Photos: Marc Baker
Interviews: Holly Dibden, Estelle Coulter
The South Yorkshire business community came together this month to celebrate the second unLTD Business Awards, marking another resounding success.
The glittering event at Peddler Warehouse in Sheffield was hosted by Britain’s Got Talent finalist and popular comedian Markus Birdman, drawing around 330 attendees. The night honoured the companies and individuals making waves on the regional business scene.
Guests enjoyed an evening packed with entertainment, including live music and mouth-watering food provided by Sheffield-based caterers PJ Taste.
The big winners of the evening were Evoluted and Gameshow Allstars, both taking home two awards each.
Evoluted, a multi-award-winning digital marketing agency specialising in client-first, value-driven solutions, was crowned Creative Business of the Year. It also scooped the prestigious Business of the Year award, selected by headline sponsor Millgate from among all the night’s winners.
The UK’s first TV gameshow activity bar, Gameshow Allstars, claimed Best Nightlife or Hospitality Business and Best Business Start-Up.
Meanwhile, Surface Prep UK, a supplier and manufacturer of abrasive blasting equipment and abrasives, led the way in the Manufacturing Company of the Year and Best Medium-Sized Business categories.
With over 130 applications submitted, each category was narrowed down to a shortlist of three finalists, with the winners revealed on the night. Judging was undertaken by a panel of high-profile business leaders and experts from across the region, who praised the exceptionally high standard of entries.
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Best Nightlife or Hospitality – Game Show All-Stars
Congratulations! It’s been a great first year in business. How does it feel to win?
Great, so great! Yeah, it’s our first year of being open so it’s very much been head to the ground. It’s really nice to actually take a moment and celebrate what we’ve achieved.
Why do you think people love Game Show All-Stars?
It’s really social. Everybody’s together and everyone loves a game show and a drink!
What’s next for Game Show All-Stars?
We’ve just launched Catchphrase, our newest game, ready in time for Christmas. And then we’re going on an exciting expansion mission!
Best Independent Retailer – Flinn and Steel [Sponsored by BIDBI]
Congratulations on winning Best Independent Retailer. How does it feel to be recognised with this award?
It’s amazing, especially considering how young Flinn and Steel is. We’re just heading into our fourth or fifth year, so to be recognised as a proud Sheffield business means a lot.
Can you sum up the ethos of your company and what you do?
We focus on a niche market. Traditionally, jewellery – especially high street jewellery – can feel quite formal and, honestly, a bit boring. We challenge that by being an alternative metal ring brand. We create pieces that are comfortable, suit people’s lifestyles, and are truly made for them.
With 2024 coming to a close, how is 2025 shaping up for Flinn and Steel?
We’ve got some exciting new product launches early in the year, and we’re gearing up for wedding season in March. We’re also looking at expanding the business, potentially with new retail spaces and offerings. There’s a lot to look forward to, and we’re ready for it!
Best Business Support or Consultancy- BrookConsult.
Huge congratulations! How are you feeling after the win?
Unbelievably happy. I’ve been coming to awards events since I was 19 with my dad and for me to take over the business four years ago and build it up to be award-winning feels just unbelievable. We’ve put in so much hard work and to get that external verification that says we’re on the right path just feels amazing.
What do you think makes a good consultancy?
It’s about being different. Being innovative and putting different platforms in place for companies to trust you and invest in your business knowing you’ll lead them to something that’s value-added.
You made a big move recently to Leah’s Yard. Can we expect equally big things next for BrookConsult?
Yes! We moved from Barnsley to Sheffield because it was a no-brainer to be in the Heart of the City. We’re growing, we’re recruiting and we can tap into different talent and skill sets here. We’ve recently visited the University Technical Colleges (UTC) and are looking for apprentices to join us next year. We wouldn’t have been able to offer this if we were still in Barnsley. Being in the city centre makes us visible, accessible and part of a vibrant community – we love it!
