Littlechild & Haley has been named UK StartUp Awards National Winner, Professional Services StartUp of the Year 2026, marking a major milestone for the specialist internal audit, risk and assurance consultancy.
The Cardiff-founded business progressed to the national final after first winning the Professional Services category for Wales, before going on to represent the region at the UK national final held during Ideas Fest in September.
Founded in December 2024 by Chartered Internal Auditors Donna Littlechild and Paul Haley, Littlechild & Haley was created with an ambition to do internal audit differently: more people-centred, more forward-looking and more closely aligned with organisational success.
The firm is building its position as an independent specialist in internal audit and assurance, with a senior-led approach centred on strong relationships, practical insight and helping organisations manage risks to success.
Paul Haley, Co-Founder of Littlechild & Haley, said:
“Winning in Wales was a fantastic moment. To then go on and win nationally against outstanding businesses from across the UK is something very special.
“When Donna and I created Littlechild & Haley, we wanted to challenge how internal audit is traditionally done. We believe it should look forward as well as backwards, get on the same page as management and focus relentlessly on helping organisations succeed.
“This award gives us even greater confidence that we’re building something different, relevant and valuable. But we’re only getting started.”
The business has grown rapidly since its launch, securing appointments across multiple sectors and places on major public sector frameworks, including the NHS Internal Audit Framework.
The regional award judging feedback recognised Littlechild & Haley’s focused approach, senior-led expertise, people-centred understanding of governance and organisational performance, early traction and potential to become a trusted assurance partner.
Donna Littlechild, Co-Founder, said:
“We are incredibly proud of what the team has achieved. This national award means a great deal because it recognises not only our growth, but the kind of firm we are trying to build.
“Our clients and relationships are at the heart of Littlechild & Haley. We want internal audit to provide genuine insight, foresight and value, while never losing sight of the fact that it’s all about people.”
For Littlechild & Haley, the national recognition is a milestone rather than a destination.
Paul Haley added:
“Our ambition is clear. We want Littlechild & Haley to become the UK’s leading independent pure-play internal audit specialist. We’re enormously proud to have gone from launching the business to becoming a UK national award winner, but there is much more we want to achieve.”
