Celebrate. Recognise. Showcase. The best of Sheffield.

… at the Sheffield Business Awards 2025.

Now in its 24th year, the event is back to shine a spotlight on the bold innovators, passionate changemakers, and inspiring leaders who continue to shape Sheffield’s vibrant business landscape.

From innovate start-ups to established industry giants, community groups to charities. Join us to celebrate Sheffield — through connection, collaboration, and recognition.

The Event:

  • Thursday, 16th October 2025
  • 6:30 PM – 1:00 AM
  • The Octagon Centre, Sheffield
  • The evenings dress code is black tie

Join us to enjoy a delicious three-course meal and live entertainment, followed by the much-anticipated awards presentation, where we will recognise and honour outstanding achievements across our seventeen distinguished categories.

After formal proceedings end, the night and celebrations will continue until late with live music and dancing.

Due to limited capacity, ticket sales will open on 23rd June 2025 when the shortlist is announced. 

Key 2025 Dates for your Diary

Applications Open

Tuesday, 13th May 2025

Applications Close

Monday, 23rd June 2025 at midnight 

Shortlist Announced & Tickets Open

Wednesday, 30th July 2025

Awards Ceremony

Thursday, 16th October 2025

Award Categories

The awards are open to any business/organisation/team or individual, of any size and any sector, based in Sheffield. The awards are also open to members of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce. 

The Inspirational Leader of the Year

About this award

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.

Who should apply?

An Individual – nominate yourself or a colleague/employee

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Exceptional leadership skills
  2. Ability to inspire
  3. High Standard of excellence
  4. Communication and collaboration
  5. Positive impact
Sponsored by

The Rising Star Award

About this award

The Rising Star of the Year Award celebrates an individual who shines brightly, even in the early stages of their career. This award recognises those who have shown exceptional promise, ambition, and growth within their role, industry, or organisation. It highlights those who are not only developing their own skills and knowledge but are also making a real impact and inspiring those around them. Whether through personal drive, innovation, or leadership potential, this award honours the rising talents of today who are destined to shape the future of business.

Who should apply?

An Individual – nominate yourself or a colleague/employee

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Drive to grow and learn
  2. Progress and achievement
  3. Impact
  4. Potential for their future
Sponsored by

The Spirit of Sheffield Award

About this award

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.

Who should apply?

An Employer / Individual / Collaboration/ Project / Team / Social Enterprises

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Impact
  2. Innovation
  3. Entrepreneurship
  4. Community Spirit
  5. Lasting Impression
Sponsored by

The Environmental Impact Award

About this award

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.

Who should apply?

An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprises

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Commitment to environmental responsibility
  2. Reduction in carbon footprint
  3. Preservation of natural resources
  4. Promotion of sustainable practices
  5. Impact and scalability
Sponsored by

The Community Impact Award

About this award

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.

Who should apply?

An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprises

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Positive impact
  2. Community enhancement
  3. Social inclusion
  4. Quality of life
  5. Real difference
Sponsored by

The Outstanding Contribution to Employee Health and Wellbeing Award

About this award

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.

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Successful initiatives
  2. Dedication to wellbeing
  3. Impact on productivity
  4. Impact on retention
  5. Impact on job satisfaction
Sponsored by

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Champion

About this award

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.

Who should apply?

An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprises

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
  2. Promotion of sustainability, social justice and/or human rights
  3. Culture of celebration of inclusivity and diversity
  4. Strategy through to delivery
  5. Measurable impact


Sponsored by

The Outstanding Contribution to Workforce Development Award

About this award

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.

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Evidence of investment in workforce development
  2. Demonstrable impact on employee development
  3. Evidence of a learning culture
  4. Innovation in workforce development
  5. Alignment with business strategy
Sponsored by

Start-Up Organisation of the Year

About this award

This award recognises and celebrates the achievements of early-stage businesses that are bold, ambitious, and driven by innovation. It honours young companies laying the foundations for future success – whether developing a new product, disrupting an industry, or solving real-world problems in exciting ways. Open to start-ups typically in their first two years of trading, including spinouts and ventures at concept, development, or launch stage.

Who should apply?

