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:
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 in early August when the shortlist is announced.
Event Host
Chris Cox
Chris Cox is a multi award winning mind reader who has played to over one million people headlining shows on Broadway, London’s West End and The Sydney Opera House. He’s the star of his own BBC Series ‘Chris Cox’s Mind Boggling Magic’ and BBC Three’s ‘Killer Magic.’ The Guardian say he’s ‘One of the most exciting entertainers in Britain’ while The New York Times think he’s ‘A hyperactive Harry Potter who knows what you’re thinking.’ However Chris is far too modest to put those quotes in his biography.
Key 2025 Dates for your Diary
Applications Open
Tuesday, 13th May 2025
Applications Close
Monday, 23rd June 2025 at midnight
Shortlist Announced & Tickets Open
Early August
Awards Ceremony
Thursday, 16th October 2025
Applications are now closed
Who can apply?
Open to any business/organisation/team or individual, of any size and any sector, based in Sheffield (or Sheffield Chamber member).
How much does it cost?
All awards are free to apply for.
How do you apply?
All applications are made online, through our dedicated application portal.
When is the deadline?
Applications will close on Monday, 23rd June 2025 at midnight!
Why apply?
Award Categories
The Inspirational Leader of the Year
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 – nominate yourself or a colleague/employee
- Exceptional leadership skills
- Ability to inspire
- High Standard of excellence
- Communication and collaboration
- Positive impact
- Rachel Abbott, Cobra Sport
- Kate Josephs, Sheffield City Council
- Keith Jackson, Company of Cutlers
Sponsored by
The Rising Star 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.
An Individual – nominate yourself or a colleague/employee
- Drive to grow and learn
- Progress and achievement
- Impact
- Potential for their future
- Rachel Topliss, The Sheffield College
- Peter Edwards, Workwise
- Chris Bailey, Sheffield United Community Foundation
- Stewart McShane, Smarter Training and Consultancy
Sponsored by
The Spirit of Sheffield 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.
An Employer / Individual / Collaboration/ Project / Team / Social Enterprise
- Impact
- Innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Community Spirit
- Lasting Impression
- Dom Stokes, ASM Global – Europe
- Richard Caborn
- Surriya Falconer, Culture Collective
Sponsored by
The Environmental Impact 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.
An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprise
- Commitment to environmental responsibility
- Reduction in carbon footprint
- Preservation of natural resources
- Promotion of sustainable practices
- Impact and scalability
- Jean-Michel Bellas, EON.
- Sylvia Moffatt, South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre
- Andy Sheppard, Arup
- William Stewart, Sheffield City Council
Sponsored by
The Community Impact 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.
An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprise
- Positive impact
- Community enhancement
- Social inclusion
- Quality of life
- Real difference
- Louisa McCulloch, Westfield Health
- Helen Simms, VAS
- Olivier Tsemo, Sheffield Culture Consortium
- Hope Kelly, Westfield Health
Sponsored by
The Outstanding Contribution to Employee Health and Wellbeing 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.
An Employer
- Successful initiatives
- Dedication to wellbeing
- Impact on productivity
- Impact on retention
- Impact on job satisfaction
- Dave Kneeshaw, Betterminds
- Dr Marlize De Vivo, Sheffield Hallam University
- Emma Latimer, South Yorkshire NHS Integrated Care Board
- Dr Ollie Hart, Peak Health Coaching
- Tracey Hulme, Sheffield Hallam University
Sponsored by
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Champion
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 Enterprise
- 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
- Ben Locke, DBAB
- Fatima Khan Shah, Sheffield Race Equality Partnership
- Ian Wright, University of Sheffield
Sponsored by
The Outstanding Contribution to Workforce Development 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.
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
- Kingsley Paul, Opportunity Sheffiel
- Dom Brook, Brook Consult
Sponsored by
Start-Up Organisation of the Year
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.
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
- Early Progress and Momentum
- Innovation and Creativity
- Leadership and Vision
- Customer Focus
- Social Responsibility
- Sean Clarke , Business Sheffield
- Toby Pochron, Freeths
- Peter Hopton, Venture Community
Sponsored by
The Brand Campaign of the Year Award
The Brand Campaign of the Year Award is designed to recognise 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 Enterpris
- Creativity
- Impact
- Strategy
- Execution
- Branding
- Steve McKevitt
- Kathryn Burkitt, Sheffield Hallam Student Union
- Michaela Bird, St Luke’s Hospice
Sponsored by
The International Trade Champion
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
- Jo Hubbard-Walker, Department for Business and Trade
- Rachel Clark, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
- Jerry Cheung, New Era Development (UK) Limited
Sponsored by
SME Organisation of the Year
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.
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
- Demonstrate strong performance and consistent growth
- Show innovation in their products, services, or business model
- Have established a trusted and credible reputation in their industry
- Make a clear contribution to the local economy and community
- Operate with excellence in leadership, employee engagement, customer service, and sustainable practices
- Philip Jordan, Taylor Emmet Solicitors
- Fiona Harran, Insider Media
- Cat Smith, British Business Bank
- Alicia Williams, Shorts
- Vincent Traynor, Sheffield Hallam University
Sponsored by
Large Organisation of the Year
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.
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
- Clear strategic growth and market leadership
- Investment in innovation, infrastructure, or technology
- Strong organisational culture and employee wellbeing initiatives
- Consistently high standards of customer service and satisfaction
- Active contributions to sustainability, ethical practices, and community development
- Ashley Crookes, Ogilvie Fleet
- Amy Grey, ITM Power
- Jason Hallam, Rathbones
- Martin Van Kan, Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire
Sponsored by
The Leading through Innovation 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.
An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprise
- Innovation
- Creativity
- Problem-solving skills
- Industry impact
- Scalability
- Tom Wolfenden, Sheffield Technology Parks
- Charlotte Thompson, Sheffield Innovation Spine
- Neil Slater, Wakesmith Solicitors
Sponsored by
The Collaboration Excellence 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.
An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprise
- Demonstrated collaboration
- Impact on its community
- Innovation
- Clear communication and partnership
- Sustainability
- Rebecca Knight, Sheffield Property Association
- Jav Khan, Business in the Community
- Yasmin Knight, University of Sheffield
Sponsored by
The Chamber President’s Special Recognition 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.
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
The People’s Choice Award is voted for live on the night by attendees of the Sheffield Business Awards! This award recognises the finalist who has truly resonated with the Sheffield business community – someone whose story, achievements, or impact has left a lasting impression. Chosen by the people, for the people – this is the celebration of connection, admiration, and shared pride.
This award is not open to online applications and will be chosen on the night.
Sponsored by
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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.
