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7 November 2025Entry Deadline

9 December 2025Judging Day

10 December 2025Shortlist Announcement

12 March 2026Award Ceremony

Young Leader (aged 35 and under)

David Blaney - SimAnalyticaAlex Chamberlain - Study WriteSubhash Chatterjee - One SC MediaJack Hembleys - First LocateWINNER: Kate Hutchinson - The Sustainability Community (TSC)Sheraz Shazad Fazal - Study WriteJasmine Trotter - First Locate

Public and Third Sector Leader

WINNER: Nicki Rowland - The Magic Dentist CharityJonathan Williams - Fareshare YorkshireEmily Wragg - Candlelighters

Mentor

Anna Coulson - The Froebelian SchoolKaren Eckstein - Karen EcksteinColin Glass - Mind Body GoalsBreeya Holman - Study WriteWINNER: Bobby Ramsay - Lumi and LumiereChris Salt - CandlelightersSheraz Shazad Fazal - Study WriteJez Willard The Japanese Shop

Emerging Entrepreneur Leader

Subhash Chatterjee - One SC MediaSteve Davis - GrantsidePhil Harris - CoppiceSam Hameed - Solution Performance GroupNick Hird - VidrateDave Stanger - Tectonix Natural StoneWINNER: James Taylor - Corecom Tech Academy

Diversity & Inclusion Leader

Mohammed Azum - Carlton BollingRachel Burrell-Cook - ThreeTenSevenLaura Evans-Hill - Nifty Fox CreativeWINNER: Ridha Shah - Turner & TownsendJames Taylor - Corecom Tech AcademyVictoria Tomlinson - Next-UpJennifer Winyard - Women in Property/Barratt Redrow

Professional Services Leader

Simon Dixon - HatmillSandy Domingos-Shipley - The Systems LinkWINNER: Karen Eckstein - Karen EcksteinJames Groot - Cortus Advisory GroupPhil Harris - CoppicePoonam Kaur - fds Director ServicesRoy Shelton - Connectus Business SolutionsJamie Toyne - Herd Consulting

Green Leader

Fiona Conor - Trust Electric HeatingWINNER: Joanne Gualda - BagnallsNeil Hodgson - River Stewardship Company / RiverlutionKate Hutchinson - The Sustainability Community (TSC)

HR Leader

Lisa Bailey - Chadwick Lawrence SolicitorsJade Donahue - First LocateWINNER: Mary Meyer - YorwasteSheraz Shazad Fazal - Study Write

Hospitality Leader

Danielle Best - Mexi Bean Express/ Kalm/Charlie’s DessertsZoe Hands - Marriott HotelsHemant Markanday - Hilton Leeds CityWINNER: Simon Midgley - Starling Harrogate and Harrogate Business Improvement District

Manufacturing Leader

Fiona Conor - Trust Electric HeatingEdward Naylor - Naylor GroupPeter Taylor - Honey ThiefWINNER: Samantha Overton - Zebra Print Group

Sales Leader

Daniel Deakin - LeachZoe Hands - Marriott HotelsWINNER: Tom Robertshaw - CandlelightersDave Stanger - Tectonix Natural StoneJez Willard - The Japanese Shop

Marketing Leader

Danielle Best - Mexi Bean Express/ Kalm/Charlie’s DessertsRachel Burrell-Cook - ThreeTenSevenWINNER: Subhash Chatterjee - One SC MediaSam Goodwin - HeadstarJoanne Gualda - BagnallsRachel Mcelroy - Axiologik

Technology Leader

Daniel Bell - Chadwick Lawrence SolicitorsSteve Birdsall - Gaist SolutionsWINNER: Melissa Chambers - SitehopSam Hameed - Solution Performance GroupLiz Rhodes - Art of CloudDr Mike Roberts - Slipstream Engineering DesignMalcolm Seagrave - hedgehog labAlastair Taylor - NYnet

Finance Leader

Sam Dobney - HeadstarPhil Harris - CoppicePaul Marshall - Chadwick Lawrence SolicitorsWINNER: Lisa Reeder - Carlton Academy Trust

