Howe To Consultancy joins The Class Business Awards 2026 as Strategic Partnership Award Sponsor

There are some people you meet and immediately think, yes. This is exactly the kind of energy this sector needs.

That’s how I felt sitting down with Bex Howe, founder of Howe To Consultancy, for the Class Business Podcast. And it’s why I’m proud to announce that Bex is an official partner of The Class Business Awards 2026, sponsoring the Strategic Partnership Award.

Bex’s work is rooted in leadership, inclusion, and the kind of human connection that actually changes what happens in classrooms, staff rooms, and communities. She doesn’t do surface-level development. She builds from the inside out.

Rooted in Purpose

As Bex puts it, her work is “completely rooted in purpose, inclusion, and that authentic human connection”. She creates and delivers bespoke developmental programmes and resources “that are all about the individual and the team”, and importantly, “each of the programmes or the training that I deliver starts where the person is or where the team are”.

That matters. Especially in this sector.

Because the reality is, most class business owners are running on heart, talent and effort, but without the support structures that make growth feel sustainable. And partnerships, done well, can be one of the strongest support structures you’ll ever build.

Bex didn’t come into sponsorship casually. She shared that becoming a sponsor was part of her wider visibility strategy, but The Class Business Awards stood out because of the purpose behind it.

“Because yours was focused on people, children and schools, I kind of read about you”, she said, and after reaching out, “it just felt right”.

Why the Class Business Awards

And this is the line that really sums up what we’re building with these Awards:

“Your awards are all about people. They’re not about trophies… they’re about the opportunity to celebrate but also learn from each other and to be in rooms with a whole group of amazing people that can’t help but motivate you and just give you that buzz and make you feel that, do you know what, I can do this.”

That is exactly the point.

Yes, the Awards night matters. Yes, the winners matter. But the bigger mission is the year-long visibility, the confidence boost, and the relationships that come from being in the right rooms with the right people.

For Bex, sponsoring the Strategic Partnership Award is a perfect fit because, in her words, “strategy is everything. It’s the starting point of your adventure.”

She also spoke honestly about why strategy matters when you’re a creative person with lots of ideas.

“I can have loads and loads of ideas but sometimes they don’t happen, they don’t become anything. So that strategy keeps me focused and stops me getting carried away in my own little world.”

If you’ve ever felt pulled in ten directions, started a hundred things, and wondered why nothing feels properly rooted, you’ll know how real that is.

The Importance of Building Partnerships

And when it comes to building partnerships specifically, Bex’s advice is grounded and refreshing. She’s clear that not every connection is worth your time and energy.

“In terms of investing that time into building those partnerships, they’ve got to be the right ones. You’ve got to know why you’re building that partnership.”

And she brings it back to what real partnership should look like:

“It’s always about mutually beneficial relationships. What can you give to them, but also what can they give to you because we all grow together.”

She also reminds us that partnership is not a quick win.

“Really accept that like any worthwhile friendship, it’s going to take time. And it’s a little and often because then from that comes that meaningful work.”

Watch the full interview

That is why Bex is the right sponsor for this category. She understands that sustainable growth is built on clarity, trust and relationships, not noise and hustle.

“Sponsoring the Strategic Business Category provides me with an opportunity to champion people, purpose, and possibility. It’s a privilege to celebrate organisations who are creating meaningful impact, leading with integrity, and making a difference in the communities they serve.”

I’m delighted to welcome Howe To Consultancy into The Class Business Awards 2026 partner community, and I can’t wait to see the partnerships this category helps to spark across the sector.

You can watch Krissy’s full interview with Bex on the Class Business Podcast on YouTube.