Published by Sue Johns-Chapman
Published Date 26.08.2025 
Author Vicky Critchley, CEO, Truly SMB
This recognition honestly means the world to us. When we started this business, our mission was clear: to make AI and Microsoft technology accessible for small and mid-sized businesses, without all the complexity that usually comes with it. To now have our work recognised on such a big stage is a huge moment for me and for the whole team.
Why I Started Truly SMB
People often ask me, “Why launch another Microsoft partner business after Bam Boom Cloud?” The truth is, I missed it.
I’m a bit of a tech nerd at heart – I studied computer science and I’ve always loved being close to customers and showing them what’s possible with technology. After selling Bam Boom Cloud to Pax8 (global cloud marketplace) in 2022 (and I’ll always say, Pax8 is full of incredible people), I realised I didn’t want to sit back and watch AI transform the world without being part of that journey with SMBs.
So we decided to “go again.”
After acquiring several businesses in the UK and US, we launched Truly SMB because I genuinely believe SMBs risk being left behind on AI. Big businesses are already all over it, while smaller businesses often think it’s too complicated, too expensive, or simply not for them. And that just doesn’t sit right with me.
Our goal is simple: level the playing field so SMBs can access the same tech as the big guys. Whether that’s through Microsoft Copilot, AI-driven automation, or improved security, we want to make those tools easy, affordable, and powerful for growing businesses.
Today, we’ve got a brilliant team of 50 people and over 320 customers across the UK, US, and Canada. And we’re still just getting started!
The Work That Got Us Here
So, what got us shortlisted? It all comes down to innovation and making tech simple for SMBs – and one of the biggest steps in that journey has been Truly Fit.
When we launched Truly SMB, we didn’t just want to be another IT provider. We wanted to give SMBs the same tools and insights big businesses have – but in a way that fits their size, their budget, and their goals.
Truly Fit is our unique assessment tool that benchmarks a business’s digital health across security, collaboration, and AI readiness. It’s not just a report – it’s a clear roadmap to help SMBs understand where they stand today and what steps will make the biggest impact tomorrow.
Why does this matter? Because the world of AI and Microsoft tech is moving so fast that many SMBs don’t even know where to start. Headlines about ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and automation can feel overwhelming. We built Truly Fit to cut through that confusion. It gives businesses confidence by showing them, in plain English, “Here’s where you are. Here’s where you can go. And here’s how we’ll get you there.”
The response has been incredible. Customers love how simple it is, and it’s opened up conversations that lead to real, tangible improvements – whether that’s automating tasks, improving security, or rolling out Copilot to boost productivity.
That’s why this nomination means so much: because it recognises our mission to make cutting-edge tech approachable, useful, and empowering for SMBs everywhere.
What Being Shortlisted Means to Me
Honestly, this nomination is such a proud moment. We’re still a relatively young business, so to get this recognition so soon tells me we’re on the right track.
For me personally, it’s proof that the vision we had – making complex technology simple for SMBs – really resonates. It also reinforces something I’ve always believed: great technology is only powerful if people understand it and trust it.
This isn’t just about winning an award. It’s about amplifying our message so more SMBs realise they can embrace AI and thrive.
Connect with Truly SMB
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