Property Leader

WINNER: Harpreet Banwait - Banwait Group HoldingsMarc Brough - CuboSteve Davis - GrantsideMark Heptonstall - enevoAlison Jackson - Carter TowlerNick Shepherd - Britcon

Education Leader

Luke Cardwell - Life Skills HubWINNER: Anna Coulson - The Froebelian SchoolDan Howard - Lifetime TrainingVictoria Queenan - Study WriteNicki Rowland - The Magic Dentist Charity

Company Leader (up to 50 employees)

WINNER: Alex Craven - The Data CityNick Hird - VidrateVictoria Queenan - Study WriteJames Roach - HeadstarLiz Rhodes - Art of CloudRachel Roche - Roche LegalJez Willard - The Japanese ShopEmily Wragg - Candlelighters

Company Leader (51 - 100 employees)

Danielle Best - Mexi Bean Express/ Kalm/Charlie’s DessertsWINNER: Fiona Conor - Trust Electric HeatingSimon Dixon - HatmillSam Hameed - Solution Performance GroupMark Heptonstall - enevoMalcolm Seagrave - hedgehog labJames Taylor - Corecom Tech Academy

Company Leader (101 + employees)

Gary Curley - First LocateHarpreet Banwait - Banwait Group HoldingsHemant Markanday - Hilton Leeds CityWINNER: Edward Naylor - Naylor GroupNick Shepherd - BritconNeil Wilson - Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors

Transformational Leader

WINNER: Simon Dixon - HatmillLaura Evans-Hill - Nifty Fox CreativeFiona Hale - CoolCareHeather Jackson - GenMEdward Naylor - Naylor GroupGareth Scargill - Nexus LeedsMalcolm Seagrave - hedgehog labNick Shepherd - Britcon

Leader of The year

WINNER: Samantha Overton - Zebra Print Group

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7 November 2025Entry Deadline

10 December 2025Judging Day

11 December 2025Shortlist Announcement

5 March 2026Award Ceremony

Young Leader (aged 35 and under)

WINNER: Ray Law - moneyappiHarry Jones - QVO HospitalityNikolaos Charalampous - CredAbilityEmily Whitehouse - DGIMichael Stratton - MS Lending GroupSid Sethi - Specscart.Ruby Melling - TalentloopSally Quayle - The Manchester Deansgate Hotel by IHG

Mentor

Nick Leech - Chase de VereNick Owens - Magnify PRAnthony O’Brien - ProficiRich Jones - DepartmentBecci Thomson - Co-op LiveWINNER: Matt Townley - Dakota HotelsCraig Cornick - iQuote

Emerging Entrepreneur Leader

Fergal O’Connor - BuymediaWINNER: Lorna McGlone - Venus LegalJonathan Hopkins - BGS UtilitiesDaniel Sheridan - Duo ConsultingNick Owens - Magnify PRGreg Edge - Edge Electrical Solutions

Diversity & Inclusion Leader

WINNER Louise Stephenson - DRAXDonna Brown - Sunbelt RentalsAngela Mansell - Mansell Building SolutionsEmma Carey - MSB SolicitorsJonathan Fletcher - WHEELEIE GOOD TRAVEL COMPANYRachel Newman - Knowledge Quarter LiverpoolKristen Drummond - Slater Heelis SolicitorsRebecca Casserly - Nurtured Childcare

Professional Services Leader

Daniel Bright - Livingcity CCIMVictoria Pearce - B-CompliantLorna McGlone - Venus LegalPauline Wild - Forbes SolicitorsMichael Shroot - WHN SolicitorsWINNER: Jo Ahmed MBE - DeloitteHelen Clayton - PM+MSarah Walton - WeightmansChris Longbottom - Clarke Willmott

Green Leader

WINNER: Dr William Beer - Tunley EnvironmentalEmily Hesketh - DeloitteJenny Kirkham - Cortus Advisory GroupAlastair Dickenson - DGINatalie Watson - The Vita GroupMark Thewlis - Alpine Fire EngineersAndrew Dwerryhouse - Wild Thang

HR Leader

WINNER: Lyndsay Chapman - Talos360Louise Woolridge - DGISarah Chadbourne - AccessPayRuby Melling - Talentloop

