The shortlist has been announced for this year’s Sheffield Business Awards which return to The Octagon Centre on 16 October.
The event, delivered by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry and headline sponsored by Innovation Network South Yorkshire, returns as a black-tie celebration of the local business community, shining a spotlight on standout individuals, teams and organisations making an impact across the region.
This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Chris Cox, a multi-award-winning mind reader who’s performed for over a million people across Broadway, the West End and Sydney Opera House. On the night, 17 awards will be handed out to some of the most inspiring names in the city.
After a record-breaking 165+ applications, three finalists have been shortlisted for each category following a rigorous judging process involving more than 50 business leaders and industry experts from across Sheffield.
What’s new for 2025?
Four categories have been refreshed to reflect the city’s evolving business scene, with a renewed focus on innovation, inclusivity and entrepreneurship. Notably, the Start-Up Organisation of the Year now welcomes entries from businesses in their early planning or first two years of trading – opening doors to even more emerging talent.
SCCI Chief Executive Louisa Harrison-Walker said:
“This year’s response has been fantastic – more entries, more excitement and more stories to celebrate. The Sheffield Business Awards aren’t just a great night out – they’re about championing the brilliant work happening across our city and the region. We can’t wait to be back at The Octagon.”
Introducing the People’s Choice Award
For the first time, guests on the night will also get to vote live for a brand-new People’s Choice Award – a category that’ll recognise the finalist who’s truly captured the hearts of Sheffield’s business community.
The Chamber President’s Special Recognition Award also returns, handpicked by current Chamber President Alexis Krachai to honour a person, project or organisation that’s made a lasting impact.
What the judges said
Yasmin Knight, Director of Regional Engagement and Innovation at the University of Sheffield and part of Innovation Network South Yorkshire, said:
“The quality of entries for the Collaboration Excellence Award was phenomenal – it’s clear that partnership working is part of Sheffield’s DNA. There’s a real sense that we’re building something together.”
Meanwhile, Vincent Traynor, Associate Professor of Change Leadership at Sheffield Hallam University, added:
“It’s inspiring to see the strength and passion behind Sheffield’s SMEs – they’re the beating heart of our economy. Every shortlisted entry is a credit to the city’s entrepreneurial spirit.”
The 2025 Sheffield Business Awards Shortlist
Inspirational Leader of the Year
Dan Archer – Visiting Angels UK
Jerry Cheung – Cultural Inclusive C.I.C. & New Era Development
Tim Renshaw – Archer Project Enterprises
Rising Star Award (Sponsored by The Sheffield College)
Armando Leal Puente – Eutechtics Ltd
Isabella Parish – Icasia Studios
Samuel Thompson – Zawadi Café
Spirit of Sheffield Award (Sponsored by Utilita Arena Sheffield & Sheffield City Hall)
Jill White – Andy Hanselman Consulting
Play Padel Sheffield
Sheffield Forum
Environmental Impact Award (Sponsored by E.ON)
Elshaw House – Henry Boot
Highland Carbon Ltd
Loadhog
Community Impact Award (Sponsored by Westfield Health)
A Mind Apart Theatre Company
Big Purple Bus – Weston Park Cancer Charity
Elmfield Refurbishment – Robertson Construction
Outstanding Contribution to Employee Health & Wellbeing
STEPS Rehabilitation
Visiting Angels UK
YWCA Yorkshire
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Champion
Cultural Inclusive C.I.C.
SADACCA
Zawadi Café
Outstanding Contribution to Workforce Development (Sponsored by Opportunity Sheffield)
Dalton Roofing
Loadhog
Pricecheck
Start-Up Organisation of the Year (Sponsored by Business Sheffield)
BlackfinBio
DigitalCNC
Gameshow All-Stars
Brand Campaign of the Year
See it. Treat it. – Weston Park Cancer Charity
Sheffield Inspires – Marketing Sheffield
The Immersive Exhibition – Sheffield Hospitals Charity
International Trade Champion
Abbey Forged Products
Chesterfield Special Cylinders
JRI Orthopaedics
SME Organisation of the Year (Sponsored by Taylor Emmet Solicitors)
Phlux Technology
River Stewardship Company
The Curve Consulting
Large Organisation of the Year (Sponsored by Ogilvie Fleet)
Henry Boot
Pricecheck
Special Melted Products
Leading through Innovation (Sponsored by Wake Smith Solicitors)
Phlux Technology
The Floow
The Green Estate CIC
Collaboration Excellence Award (Sponsored by Clear Insurance Management)
HYDESS
Sheffield Stewardship Partnership
Sheffield College & Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Tickets go live Monday 4 August 2025. For more info or to book your table, visit: sheffieldbusinessawards.org.uk
