A Calne vehicle valeting and detailing business is celebrating after winning two national awards in its first year.
Back to Fresh Ltd, founded by Chris Smith, has been named Rising Star in Professional Detailing - Wiltshire and has also received the Customer Service Excellence Award in the SME News UK Enterprise Awards 2026.
The business provides premium mobile vehicle valeting and detailing services across Calne and the surrounding area, carrying out everything from maintenance valets and pet hair removal to engine detailing, waxing and polishing, ceramic coatings and custom number plates.
Chris said he was shocked when he found out he had won. "Honestly, I couldn't believe it. Being selected and recognised in the first year was enough. Then being told I had won two awards was just amazing. I felt proud and honoured to accept the awards."
He hopes the recognition will help the business continue to grow. "This being my first business means the world to me. Having someone independent approach you and tell you they think you're good enough to win not one but two awards has given me even more motivation to grow the business.
"I hope it gives us more visibility across Calne and Wiltshire and helps us grow faster. This is just the start for Back to Fresh. I have big plans to help push the industry into a more environmentally responsible direction. If all goes to plan, we could become the first certified eco-responsible detailing business in the country, and that's what excites me."
Looking back on his first year, Chris said getting the business established had been his biggest challenge.
"My biggest challenge has been organic growth, getting the business seen and finding customers. I knew it would be difficult, but it's been much harder than I anticipated."
One of his proudest achievements has been becoming an International Detailing Association (IDA) Certified Detailer with Skills Validated (CD-SV).
"I've never wanted to offer anything without formal training and qualifications, even if they're not required. It sets us apart and tells my customers I'm serious about what I offer and how I complete every job.
"Out of all the valeting and detailing companies in Wiltshire, there are only two IDA members and Back to Fresh is one of them."
Chris also thanked the customers who have supported the business since it launched. "A massive thank you. Most of my customers know what I'm trying to build and they've really supported it.
"Every customer's car almost becomes mine and I treat each one as if it were my own. If I'm not happy with the finish, why should I expect them to be?"
The awards aren't the only milestone for the business this year. Chris has also been selected as one of just 12 detailers worldwide to take part in the first International Detailing Association (IDA) Global Mentorship Programme.
The 26-week programme begins in October and covers business development, leadership, operations, sales, marketing and business growth, with mentoring from experienced detailing professionals from around the world.
Chris said: "To be chosen for something this exclusive is surreal. I'm excited, grateful and ready to learn from some of the most experienced leaders in our industry.
"Building Back to Fresh from scratch, earning my UKDA Level 1, becoming an IDA Member and Certified Detailer with Skills Validated status, along with gaining Labocosmetica accreditation, has all led to this next step.
"The goal is to keep learning, keep improving and build an even better Back to Fresh."
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