Hospitality Leader

Harry Jones - QVO HospitalitySteven Hesketh - Savvy Hotel Group & The Hospitality HeroMarcello Distefano - San Carlo Restaurant GroupMahboob Hussain - Royal NawaabMatt Townley - Dakota HotelsWINNER: Tamsin Hardman - The Manchester Deansgate Hotel by IHG

Manufacturing Leader

Sid Sethi - Specscart.Mark Thewlis - Alpine Fire EngineersWINNER: Donna Edwards - Made Smarter North WestGreg Johnson - Warwick North West

Sales Leader

David Coe - DGIWINNER: Becci Thomson - Co-op Live

Marketing Leader

Harry Jones - QVO HospitalityEmily Whitehouse - DGIFergal O’Connor - BuymediaDaniel Sheridan - Duo ConsultingNick Owens - Magnify PRJon Butler - TrunkWINNER: Kristen Drummond - Slater Heelis SolicitorsRachael Parry-Jones - Emporia Marketing

Technology Leader

Ray Law - moneyappiNikolaos Charalampous - CredAbilityJoanne Bowden - DGIWINNER: Fergal O’Connor - BuymediaChris Williams - VyprJohn Clancy - Galvia AIRich Jones - DepartmentGrahame Benson - R-Com Consulting

Education Leader

Anthony Thompson - NavigatorsElaine Bowker - The City of Liverpool CollegeWINNER: Beth Collins - PIE: Pursuing Individual ExcellenceProfessor Mandy Parkinson - University of SalfordCraig Brennan - SK4 HoldingsRebecca Casserly - Nurtured Childcare

Finance Leader

Nikolaos Charalampous - CredAbilityStewart Haworth - OakNorthWINNER: Dave Foreman - PXN GroupIan Robinson - SutcliffeNick Leech - Chase de VereLauren Winn - Lucas White Payroll ServicesMartin Ashcroft - Hakim GroupRachel Spendlove - The Manchester Deansgate Hotel by IHGAisling Byrne - Nera Capital

Property Leader

Mitchell Walsh - Integritas Property GroupAdrian Short - Short ConstructionWINNER: Angela Mansell - Mansell Building SolutionsJeremy Hartley - Eric Wright GroupSean Keyes - SutcliffeAndy Rainford - AEW ArchitectsMarc Brough - CuboClaire Donnelly - Auxesia Homes

Company Leader (up to 50 employees)

Roy Shelton - Connectus Business SolutionsDr William Beer - Tunley EnvironmentalVictoria Pearce - B-CompliantAdrian Short - Short ConstructionLorna McGlone - Venus LegalJonathan Hopkins - BGS UtilitiesEmma Mills - Mi PAWINNER: Paul Corcoran - Agent MarketingGreg Edge - Edge Electrical Solutions

Company Leader (51 - 100 employees)

Scott Marshall - Roma FinanceWINNER: Nicola Merritt - Cortus Advisory GroupDave Foreman - PXN GroupSean Keyes - SutcliffeAndy Rainford - AEW ArchitectsJon Butler - TrunkBen Booth - MaxContactRichard West - Red Flag AlertDean Rogers - Frank Rogers

Company Leader (101 + employees)

Daniel Barnes - Pop SpecsStephen Johnson - Quooker UKJeremy Hartley - Eric Wright GroupJonathan Fitchew - Apprentify GroupJo Ahmed MBE - DeloitteSarah Walton - WeightmansGreg Johnson - Warwick North WestWINNER: Craig Brennan - SK4 HoldingsJoanna Solanki - N-Compass

Transformational Leader

Daniel Barnes - Pop SpecsWINNER: Emma Degg - North West Business Leadership TeamBen Clube - EnergyPathwaysMark Thewlis - Alpine Fire EngineersHayfa Saad - C4 CareGrahame Benson - R-Com ConsultingWayne Taylor Space ZeroGreg Johnson - Warwick North WestJoanna Solanki - N-Compass

Leader of the Year

WINNER: Emma Degg - North West Business Leadership Team

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Young Leader (aged 35 and under)

