The Sheffield Business Awards will be back in 2025!
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After enjoying a delicious three-course meal, the highlight of the evening will begin – the much-anticipated awards presentation, where we will recognise and honour outstanding achievements across our sixteen distinguished categories. After formal proceedings end the night and celebrations will continue until late.
2024 Awards Host
Ben Hanlin
Funny Magician Ben Hanlin has been seen on TV shows all over The World such as, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Celebrity Juice and as a contestant on ITV’s Dancing on Ice (semi finalist).
He first appeared on our screens as the star of his own ITV2 show, “Tricked” which saw him pulling magic pranks on celebrities and members of the public.
Key Dates for your Diary
Applications Open
Coming soon
Applications Close
Coming soon
Shortlist Announced
Coming soon
Awards Ceremony
Coming soon
2024 Award Categories
The awards are open to any business/organisation/team or individual, of any size and any sector, based in Sheffield (or a member of Sheffield Chamber).
The Spirit of Sheffield Award
2024 Award Winner:
Sheffield DocFest
The Spirit of Sheffield Award recognises initiatives that have significantly impacted the city’s reputation on regional, national, and global levels. This award honours individuals and organisations who have genuinely contributed to Sheffield’s growth and success, embodying innovation, entrepreneurship, and community spirit. It celebrates initiatives from the arts, music, film, creative, and marketing industries that have pushed boundaries, challenged conventions, and left a lasting impression on their audience.
An Employer / Individual / Collaboration/ Project / Team / Social Enterprises
- Impact
- Innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Community Spirit
- Lasting Impression
- Rozey Christian, Corporate Communications & PR Manager, BBraun
- Darren Pearce, Centre Director, Meadowhall Limited Partnership
- James O’Hara, CO-Founder and CEO, Rockingham Group
- Nik Hamilton, Investment Team Manager, Sheffield City Council
Sponsored by
The Community Impact Award
2024 Award Winner:
St Vincent De Paul Furniture Project
The Community Impact Award recognises projects that have made a positive impact on the lives of people who live, work, and visit Sheffield. This award celebrates initiatives that have helped to enhance the local community, promoting social inclusion and improving the quality of life for all. It honours individuals and organisations that have made a real difference and contributed to the betterment of Sheffield’s society.
An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprises
- Positive impact
- Community enhancement
- Social inclusion
- Quality of life
- Real difference
- Alicia Hewitt, Secure Power
- Carolynn McConnel, Place Lead – Sheffield, Business in the Communinty
- Terry Murphy, CEO, Sheffield Social Enterprise Network
- Sherry Kothari, Olympic Legacy Park
Sponsored by
The International Trade Champion
2024 Award Winner:
Pricecheck
The International Trade Champion showcases companies that have excelled in global import and export operations while contributing significantly to the Sheffield economy. This award recognises the outstanding achievements of organisations that have expanded their business horizons, forged international partnerships, and demonstrated exceptional expertise in cross-border trade. It honours the vital role that international trade plays in Sheffield’s economic growth and success.
An Employer
- Global import/export operations
- Contribution to Sheffield’s economy
- Business Expansion
- International partnership
- Expertise in cross-border trade
- Manuel Fantin, Export Finance Manager, UK Export Finance
- Karen Greenwood, Senior Underwriter, Newable
- Peter Edwards, Chief Executive, International Trade Forum
- Faaiza Ramji, Principal, OnPurpose
Sponsored by
Outstanding Contribution to Employee Health and Wellbeing
2024 Award Winner:
Jenx
The Outstanding Contribution to Employee Health and Wellbeing Award recognises employers who have implemented successful initiatives and projects to support the physical, mental, and financial health of their employees. This award celebrates the dedication and commitment of organisations that have prioritised the wellbeing of their workforce, and highlights the positive impact this has on their productivity, retention, and job satisfaction.
An Employer
- Chris Bailey, CEO, Sheffield United Community Foundation
- Dave Kneeshaw, Managing Director, Betterminds
- Steven Pleasant MBE, Healthy Lives Adviser, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
- Chris Bailey, Sheffield United Community Foundation
- Dave Kneeshaw, Betterminds
- Steven Pleasant MBE, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
Sponsored by
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Champion
2024 Award Winner:
Business Sheffield
The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Champion recognises initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of an organisation. This award celebrates organisations/teams or individuals that have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability, social justice, and human rights, and have worked to create a culture that celebrates diversity and encourages inclusivity. It honours those who have made significant strides towards a more equal, diverse, and inclusive society, from strategy through to delivery.
