into their core services, to funding over 250,000 trees as part of their Million Tree Pledge, Thrive shows how purpose and profit can fuel one another. Their B Corp ethos and partnerships with Xero, ACCA, and Accountex amplify their message far beyond their small (but mighty) team, proving that even a small “green pebble” can create ripples of systemic change. What sets Thrive apart is the scale of influence they’ve achieved. They’ve inspired peers and clients alike to pursue B Corp certification, adopt sustainable practices, and rethink their own professional responsibilities. Their leadership has reached thousands of accountants through events and podcasts, and positioned sustainability as a core business strategy, not just a compliance exercise. Finalists: Beach Accountants, Makesworth Accountants

From embedding Net Zero advisory into their core services, to funding over 250,000 trees as part of their Million Tree Pledge, Thrive shows how purpose and profit can fuel one another. Their B Corp ethos and partnerships with Xero, ACCA, and Accountex amplify their message far beyond their small (but mighty) team, proving that even a small “green pebble” can create ripples of systemic change. What sets Thrive apart is the scale of influence they’ve achieved. They’ve inspired peers and clients alike to pursue B Corp certification, adopt sustainable practices, and rethink their own professional responsibilities. Their leadership has reached thousands of accountants through events and podcasts, and positioned sustainability as a core business strategy, not just a compliance exercise. Finalists: Beach Accountants, Makesworth Accountants

Rising Star of the Year: Grace Hardy, Hardy Accounting

Grace started her journey through an untraditional route, she became a qualified accountant at just 20 and launched Hardy Accounting by 21. Carving her own path, she’s transformed perceived challenges that come with neurodiversity into unique strengths. Reaching over 4 million people monthly across social, and launching a podcast that hit 100,000 listeners in its first 10 episodes - She’s harnessing these platforms not just to build followers, but to “do good” - breaking down barriers, inspiring underrepresented groups, and tackling industry issues head-on. The judges were not only blown away by her business achievements so far, but by her ambition to drive policy change and transform the industry. Grace is a trailblazer and absolutely one to watch. Finalists: Amy Coward, Cloud 10 Accounting, Alexandra Ross, Ramsay Brown LLP

Grace started her journey through an untraditional route, she became a qualified accountant at just 20 and launched Hardy Accounting by 21. Carving her own path, she’s transformed perceived challenges that come with neurodiversity into unique strengths. Reaching over 4 million people monthly across social, and launching a podcast that hit 100,000 listeners in its first 10 episodes - She’s harnessing these platforms not just to build followers, but to “do good” - breaking down barriers, inspiring underrepresented groups, and tackling industry issues head-on. The judges were not only blown away by her business achievements so far, but by her ambition to drive policy change and transform the industry. Grace is a trailblazer and absolutely one to watch. Finalists: Amy Coward, Cloud 10 Accounting, Alexandra Ross, Ramsay Brown LLP

Most Valued Professional (MVP): Emma Reid - Partner, Cottons Group

Emma is receiving this award for so many reasons - not least for the incredible time and energy she dedicates to helping Xero continually improve, without ever expecting anything in return. She’s the first to put her hand up to pilot new products and updates like Xero Tax and Syft. She’s even run pilots with her own clients, knowing full well the products weren’t perfect yet, purely so she could give us the feedback we needed to make them better. Emma regularly shares her journey as a case study, taking the time to walk others through what she’s learned along the way. What truly stands out, though, is Emma’s belief in the power of community. She’s passionate about helping others - openly sharing her experiences, why she switched to Xero, how she did it, and what she’s learned (the good, the bad, and the ugly). In an industry where competition often takes centre stage, her willingness to lift others up is rare and inspiring. And it’s not just the big, visible contributions; Emma also quietly supports us in countless small ways - sending through thoughtful feedback and showing up to our events. Her dedication to her team, her care for nurturing junior talent, and her constant drive for progress are values that resonate deeply with Xero. Emma is passionate about her profession, thoughtful and strategic, she gets things done - and she does it all with a smile. For this category, nominees were selected and voted for internally by a Xero judging panel.

Emma is receiving this award for so many reasons - not least for the incredible time and energy she dedicates to helping Xero continually improve, without ever expecting anything in return. She’s the first to put her hand up to pilot new products and updates like Xero Tax and Syft. She’s even run pilots with her own clients, knowing full well the products weren’t perfect yet, purely so she could give us the feedback we needed to make them better. Emma regularly shares her journey as a case study, taking the time to walk others through what she’s learned along the way. What truly stands out, though, is Emma’s belief in the power of community. She’s passionate about helping others - openly sharing her experiences, why she switched to Xero, how she did it, and what she’s learned (the good, the bad, and the ugly). In an industry where competition often takes centre stage, her willingness to lift others up is rare and inspiring. And it’s not just the big, visible contributions; Emma also quietly supports us in countless small ways - sending through thoughtful feedback and showing up to our events. Her dedication to her team, her care for nurturing junior talent, and her constant drive for progress are values that resonate deeply with Xero. Emma is passionate about her profession, thoughtful and strategic, she gets things done - and she does it all with a smile. For this category, nominees were selected and voted for internally by a Xero judging panel.