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Creative Business of the Year – Evoluted [Sponsored by Stream7]
To what do you attribute your win tonight?
Everything we do is about the team. Our entry at the start of the shortlist highlighted our focus on community, integrity, mastery, and responsibility – values that our team embodies massively. They do brilliant work. We had some great award wins in London last night, but being here in Sheffield and winning on our home turf feels even better.
What has Evoluted achieved this year that’s helped you win this award tonight?
This year, we achieved our B Corp status. It recognises us as a sustainable business that prioritises more than just making money for shareholders. It’s about our communities and the environment. Being part of Sheffield is a huge part of that – we love the community spirit here. I’m a Londoner who moved up north about seven or eight years ago, and I’ve come to embody those values, which I think has helped shape how we do things.
What can we expect from you guys in the future?
Keep an eye out for our events. We run Sheffield DM, a meetup community for marketers. As a creative business and marketer myself, I wanted to set up something that helps people connect and talk about what they love. That’s going to grow next year. We also run an annual conference because it’s all about bringing people together!
Manufacturing Company of the Year – SurfacePrep UK [Sponsored by BrookConsult.]
Congrats SurfacePrep! How are you feeling?
Just so shocked! We weren’t expecting it, so it feels amazing!
What’s the best thing about working in the manufacturing industry?
Well, I’m from Sheffield and it’s steeped in manufacturing history so just to be in the industry, nominated and win in this category feels really special!
Anyone you’d like to thank?
Just everyone at SurfacePrep UK. A massive thank you to everyone, from the office team to the fab shop, and everyone who helps day to day! It’s a team effort and we couldn’t do it without our staff.
Best Recruitment Business – Unique School Solutions
Tell me about Unique School Solutions.
We set up six years ago with the goal of providing teaching staff to schools on a long-term basis, ensuring children receive the continuity they need. Too many children miss out on this, instead facing a new substitute teacher every day, which can negatively affect their learning.
What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?
There are loads of agencies out there, many of which are absolutely fantastic and provide a great service. I don’t want to take anything away from them because they’re doing a good job. For us, though, it’s not about data supply or one-size-fits-all recruitment. Our approach is very bespoke, very boutique – and that’s what we want to be known for.
Who would you like to thank for this award tonight?
Caroline, my business partner. She couldn’t be here tonight, but I’ve known her for over 20 years. She is my absolute rock and embodies everything I do. I wouldn’t be the person I am without her.
Best Technology Business – Consortium Drilling [Sponsored by Sheffield Technology Parks]
Congrats guys! Is this the crowning jewel in a great year for Consortium Drilling?
Yes, we’re just so pleased. We’ve worked really hard for a few years now driving the business forward and I’m thrilled things are moving!
What does this award reflect for you?
It reflects the future of energy in the UK. We’re trying to change the energy sector so instead of drilling for fossil fuels like oil and gas, we can drill for geothermal energy to create power. The best part is it’s clean and renewable.
What can we expect from Consortium in the future?
We’re a deep technology player and we’ve got the government on board so big things are coming! We want to roll geothermal energy out across the UK to heat homes and hospitals. We can drill to access hot water, extract lithium for electric car batteries and generate constant power!
Finance and Accountancy Company of the Year – Gravitate Accounting
Tell us about your business and how you are different.
Everything about us is the team. It’s about the personalities, doing innovative automation software, and building strong relationships with clients. We wanted to create an accounting practice that breaks away from the boring stereotypes. When we hire, it’s about personality. The clients we want to work with are those who embrace this approach and want to do something different.
Does being based in South Yorkshire affect your business?
We have a lot of clients in Yorkshire, particularly in Sheffield. It’s all about working with local businesses that want to grow and do something different – not just chase money. We start with these businesses when they’re young, and we grow alongside them. We’re only four or five years old as a company, but we have big ambitions. We work with businesses that want to innovate; they’re the people we look to partner with.
How do you build these close client relationships?