An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprises
- Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
- Promotion of sustainability, social justice and/or human rights
- Culture of celebration of inclusivity and diversity
- Strategy through to delivery
- Measurable impact
- Natalie Gasson-McKinley, Policy and Strategy – Senior Manager, British Business Bank
- Sharon Jandu OBE, Founder, Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA)
- Rachel White, People Director, Henry Boot
- Amy Stanbridge, General Council and Company Secretary, Henry Boot
Sponsored by
Outstanding Contribution to Workforce Development
2024 Award Winner:
Dalton Roofing Ltd
The Outstanding Contribution to Workforce Development Award recognises and rewards companies that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to developing a professional development and learning culture within their business. This award celebrates organisations that have invested in the skills, knowledge, and abilities of their workforce, and have made significant contributions to the professional growth and advancement of their employees. It honours those who have created a supportive, nurturing, and empowering environment for their staff.
An Employer
- Evidence of investment in workforce development
- Demonstrable impact on employee development
- Evidence of a learning culture
- Innovation in workforce development
- Alignment with business strategy
- Fiona Fletcher, Opportunuity Sheffield
- Richard Stubbs, Chief Executive Officer, Yorkshire and Humber Academic Health Science Network
- Daniel Lally, Group Director: Business, Enterprise, Skills and Employability, Sheffield Hallam University
- Angela Foulkes, Chief Executive and Principal, The Sheffield College
- Katrina Richie,Head of People, Gripple
Sponsored by
The Environmental Impact Award
2024 Award Winner:
Food Works
The Environmental Impact Award recognises and rewards projects that have demonstrated a strong commitment to managing environmental impact. This award celebrates initiatives that have contributed to reducing carbon footprint, preserving natural resources, and promoting sustainable practices. It honours organisations that have made significant strides towards a more environmentally responsible future and acknowledges their dedication to protecting our planet for future generations.
An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprises
- Commitment to environmental responsibility
- Reduction in carbon footprint
- Preservation of natural resources
- Promotion of sustainable practices
- Impact and scalability
- Louise Needham, Irwin Mitchell
- Sam Chapman, Senior Vice President of Innovation, Co-Founder, The Floow Limited
- Roz Davies, Chief Executive Officer, Green Estates
- Rachel Rothman, Director, Sustainability Centre
Sponsored by
The Brand Campaign of the Year
2024 Award Winner:
St Luke’s Hospice Sheffield
The Brand Campaign of the Year Award is designed to recognize and reward the best brand campaigns that have demonstrated exceptional creativity, innovation, and impact in establishing a strong brand identity, raising brand awareness, and telling a compelling brand story across the city of Sheffield. This award celebrates the brands that have succeeded in resonating with their target audience, generating buzz, and creating a lasting impression. The campaign could be in any medium, from traditional print and broadcast media to digital and social media, and it should have demonstrated a clear understanding of the target audience’s needs and preferences.
An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprises
- Creativity
- Impact
- Strategy
- Execution
- Branding
- Hannah Martin-Singh, B2C Marketing Manager, UniHomes
- Faaiza Ramji, Principal, OnPurpose
- Dan Broadbent, Managing Director, Objective
- Melinda Schofield R, Bauer Media Group
Sponsored by
The Inspirational Leader of the Year
2024 Award Winner:
Rachel Abbott, Cobra Sport
The Inspirational Leader of the Year Award recognises and rewards an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and inspired their team to achieve outstanding results. This award celebrates leaders who have motivated, mentored, and guided their team to success, and have created a positive and supportive work environment. It honours those who have set a high standard of excellence, led by example, and inspired others to follow their lead.
An Individual
- Exceptional leadership skills
- Ability to inspire
- High Standard of excellence
- Communication and collaboration
- Positive impact
- Andy Gates, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
- Lord Blunkett, House of Lords
- Kate Josephs, Sheffield City Council
Sponsored by
The Leading through Innovation Award
2024 Award Winner:
Pendo
The Leading through Innovation Award recognises and rewards projects in the region that have created new products or improved existing ones to meet the needs of their users. This award celebrates organisations that have demonstrated exceptional innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills, and have made significant contributions to their industries. It honours those who have pushed boundaries, challenged conventions, and paved the way for a brighter future.
An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprises
- Innovation
- Creativity
- Problem-solving skills
- Industry impact
- Scalability
- Neil Salter, Wake Smith
- Professor Ashutosh Tiwari, University of Sheffield
- Alex Prince, Sheffield Hallam University
- Mel Kanarek, Sheffield Digital
Sponsored by
Small Organisation of the Year
2024 Award Winner:
The Green Estate CIC
The Small Organisation of the Year Award recognises and rewards companies with a turnover of less than £5 million who have demonstrated exceptional performance, growth, and innovation. This award honours companies of all ages and industries, who have excelled in their field, built a strong reputation, and made a significant contribution to the local economy.
