Grantham Journal Business Awards 2025 Celebrates Local Excellence

The winners of the Grantham Journal Business Awards 2025 were announced in a glamorous ceremony held on November 21, 2025, at the stunning marquee in Arena UK Allington. This 26th annual event, organized by the Grantham Journal and its parent company, Iliffe Media, recognized remarkable achievements across ten categories, alongside a prestigious Judges’ Prestige Award.

The awards, supported by sponsors including Pentangle Engineering Services and Enva, are renowned as the longest-running business awards in the region, showcasing the best of Grantham’s entrepreneurial spirit. More than 200 attendees enjoyed an evening that began with a drinks reception sponsored by Listers, followed by a gourmet meal.

In her opening remarks, Kerry Coupe, editor of the Grantham Journal, emphasized the evening as a celebration of “hard won but well-deserved achievements.” The ceremony was expertly hosted by former BBC Radio Lincolnshire presenter Melvyn Prior and master of ceremonies Matt Biggin.

Among the honorees, the following businesses and individuals stood out:

2025 Award Winners

– **Best New Start-Up** (Sponsored by Mark Bates Ltd): Winner – Nxt Gen Coaching. Finalists included Gentleman Jim’s Retreat and Pawtector.
– **Apprentice of the Year**: Winner – Harley Ebb of The Property Franchise Group. Finalists were Lucy Potter of K2 Accountancy Group and Ryan King of JRL Brickwork Ltd.
– **Best Social Enterprise** (Sponsored by PVS Media): Winner – The Rotary Club of Grantham. Finalist: Grantham Foodbank.
– **Business Innovation** (Sponsored by South Kesteven District Council): Winner – PVS Media. Finalists were Angel Med Ltd and ZeroSmart Ltd.
– **Environmental Champion** (Sponsored by Enva): Winner – St Wulfram’s Church. Finalists included Project Waste and ZeroSmart Ltd.
– **Business of the Year**: Winner – JRL Brickwork Ltd. Finalists were Tribe Leisure Ltd and WCF Chandlers.
– **Employee of the Year**: Winner – Sophie Hull of Mark Bates Ltd. Finalists were Callum Kurtis of Rocket Door Frames and Sarah Tinkler of Oak Mortgages.
– **Businessperson of the Year**: Winner – Nathan Nicholas-Barry of Nathan’s Kitchen Co. Finalists included James Laurie of Amberly Ltd and Jennifer Lowe of Scots Hair Design Ltd.
– **John Cussell Independent Retailer of the Year**: Winner – The Reading Room. Finalists were Olive Tree and Scots Hair Design Ltd.
– **Customer Care**: Winner – Inara Systems. Finalists included Domestic Bliss Specialist Cleaning Services Ltd and Primrose and Bee Design.

The evening also featured the presentation of the Judges’ Prestige Award, which was awarded to James Laurie of Amberley Ltd, chosen from among all finalists.

In addition to celebrating business excellence, the event raised funds for local charities, with proceeds benefiting the two Best Social Enterprise finalists, Grantham Foodbank and The Rotary Club of Grantham.

Kerry Coupe expressed her gratitude, stating, “A huge congratulations to all our winners and finalists. It really was a fantastic night of celebration.”

The ceremony was made possible thanks to the support of numerous sponsors, including category sponsors Downtown, PVS Media, and South Kesteven District Council, along with various event supporters.

Photos from the evening will be available at www.photos.iliffemedia.co.uk.