William Crawford - quietnoteNouman Farooqui - Asha’sKieran Joseph - Guardian Ballers CICSabrina Khaloon - L’OREALVishal Mishra - Go DiverseHimanshu Sharma - Go DiverseJack Smith - LoveyMatthew Wilcox - EY

Public and Third Sector Leader

Chris Smith - Centre for the New Midlands CICRachel Wood - Stoke on Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub

Mentor

Mandeep Athwal - School of Coding & AIProfessor Paul Cadman - Life Sciences WeekDebra Hepburn - RBHSimon Rotheram - Beechwood Trees and Landscapes

Emerging Entrepreneur Leader

Faisal Arif - Harrogate ConsultantsRob Brookes - Severn Mortgage & ProtectWilliam Crawford - quietnoteVishal Mishra - Go DiverseTendai Taruvinga - Veafy

Diversity & Inclusion Leader

Andy Aldcroft - KPMGKieran Joseph - Guardian Ballers CICLucia Makono - LuMaK ServicesVishal Mishra - Go DiverseDenise Myers - Evenfields CareersClive Reeves DL - ReevesHimanshu Sharma - Go Diverse

Professional Services Leader

Rob Brookes - Severn Mortgage & ProtectArun Chauhan - Tenet LawWai-Kwan Jackson - Avison YoungNeil Lloyd - FBC Manby BowdlerAmanda Lowe - STORYNicola Roke - Danton HR

Green Leader

Simon Rotheram - Beechwood Trees and LandscapesTendai Taruvinga - Veafy

Education Leader

Mandeep Athwal - School of Coding & AISabrina Khaloon - L’OREALKevin Vashi - Netcom Training

HR Leader

Sarah Hudson - Clover HRNicola Roke - Danton HR

Hospitality Leader

Anita Champaneri - Delicious PRNouman Farooqui - Asha’sLiam Hughes - F1® Arcade BirminghamAnthony Prince - Riverside Cabins

Sales & Marketing Leader

Anita Champaneri - Delicious PRDebra Hepburn - RBHAmanda Lowe - STORYAnthony Tattum - Leopard CoAndy Wilkinson - OWB

Technology Leader

Mandeep Athwal - School of Coding & AIRachel Curtis - Inicio AIBen Harwood - NaismithsDavid Keene MBE - Aurrigo InternationalHimanshu Sharma - Go DiverseMelissa Snover - Rem3dy Health

Finance Leader

Rob Brookes - Severn Mortgage & ProtectWai-Kwan Jackson - Avison YoungJack Smith - Lovey

Property Leader

Faisal Arif - Harrogate ConsultantsTom Bromwich - Bromwich HardyMarc Brough - CuboBen Harwood - NaismithsMatt Nicol - Nicol & CoEdward Siddall-Jones - Siddall Jones

Company Leader (up to 50 employees)

Faisal Arif - Harrogate ConsultantsArun Chauhan - Tenet LawNouman Farooqui - Asha’sDebra Hepburn - RBHAmanda Lowe - STORYAnthony Prince - Riverside CabinsRachel Roberts - Leopard CoNicola Roke - Danton HR

Company Leader (51 - 100 employees)

Ben Harwood - NaismithsSimon Rotheram - Beechwood Trees and LandscapesMelissa Snover - Rem3dy Health

Company Leader (101 + employees)

Ashley Brown - Johnsons & Whittles CoachesMike Lord - Stiltz HomeliftsJack Smith - Lovey

Transformational Leader

Ashley Brown - Johnsons & Whittles CoachesPaul Cadman - One Thousand Trades GroupWai-Kwan Jackson - Avison YoungKieran Joseph - Guardian Ballers CICDavid Keene MBE - Aurrigo InternationalSabrina Khaloon - L’OREALAnthony Prince - Riverside CabinsRachel Wood - Stoke on Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub

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7 November 2025Entry Deadline

10 December 2025Judging Day

11 December 2025Shortlist Announcement

26 March 2026Award Ceremony

• SHORTLIST

• JUDGES

• BOOK TICKETS

Young Leader (aged 35 and under)

Conor Benton - Go4Greener Waste ManagementSheleendra Fernando - 24/ThreeJames Freestone - HomeMoveJack Hayes - Champions SpeakersJigna Varu - Varu BeautyMatthew Wilcox - EY

