A Ravenshead performing arts academy has been named as a finalist in a national awards scheme celebrating small businesses across the UK.
The Rebecca Lomas Academy of Voice has been shortlisted for the Best Creative Arts Business Award at the UK Small Business Awards.
The academy, founded by professional singer and performing arts teacher Rebecca Lomas, provides singing and drama classes for children in primary schools and communities across Nottinghamshire.
Rebecca, who has more than 22 years of teaching experience, set up the academy to give children of different abilities the opportunity to perform while developing their confidence, creativity and friendships.
She said she was “absolutely over the moon” to learn that the Ravenshead-based academy had made the national shortlist.
Rebecca said: “When I started the academy, I simply wanted to create somewhere children could come along, have fun, make friends and feel confident being themselves.
“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching so many children grow in confidence, from those who were initially too shy to speak in front of others to children now happily getting up on stage and performing.
“Running a small business certainly comes with its challenges, and there’s a huge amount of hard work that goes on behind the scenes, so to receive national recognition really does mean the world to me.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built, my wonderful team of teachers and, most importantly, all the amazing children who make our academy so special. This recognition is for all of them too.”
Rebecca is also a former member of The D-Day Darlings, who reached the semi-finals of ITV talent show Britain’s Got Talent.
A spokesperson for the UK Small Business Awards said the standard of entries for the 2026 awards had been “incredibly high”.
They added: “Each finalist has demonstrated an exceptional level of dedication and achievement, representing the very best of UK small businesses.”
The UK Small Business Awards ceremony will take place at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Saturday, December 19.
Finalists from around the country will attend the event, where the National Top 10 will be revealed on stage.
