Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber Unveils 2025 Business Awards Shortlist

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber has today revealed the eagerly awaited shortlist for the 2025 Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards.

Sponsored by Barnsley College, the annual awards are a flagship event in the region’s business calendar and will return to Magna on Friday, 14 November 2025, bringing together hundreds of business leaders to celebrate success and innovation.

Special guest, Colin MacLachlan, SAS veteran, best-selling author and former SAS: Who Dares Wins instructor, who has handled hostage negotiations, hostage rescue and been a hostage himself, will be hosting the awards ceremony.

The black tie event will be a night to remember, featuring 14 different awards that honour excellence in areas such as Sustainability, Commitment to People Development, Business Growth, and Community Impact, including the highly coveted title of Business of the Year.

Three exciting new categories have also been introduced for 2025, Small Business of the Year, Campaign of the Year and Social Value Business of the Year, further recognising the diversity and creativity of the local business community.

A key highlight is the Large Business of the Year award, recognising some of the most influential businesses in our region. Five local charities have also been shortlisted for the highly sought-after Charity of the Year award, which includes a generous cash prize and continued support throughout 2025/26 as the Chamber’s Charity of the Year.

Individual achievements will be celebrated with the Apprentice of the Year and Business Person of the Year awards, highlighting individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their organisations and the wider community.

In recognition of their longstanding contribution towards shaping South Yorkshire’s economy, businesses celebrating a significant milestone in 2025 may be eligible to receive a special “Salute to Business” award, which will be presented during the evening.

Following a rigorous judging process after a record number of award entries, the finalists have now been chosen.

Carrie Sudbury, CEO of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the significance of the awards, saying:

“We’ve been blown away by the quality and creativity of this year’s entries. Every business that applied has contributed to showcasing the remarkable talent in Barnsley and Rotherham. Everyone is a winner in our eyes and has achieved something incredible. We can’t wait to come together in November for a night that celebrates your hard work and the success driving our region forward.”

With the shortlist now revealed, excitement for the 2025 Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards is rising. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, as the Chamber’s business community eagerly anticipates this unmissable event.

Tickets are now available via the Chamber’s website. Click here to book your tickets.

In alphabetical order, the shortlist is as follows:

Apprentice of the Year Award Shortlist (Sponsored by The RNN Group)
Becky Smith – Barnsley Hospice
Joe Cockerill – Mears Group
Leon Reed – Balliante
Max Brough – Airmaster
Sam Collumbine – Equans

Business Community Impact Award Shortlist (Sponsored by Rotherham Together Partnership)
BetterYou Ltd
Equans
Henry Boot Construction
Naylor Group
Reloved Boutique by Barnsley College

Business Growth Award Shortlist (Sponsored by Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services)
Actus
Elecomm
Gala Technology
TwentyFour IT Services
Utility Source Limited

Business Person of the Year Award Shortlist (Sponsored by Secure Power)
Dr Perdita Mousley – Rotherham Opportunities College
Lisa Hawksby – Total Training Provision
Mark Smith – MAKE YOUR MARK UK
Martine Tune – Barnsley Hospice
Rob Shaw – Glu Recruit

Campaign of the Year Award Shortlist (Sponsored by Chapter II)
ACW Medical Services Ltd
Flux Rotherham
Gala Technology
Rotherham Hospice
Utility Source Limited

Charity of the Year Award Shortlist (Sponsored by Rotherham Enterprise Agency Limited – REAL)
Barnsley Hospice
Crossroads Care Rotherham
Kiveton Park & Wales & Community Development Trust
Rotherham Abuse Counselling Service (Rothacs)
Rotherham Samaritans

Commitment to People Development Award Shortlist (Sponsored by Barnsley College)
Actus
Crossroads Truck and Bus Ltd
Glu Recruit
Rotherham Hospice
Vaughandale Construction Ltd

Excellence in Customer Service Award Shortlist (Sponsored by MKB Solicitors LLP)
Equans
IT Desk (UK) Limited
Natural Cement
Wayv. Talk and Broadband for Business
Wentworth Woodhouse

Large Business of the Year Award Shortlist (Sponsored by SOTpay)
Equans
Hargreaves Industrial Services
KCM Waste Management Ltd
Naylor Group
Newell and Wright Transport

Most Promising New Business Award Shortlist (Sponsored by IT Desk (UK) Limited)
Adam Bradley Business Growth Consultancy Ltd
Empress Ballroom
Jiggle
Nexus 360 Ltd
Pest Risk Management Group Ltd

Small Business of the Year Award Shortlist (Sponsored by ACW Medical Services)
Balliante
Empress Ballroom
Gravitate Digital Accounting
GrowTraffic Ltd
Steel City Marketing

Sustainability Award Shortlist (Sponsored by Enzygo)
Barnsley Hospice Retail Hub
Hydrov Ltd
Magna Trust
Naylor Group
Riverlution

Social Value Business of the Year Award Shortlist (Supported by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council)
Equans
Esh Group
Field Management Ireland (Rotherham Baby Pack)
KCM Waste Management
The Dwelling Doctors