This category is open to individuals or businesses that:

  • Are a start-up: a privately operated, independent company typically trading for two years or less
  • Are in the concept, development, or early launch phase
  • Demonstrate clear signs of early progress and momentum
  • Show innovation, creativity, and a strong value proposition
  • Have purposeful leadership and a compelling vision
  • Understand and prioritise their customers or users
  • Consider social, environmental, or community impact

Eligible start-up subgroups include:

  • Bootstrapped start-ups: using personal funds, revenue, or debt to grow
  • Venture-backed start-ups: using equity-based investment to scale
  • Spinouts: companies emerging from universities, research bodies, or parent companies to commercialise expertise or intellectual property


What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Early Progress and Momentum
  2. Innovation and Creativity
  3. Leadership and Vision
  4. Customer Focus
  5. Social Responsibility
Sponsored by

The Brand Campaign of the Year Award

About this award

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.

Who should apply?

An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprise

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Creativity
  2. Impact
  3. Strategy
  4. Execution
  5. Branding
Sponsored by

The International Trade Champion

About this award

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.

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Global import/export operations
  2. Contribution to Sheffield’s economy
  3. Business Expansion
  4. International partnership
  5. Expertise in cross-border trade
Sponsored by

SME Organisation of the Year

About this award

This award recognises and celebrates outstanding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and impact. Open to micro, small, and medium-sized businesses across all sectors, the award honours those that have achieved sustained growth, excelled in their field, and made a meaningful contribution to their local community and economy.

Who should apply?

This category is open to UK-based businesses that meet the Government’s definition of an SME:

  • Fewer than 250 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff
  • Annual turnover of £44 million or less, or a balance sheet total of £38 million or less

SMEs are further categorised as:

  • Micro: Fewer than 10 FTE staff and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of £2 million or less
  • Small: Fewer than 50 FTE staff and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of £10 million or less
  • Medium: Fewer than 250 FTE staff and an annual turnover of £44 million or less, or a balance sheet total of £38 million or less
What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Demonstrate strong performance and consistent growth
  2. Show innovation in their products, services, or business model
  3. Have established a trusted and credible reputation in their industry
  4. Make a clear contribution to the local economy and community
  5. Operate with excellence in leadership, employee engagement, customer service, and sustainable practices
Sponsored by

Large Organisation of the Year

About this award

This award recognises outstanding large businesses that are driving sustained economic impact through strategic growth, innovation, and responsible leadership. Open to UK-based organisations with more than 250 employees and a turnover exceeding £44 million, this award celebrates those operating at scale who continue to evolve, adapt, and deliver long-term value. The category highlights companies that invest in their people, foster innovation, and demonstrate a deep commitment to customer excellence, social responsibility, and community impact.

Who should apply?

UK-based organisations that meet the government definition of a large enterprise:

  • More than 250 employees, and
  • Annual turnover exceeding £44 million, or a balance sheet total exceeding £38 million
What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Clear strategic growth and market leadership
  2. Investment in innovation, infrastructure, or technology
  3. Strong organisational culture and employee wellbeing initiatives
  4. Consistently high standards of customer service and satisfaction
  5. Active contributions to sustainability, ethical practices, and community development


Sponsored by

The Leading through Innovation Award

About this award

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.

Who should apply?

An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprises

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Innovation
  2. Creativity
  3. Problem-solving skills
  4. Industry impact
  5. Scalability
Sponsored by

The Collaboration Excellence Award

About this award

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.

Who should apply?

An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprises

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Demonstrated collaboration
  2. Impact on its community
  3. Innovation
  4. Clear communication and partnership
  5. Sustainability
Sponsored by

The Chamber President’s Special Recognition Award

About this award

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.

Who should apply?

This award is not open to online applications and is selected and presented by the current Sheffield Chamber of Commerce president.

Sponsored by

The People’s Choice Award

About this award

Coming soon

Who should apply?

This award is not open to online applications.

Sponsored by

2025 Event Partners

Organised by:

Headline Sponsor:

Drinks Reception Sponsor

Award Category Sponsors

Interested in sponsorship?

Align your brand with one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the region. This event offers a platform to promote your brand and gain visibility on a local and regional stage, as well as demonstrating your commitment to supporting the growth and prosperity of Sheffield’s economy.

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.