Two Big Nominations for Ace Places! Here's Why We're Delighted

We’re absolutely over the moon to be shortlisted for not one, but two Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards: Most Promising New Business and Excellence in Innovation.

While we’re still shuffling our cards in disbelief, we thought we’d share why these nominations mean the world – and why we think we’re a strong contender for both.

🃏 Most Promising New Business

In a couple of years, we’ve turned a one-town idea into a multi-town movement. Over 12,500 card packs have flown off the shelves in Henley and Marlow, raising more than £2,200 for brilliant local charities along the way.

But that’s just the beginning. Our franchise model is ready to roll out nationwide, empowering local leaders to launch their own packs while keeping the heart of the idea intact: celebrating what makes each place unique.

And the best bit? Our model works for everyone – it supports small businesses, sparks community pride, and gives people a keepsake they’ll actually want to use and share.

💡 Excellence in Innovation

Ace Places is what happens when creativity, community and a dash of play come together. We’ve taken a humble deck of playing cards and transformed it into a discovery tool, a mini marketing platform, and a love letter to local life.

At a time when most marketing is digital and disposable, we’ve gone delightfully analogue – and it’s working. Our cards are screen-free, joy-filled, and made to be kept. Printed sustainably in the UK, they’re thoughtful, tangible, and genuinely useful.

It’s innovation, yes – but with heart. And that’s what we’re proudest of.

🤞 What’s Next?

We’re now dreaming up new towns, talking with national partners like the National Trust and RHS, and getting our franchise plans into the hands of passionate people across the UK.

Wherever this journey goes, we’re just glad to be doing it with such brilliant businesses, supporters and communities by our side. Thanks for being part of the pack!