Public and Third Sector Leader

Craig Evans - UK Asbestos Training AssociationGemma Higgins - Connected Perinatal Support CICBen Rawson- The Lenton CentreLouise Sinclair - Beaumond House Hospice CareDarren York - Base 51

Mentor

Aaron Buchan - DSP (Interiors)Mathew Bull - ActionCOACH LoughboroughJohn Smith - The Accountancy Recruitment GroupRichard Sutton - NG Chartered Surveyors

Emerging Entrepreneur Leader

Craig Harbron - Apexis EngineeringLewis Hayes - DropWorks RumSheleendra Fernando - 24/ThreeMonica Ghuman - Student Safety AppAdriano Andre Randi - R3V TechLuke Willmott - Castle Gym

Diversity & Inclusion Leader

Barry Michael Aldridge - Flotec IndustrialTania Gerard - Tania Gerard DigitalBen Goodwin - AlstomLouisa Mason-Hayes - Champions Speakers

Professional Services Leader

Amanda Bayliss - Hello People SolutionsMartin Birch - Belmayne Independent Chartered Financial PlannersRena Christou - HalbornsTina Clough - Poppy PRAlex Jones - Chord ConsultSteve Sharp - Nuvo AccountancyBev Wakefield - Vibrant Accountancy

Green Leader

Peter Evans - OrderlyRoxanna Farthing - Champions SpeakersSally-Anne Hurn - Duncan & ToplisColin Perry-Davis - Stonbury HoldingsAdriano Andre Randi - R3V Tech

HR Leader

Amanda Bayliss - Hello People SolutionsStacy Bone - The Recruitment GroupSubhrajit Das - Langdale Care Homes GroupLouisa Mason-Hayes - Champions SpeakersHeidi Thompson - Duncan & ToplisDanielle Wells - 24/Three

Manufacturing Leader

Matt Evans - SDI DisplaysBen Goodwin - AlstomLewis Hayes - DropWorks RumAdriano Andre Randi - R3V TechSam Tidball - Bespoke Kitchen Foods

Sales Leader

Matt Evans - SDI DisplaysSophia Hayes - Champions SpeakersKarinna Shields - The Recruitment GroupRob Spence - Paragon Sales Solutions

Marketing Leader

Nicola Adams - CWA AgencyHannah Bowers - OTB LegalTina Clough - Poppy PRManinderjeet Deo - Altitude MarketingAlex Jones - CartwrightKevin Kapezi - GrowthackFrankline Mudibo - Langdale Care Homes Group

Technology Leader

Peter Evans - OrderlyJames Freestone - HomeMoveUrsula Morgenstern - LittlefishRodney Muir - EMT HealthcareTim Rookes - Truly SMBMark Underwood and James Ferraby - Digital Planning

Finance Leader

Joanne Buckley - E-ACTCaroline Franklin - BentleyBen Lavin - Copper SwanJennifer Neaves - E-ACTRachel Pringle - Lloyds Bank

Property Leader

Marc Brough - CuboJames Cross - Crossover PropertyAndrew Parker - SDL Property AuctionsRaffaele Russo - loc8meRichard Sutton - NG Chartered Surveyors

Education Leader

Lewis Hayes - DropWorks RumSajjad Nandjy - Langdale Care Homes GroupJanet Smith - Nottingham College

Company Leader (up to 50 employees)

Aaron Buchan - DSP (Interiors)Craig Evans - UK Asbestos Training AssociationAmmar Mussa - Syon TaxJohn Smith - The Accountancy Recruitment GroupMark Underwood and James Ferraby - Digital PlanningBev Wakefield - Vibrant Accountancy

Company Leader (51 - 100 employees)

Neil Crofts - Brindle & GreenMatt Pallett - CoMech MetrologyAndrew Parker - SDL Property AuctionsRaffaele Russo - loc8meSam Tidball - Bespoke Kitchen Foods

Company Leader (101 + employees)

Damon Brain - Duncan & ToplisHayley Brooks - Mi-HubSteve De Polo - AquavistaSanj Kumar - NK MotorsSanjay Patel - Octavian Facilities ManagementAmaan Sadiq - Langdale Care Homes GroupNitesh Somani - Kara Healthcare

