Who Are The Winners Of The Doncaster Business Awards 2025

Ever wondered what makes a city like Doncaster really tick? It’s the local people and companies, the ones you see every day, who are creating jobs, coming up with clever ideas, and making the city a better place. And on the 12th of December 2025, the spotlight was firmly on them at the 27th annual Doncaster Business Awards. It was a massive event, a proper celebration of the brilliant business community that keeps the city moving forward. Imagine a huge party at Doncaster Racecourse, with around 900 people all dressed up, celebrating the year's biggest local achievements.

This wasn't just any party, though. It was an evening dedicated to recognising the hard work, the smart ideas, and the sheer determination that fuels business success. Organised by the Doncaster Chamber, the event has become a key date in the city's calendar, bringing together everyone from hopeful start-ups to established business leaders. It’s a chance to see who’s making waves and to get inspired by the incredible achievements happening right on our doorstep. The whole evening was about celebrating growth and innovation.

A big night for a big cause

While everyone was there to celebrate business, the event also had a huge heart. This year, the chosen President’s Charity was YWCA Yorkshire. This fantastic organisation does amazing work supporting families, women, and girls across the region, helping them to build better lives. It’s a reminder that a strong business community is also a caring one. Throughout the night, money was raised through things like a silent auction and a lucky dip, with local businesses generously donating prizes. It’s great to see an event like this giving back and supporting such an important cause. This focus on community is a key part of the Doncaster Business Awards.

What's the big deal about these awards?

So, how do you even begin to pick the best of the best? It’s a serious process. A team of independent experts—people who really know their stuff about business—carefully review every single entry. This ensures that the finalists and eventual winners are chosen fairly, based on genuine accomplishments. It’s not just about who has the flashiest website or the biggest office; it’s about real, measurable success and positive impact. They're looking for true excellence.

The awards cover a massive range of categories, showing just how diverse the local economy is. There are awards for the Apprentice of the Year, recognising young talent just starting out, right through to the Large Business of the Year. They celebrate everything from clever marketing in the Campaign of the Year to planet-friendly practices in the Green Business of the Year. It’s a full picture of what makes a successful business community thrive. Seeing these achievements celebrated in front of hundreds of peers and business leaders is a huge moment for the winners and finalists.

The view from the top

Dan Fell, the Chief Executive of the Doncaster Chamber, summed up the atmosphere of the event perfectly. He's one of the main people behind making the whole thing happen, and he was clearly impressed with this year's talent.

“A dependable highlight in the calendar, the Awards always showcase Doncaster’s business community at its finest. The competition this year was particularly strong, and I was extremely impressed by the calibre of the nominees and winners. It was a privilege to celebrate so many outstanding achievements and see the entrepreneurial energy, innovation, and commitment that drives our city forward."

His words really hit home. The awards are more than just trophies; they're a celebration of the energy and innovation that are essential for the city’s growth. It’s this spirit that makes Doncaster a great place to do business. For anyone thinking about Chamber membership, this event is a great example of the community they support.

And the winners are...

Right, this is the part you've been waiting for. Who actually took home the trophies? There were 18 awards handed out, celebrating everyone from the Business Person of the Year to the best charity. Here’s a full rundown of the amazing winners and finalists who made the 2025 Doncaster Business Awards so memorable.

• Lifetime Achievement Award
  Winners: Robert Leggott & Paul Leggott – Togel Contractors
• Apprentice of the Year
  Winner: Michael Fearn — Kingswood
  Finalists: Josh Wood, Nicola McKinley, Callum Sables, Ava Laverick, Lilly Beaumont
• Business Person of the Year
  Winner: Mark Taylor — Automated Analytics
  Finalists: Rebecca Thompson, Essjay Hartshorn, Jason Mace, Luke Beardall, James Chambers
• Campaign of the Year
  Winner: Venatu Recruitment Group
  Finalists: Active Fusion, Doncaster Racecourse & Exhibition Centre, Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust, The Sleep Charity, TwentyFour IT Services
• Charity of the Year
  Winner: Active Fusion
  Finalists: Autism Plus, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Citizens Advice Doncaster Borough, South Yorkshire Community Foundation, YWCA Yorkshire
• Customer Service of the Year
  Winner: Ninehundred Communications Group Ltd
  Finalists: B. S. Teasdale & Son Ltd, Connectus Business Solutions Ltd, Highfield Coffee Social, Holistic IT, Keepmoat Ltd
• Employer of the Year
  Winner: Polypipe Building Products
  Finalists: Connectus Business Solutions Ltd, Hesley Group, Home Instead Doncaster, Project 6, TwentyFour IT Services
• Green Business of the Year
  Winner: Enviro Electronics
  Finalists: Empress Ballroom, Ellgia Ltd, Green Circle Solutions, Highland Carbon Ltd
• Innovation of the Year
  Winner: Automated Analytics
  Finalists: DN Colleges Group, Essjay, Gala Technology, Holistic IT, Polypipe Building Products
• Large Business of the Year
  Winner: 2Excel Aviation Ltd
  Finalists: Hesley Group, Keepmoat Ltd, Polypipe Building Products
• Medium Business of the Year
  Winner: Clarks Vehicle Conversions Ltd
  Finalists: Don Valley Engineering, Flourish Enterprises, Home Instead Doncaster, Skill Step Group Ltd, TwentyFour IT Services
• Small Business of the Year
  Winner: Connectus Business Solutions Ltd
  Finalists: Automated Analytics, Highfield Coffee Social, Peak Mechanical Ltd, S2S Group, Toppings Pies
• Micro Business of the Year
  Winner: Heritage Garden Studios Ltd
  Finalists: Doncaster Foot Clinic, Fresh Prints, Next Step HR Ltd, Rhubarb Flower Studio, Southwell-Kelly Recruitment Services Ltd
• New Business of the Year
  Winner: KB Education Ltd
  Finalists: Empress Ballroom, Jiggle Staffing, Rhubarb Flower Studio, Southwell-Kelly Recruitment Services Ltd, Treo Recruitment Ltd
• Partnership of the Year
  Winner: The Sleep Charity
  Finalists: Club Doncaster & DonnyFest, Ellgia Ltd & Enfinium, Gala Technology, St Leger Homes of Doncaster Ltd, Treo Recruitment Ltd
• Local Impact of the Year
  Winner: Ambispace Ltd
  Finalists: 2Excel Aviation Ltd, Crown Bawtry Collection, Enviro Electronics, Example Marketing, Keepmoat Ltd
• Self-Employed Person of the Year
  Winner: Paula Thomas - Today Publications Ltd
  Finalists: Craig Parkinson, Essjay Hartshorn, Mrudula Muralidharan, Jane McNeice

A massive congratulations to all the winners and finalists! Their incredible work is what continues to build a stronger, more vibrant business landscape in Doncaster, driving the city’s ongoing growth and success.