crdone, a Bedford-based digital growth agency, has been selected as a finalist in the Business of the Year (Less Than 50 Employees) and High Growth Business of the Year categories at the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards 2026.
The nomination reflects what has been a positive twelve months for the agency, characterised by solid growth and an unwavering commitment to producing results that matter to its clients.
Set up by Carl Darnell, crdone has developed a strong reputation for focusing on how well marketing activity performs, rather than simply doing more of it. The agency works alongside its clients to build coherent strategies, test performance on an ongoing basis, and direct resources towards whatever is most likely to generate meaningful impact.
Being shortlisted across two categories highlights both the momentum the agency has built and how well its methodology is working in practice. Over the course of the last year, crdone has continued to develop its approach to digital growth, guided by a commitment to honest communication, achievable goals, and continuous performance improvement.
Organised by the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards shine a light on businesses that have shown genuine performance, sustainable development, and a positive contribution to the local economy. Finalists are those who can demonstrate tangible results from the previous year.
Making it through to the finals places crdone alongside a small number of businesses that are being recognised for the strides they have made and the contribution they have provided to the region.
Carl Darnell, Founder of crdone, said: “It’s been a strong year for us, but more importantly for our clients. We’ve focused on delivering better outcomes, not just more activity, and that’s what has driven our growth. We test. We measure. We learn. We adapt. Being recognised in both categories is a great result for the team.”
The winners will be revealed at an awards evening on Thursday, 18 June 2026 at The Marquee Bedford, an occasion that will draw together businesses from across Bedfordshire to celebrate the region’s commercial success.