Transformational Leader

Hayley Brooks - Mi-HubAsh Malhan - Integrated Doorset SolutionsRachel Pringle - Lloyds BankTim Rookes - Truly SMBTim Telford - DevtankBev Wakefield - Vibrant Accountancy

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7 November 2025Entry Deadline

9 December 2025Judging Day

10 December 2025Shortlist Announcement

19 March 2026Award Ceremony

• CATEGORIES

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6 February 2026Entry Deadline

25 FEBRUARY 2026Judging Day

26 FEBRUARY 2026Shortlist Announcement

23 APRIL 2026Award Ceremony

Young Leader (aged 35 and under)

Ben Giles - Balloon Letting Co.Ash Robertson - bClear CommunicationsJess Saumarez - The Marketing PlotEd Schofield - Cook CorporateNabeel Uddin - Sponsor License SpecialistBeth Warren - Hartnell Taylor Cook

Public and Third Sector Leader

James Foice - The Association of Serviced Apartment ProvidersCatherine Frankpitt - Strike CommunicationsFuad Mahamed - ACHClare Reddington - Watershed

Mentor

Mairead Craig - ExpeditorsJill Maidment - Natural TalentNaseem Talukdar - Projects Against Plastic Charity

Emerging Entrepreneur Leader

Ben Giles - Balloon Letting Co.Helen Girvan & Sharon Wilson - KyndeConnectIan Walton - DrivenDad.co.uk

Diversity & Inclusion Leader

Tea Colaianni MBE - WiHTL & DiRHelen Girvan & Sharon Wilson - KyndeConnectBeth Warren - Hartnell Taylor Cook

Professional Services Leader

Rebecca Bristow - Rothley LawJames Foice - The Association of Serviced Apartment ProvidersPhil Smith - Business WestSarah Travell - Virgate AccountsKathryn Webb - Torbay Accounting and Consultancy

Green Leader

Luke Howell - Hope SolutionsLouisa Jenkins - Eskimo ProductsCharles de Paula - SUITCASEENaseem Talukdar - Projects Against Plastic Charity

HOSPITALITY Leader

Jill Barker - The MiddlewickLeanne Bowen-Viner - Café Elm

Manufacturing Leader

Phillip Godden - Total Clean AirLouisa Jenkins - Eskimo ProductsAmanda Ringelberg - Granny Gothards International

Sales Leader

David Dulieu - GS Verde GroupAmanda Harrington - Bakers DolphinEmma Maslen - inspir’emIan Walton - DrivenDad.co.uk

Marketing Leader

Karen Morledge - Morledge & Co.Charles de Paula - SUITCASEESarah Rush - Swordfish AdvertisingJess Saumarez - The Marketing PlotPaul Seymour - Bishop Fleming

Technology Leader

Chris Pottrell - Nebula ITAdam Sharpe - Cardstream GroupDr Lisa Turner - CETfreedom

Finance Leader

Joel Dunning - GS Verde GroupSharon Gorman - ResonanceSarah Travell - Virgate AccountsNabeel Uddin - Sponsor License SpecialistKathryn Webb - Torbay Accounting and Consultancy

Property Leader

Mark Bence - Jeff Way GroupBen Giles - Balloon Letting Co.Richard Smith - ASH Chartered SurveyorsWilliam Tomlinson - CubexNick West - The Aurora Group

Company Leader (up to 50 employees)

Alice Buttling - Attinger Jack Limited - AJCharles Cook - Cook CorporatePhillip Godden - Total Clean AirChris Pottrell - Nebula IT

Company Leader (51 - 100 employees)

Adam Sharpe - Cardstream GroupDavid Wyatt - Wyatt Homes

Company Leader (101 + employees)

Mark Bence - Jeff Way GroupTom Filer - Family Adventures GroupMax Fletcher - Bakers DolphinDave Lees - Bristol AirportPhil Smith - Business West

Transformational Leader

Helen Girvan & Sharon Wilson - KyndeConnectJill Maidment - Natural TalentSarah Rush - Swordfish AdvertisingPhil Smith - Business West

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