We understand the complicated, complex accounting side of things, but we also know how to explain it in plain English or entrepreneur-friendly terms. I can explain things in a way that’s easy to understand, so clients can take that knowledge, apply it, and grow.
Best Not for Profit, Charity or Social Enterprise – Rotherham Hospice
Congratulations! How are you feeling now?
Honestly, absolutely amazing. We’ve tried for a couple of years to win different awards and to be recognised for the work we’re doing feels incredible!
Tell us a bit about what Rotherham Hospice does.
We help patients with terminal illnesses – anything from cancer to dementia – and it’s for anyone over 18, not just older people. We get involved early in their care and provide more than just end-of-life care. We offer advice on finances and funerals, bereavement support for adults and children and more. It extends beyond the patient to their families so if children lose a parent or grandparent in our care, we support them – all free of charge.
What’s it like to work for Rotherham Hospice?
It’s so meaningful, it’s human. Everybody dies and unfortunately, some people go earlier. It’s profound helping people who need and deserve it. I love making a difference to people’s lives every day. It’s not just clinical care – it’s support and helping people fulfil their last wishes.
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Best Company Culture – Kitlocker [Sponsored by TravelMaster]
How do you feel about winning this award?
I’m ecstatic. We haven’t been in a position to put ourselves forward for an award like this before, even though we’ve always had an unbelievable culture. This is the first year we felt ready, and it’s just amazing to be recognised.
What do you think makes you stand out in terms of company culture?
Really good human beings. Our founders are incredible people – they genuinely care. They don’t speak down to anyone; they know everyone’s name and always ask about things like how your weekend was. That attitude filters through to everyone in the business. People often talk to me about having Monday blues, but I never have them. I came here on placement, and it became my full-time career. I work with my mates, and I love it.
What are the plans for the future?
We want to keep it up and take care of what we’ve built. We have big plans for further efficiency, which will help us drive more revenue. That means we’ll likely maintain similar staffing levels, if not grow a bit more. Most importantly, it’ll allow us to look after our team even better – and that’s all we want to do.
Sustainable business of the year – Rock & Star Ltd [Sponsored by Steel City Marketing]
How are you feeling after winning the award?
We’re so pleased to even be nominated so it feels great to win! Especially since it’s something we are so passionate about.
What does it feel like to be a leading figure for sustainable businesses in South Yorkshire?
It’s absolutely massive for us because it’s what our whole business is built around – from our team to our interior. In hospitality, sustainability can be super hard but we’ve managed to build a successful, sustainable business. We’re so chuffed to be recognised!
What’s new on the horizon for Rock & Star?
We’ve just launched our new venue, The Victoria, so big things are ahead! Alongside maintaining The Chimney House and The Mowbray, it’s a big task! But we’re up to it!
Inspiring the Future Workforce – Reach Up Youth [Sponsored by See it Be it]
Tell me about your company.
Reach Up Youth is a registered charity based in Burngreave. We look after young people from the age of 14 until they’re ready to leave – even up to 25. We use sports and activities as a hook; after that, we guide them into employment, apprenticeships, or even just a good place with their mental health. We provide them with a family they can return to every week.
What have you done in the last year that has brought you to this position?
We’ve been exploring the inequities faced by the BAME community and underprivileged areas in Sheffield, as well as finding ways to better access and support them. The backing we’ve received from larger organisations has been phenomenal – they’ve held our hands and provided a platform for us to give young people better chances and a next step into their careers.
What are your plans for the future?
We react depending on the need. We don’t have a set five-year plan because these are young people, and their needs are constantly changing. We aim to guide them into apprenticeships and jobs that suit their individual situations.
While we don’t have a fixed plan, we do have hopes, objectives and dreams.
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Entrepreneur of the Year – James Biggin, Steel City Marketing [Sponsored by Andy Hanselman Consulting]
How does it feel to be awarded Entrepreneur of the Year?
I don’t know – genuinely, I’m in a bit of shock! I didn’t see it coming especially after hearing the shortlist of nominees, not to mention the long list before that. So yeah, very cool and totally unexpected!