An Employer with a turnover less than £5 million
- Strong performance and growth
- Innovation
- Reputation and credibility
- Contribution to the local economy
- Excellence in business practices
- Rachel Fletcher, Growth Advisor, FCS Associates Ltd
- Dan Shore, Business Relationship Manager, The Start-Up Loans Company
- Bookey Oshin, FD & Deputy Chief Executive, Sheffield Theatres
- Alicia Williams, Genus Director, Shorts
Sponsored by
Medium to Large Organisation of the Year
2024 Award Winners:
STEPS Rehabilitation
The Medium to Large Organisation of the Year Award recognises and rewards companies with more than £5 million who have demonstrated outstanding performance, growth, and innovation. This award honours companies of all industries and ages, who have excelled in their field, built a strong reputation, and made a significant contribution to the local economy.
An Employer with a turnover of over £5 million
- Business performance and growth
- Innovation and creativity
- Employee engagement and wellbeing
- Customer satisfaction and loyalty
- Corporate social responsibility
- Ashley Crookes, Director of Sales, Ogilvie Fleet
- Amy Grey, Chief Financial Officer, Forgemasters
- Victoria Brown, Finacial Director, Kitlocker
Sponsored by
The Collaboration Excellence Award
2024 Award Winner:
Sheffield United Community Foundation
The Collaboration Excellence Award celebrates successful partnerships between two or more organisations that have resulted in a positive impact on the local region. This award acknowledges the importance of collaboration in achieving common goals, creating a better community for all, and evidencing excellence in team collaboration while achieving the desired outcome.
An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprises
- Demonstrated collaboration
- Impact on its community
- Innovation
- Clear communication and partnership
- Sustainability
- Rachel Storey, Sales & Marketing Manager and HR Consultant, Clear Risk Management
- Yasmin Knight, Regional Partnerships Manager, University of Sheffield
- Diane Jarvis, Sheffield Bid
Sponsored by
The Learning Champion of the Year
2024 Award Winner:
Solomon Maragh, OSL Cutting Technologies (Rotabroach)
The Learning Champion of the Year Award recognises and rewards an individual who has made significant progress through an internal or external skills or development programme. This award celebrates those who have demonstrated a strong commitment to continuous learning, personal growth, and professional development. It honours those who have pushed themselves beyond their limits, acquired new knowledge and skills, and inspired others to follow their lead.
An Individual
- Commitment to learning
- Progress and growth
- Inspiration and leadership
- Impact
- Potential growth
- Rachel Topliss, Director of Student Employability Services, The Sheffield College
- Dom Brook, Director, Brook Corporate Developments
- Bill Hilton, Strategic Support Coordinator – Advance, Opportunity Sheffield
- Fliss Miller, Director of Skills, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
Sponsored by
Start-Up Organisation of the Year
2024 Award Winner:
Verticode
The Start-Up Organisation of the Year Award recognises and rewards companies that have shown outstanding performance and growth in their first three years of trading. This award celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of start-ups and honours those who have overcome challenges, seized opportunities, and achieved success.
An Employer / Sole Trade
- Growth and performance
- Innovation and creativity
- Leadership and vision
- Customer focus
- Social responsibility
- Thom Webb, Deputy Managing Director, Advice, Newable Limited
- Peter Hopton, Founder, Ampere.Events
- Ken Nettleship, Business Mentor Community Manager, The University of Sheffield
Sponsored by
The Chamber President’s Special Recognition Award
2024 Award Winner:
Harmony Works
The Chamber President’s Special Recognition Award is a prestigious award selected and presented by the current Sheffield Chamber of Commerce President. This award acknowledges an individual, project, or organisation that holds a special place in the heart of the President and has made a significant impact in Sheffield. The President recognises the contributions made by the recipient, celebrating their dedication to the community and their commitment to making Sheffield a better place to live, work and do business.
This award is not open to online applications and is selected and presented by the current Sheffield Chamber of Commerce president.
Sponsored by
About the organisers
For over 160 years, we have supported, connected and represented businesses of all sizes in Sheffield, our vibrant and innovative city.
Our vision is to make this great city the best place in the UK to start, grow and run a successful and sustainable business. And with the help of our members, we are leading the way in making that a reality.
2024 Event Partners
Organised by:
Headline Sponsor:
Drinks Reception Sponsor
Award Category Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in sponsoring the awards? We have various sponsorship packages available.
Contact us
Have a question?
Contact the Sheffield Chamber team.