What do you think made you stand out?
We’ve had massive growth in a saturated sector. I think it’s about how I look after my team. We’ve had the same team for three years now and clients respond well to that. There’s consistency – no constant chopping and changing. We have rewards and structure in place that make everyone feel safe and keep things fresh. It starts with me – I’m still client-based and selling. From experience, it’s important for people to feel respected, heard and have clear targets.
Is there anyone you want to thank?
My team – for trusting in the direction we’re heading and sticking with it!
Best Business Start Up – Game Show All-stars [Sponsored by Business Sheffield]
Where did the idea for your start-up come from?
I’ve always wanted to innovate and do something different, especially in a maturing market. As a group, we sat down and noticed the rise of venues like Roxy Ballroom and Boom Battle Bar. We love the social aspect of those places, so we thought, what can we do differently? And everyone loves game shows – that’s basically where the idea started.
You’ve also got a thriving escape rooms business. How is it balancing the two?
We were probably one of the first 10 escape rooms in the country. I was 23 when we first set up, and it just went crazy. Now, there are more like 10 in every single city. I think, because we were so naïve, it just worked. We rolled with the punches, and now I feel like we actually know what we’re doing, so it’s great!
What are the plans for 2025?
In the next year we are going to expand – we are opening in Leeds, and we’ll be incorporating some different games and creating something new
Best Micro Business – Let Verbalise [Sponsored by Seven Hills Creative]
Tell us a bit about your award-winning business.
Let’s Verbalise Children’s Therapy Practice, which was established in 2016 by Hannah and Katie, provides innovative Speech & Language and Occupational Therapy through a child-centred multidisciplinary approach. We work closely with families, schools, healthcare providers and universities to deliver tailored interventions including bespoke therapy packages and high-quality autism assessments.
How are you feeling after winning?
We are beyond thrilled! Winning this award is a milestone that reflects the dedication and passion our team brings to supporting children and families every single day.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our amazing clients and their families whose trust and resilience inspire us every day, our incredible team of therapists and support staff whose unwavering passion and dedication are the foundation of everything we do, and Business Sheffield for their invaluable support, mentorship and encouragement throughout our journey so far. This award is not just about us – it’s a celebration of the children we support, the families we work with and the community that has believed in us. Thank you for making this dream possible!
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Best Small Business – MEPS International [Sponsored by Chapter II]
You are a Sheffield-based steel business. Does that make you proud?
The steel industry has declined over the years, but we’re still living in the Steel City. It’s great to fly the flag for Sheffield, even though steel itself might not be selling as much. Steel market analysis is something that’s required worldwide, and being able to provide that from the home of stainless steel is really special.
Why do you think MEPS has taken home this award today?
We all love working here. Staff retention is incredible – we’ve only lost one member of staff in the last 12 years. The family ethos is huge, and it’s just nice to be part of something so special. You feel valued as a member, not just of the business, but of the family too.
Anything else to add?
Peter and Jane set up this company in 1979, and here we are finally winning our first award! It’s especially meaningful because we’re usually the ones sponsoring them.
Best Medium-Sized Business – SurfacePrep UK [Sponsored by Simoda]
Back for a second award! What else can you say? How are you feeling?
Good, just amazing! We’re so shocked and pleased to have won a second one.
What does this award mean for SurfacePrep?
Just that we are on the right path, getting recognised within the industry and working hard at growing.
Business of the Year – Evoluted [Sponsored by Millgate]
Business of the Year – how does it feel?
A bit of warning would have been nice – we are totally shocked! We were just discussing ordering an Uber and then we got called up on stage. So,very shocked! We took over the business a few years ago and it’s been a real learning curve but we’re so proud of our team and that things are working out.
What was it like being up on stage?
A total blur, I have no idea what I said!
How are you going to share the news with your colleagues?
Well, half of them work remotely so it’ll be a photo on Zoom first thing!