Who Are The 2025 Finalists For The Doncaster Business Awards?

There was a real buzz in the air across Doncaster on the morning of 4 September 2025. Anyone tuned into Doncaster Radio’s Breakfast Show with Bruce Edwards got the news first: the much-anticipated list of finalists for the Doncaster Business Awards 2025 had been revealed. After a huge number of entries were submitted, it’s clear the local business scene is packed with talent and ambition.

Organised by the Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, these awards shine a massive spotlight on the hard work and innovation happening right on our doorstep. From tiny start-ups to huge household names, everyone gets a chance to be recognised. The event shows just how strong the business community in Doncaster truly is, and this year’s list of finalists proves it more than ever.

A community effort

Pulling off an event of this size is a massive team effort. The Doncaster Chamber leads the way, but it’s the sponsors who help make it all possible. The headline sponsors, TwentyFour IT Services, have thrown their full support behind the awards. They’re joined by a whole host of other amazing local companies sponsoring the different categories, including the likes of Polypipe Building Products, Hesley Group, RSJ Print, DN Colleges Group, and Keepmoat. These businesses aren’t just putting their names on a banner; they’re actively investing in the local economy and supporting the advocacy efforts that help every business in the region to grow. Their involvement is a testament to the collaborative spirit that makes Doncaster a great place to do business.

The stars of the show: the 2025 finalists

Right, let’s get to the good bit. Who actually made the cut? The judges had a tough job whittling down all the entries, but the final list is a fantastic snapshot of the brilliant work being done across the borough. Here are the finalists for the 2025 Doncaster Business Awards:

Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by Polypipe Building Products)

This award is all about celebrating the next generation of talent. The Apprentice of the Year category is full of young people showing incredible promise and dedication.

• Josh Wood – Go Green
• Nicola McKinley – DN Colleges Group
• Callum Sables – Doncaster Racecourse & Exhibition Centre
• Michael Fearn – Kingswood Allotts Ltd
• Ava Laverick – St Leger Homes of Doncaster Ltd
• Lilly Beaumont – Venatu Recruitment Group

Business Person of the Year (Sponsored by Hesley Group)

Being a leader isn't easy. The Business Person of the Year award recognises individuals who have shown outstanding leadership, vision, and determination.

• Mark Taylor – Automated Analytics
• Rebecca Thompson – Dolphin ICT Ltd
• Essjay Hartshorn – Essjay
• Jason Mace – Gala Technology
• Luke Beardall – CIOB Academy
• James Chambers – Plant-Fit Group Ltd

Campaign of the Year (Sponsored by RSJ Print)

This category celebrates clever and effective marketing campaigns that have really captured people's attention.

• Active Fusion
• Doncaster Racecourse & Exhibition Centre
• Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust
• The Sleep Charity
• TwentyFour IT Services
• Venatu Recruitment Group

Charity of the Year

Recognising the incredible, selfless work that charities do across the region to support the community.

• Active Fusion
• Autism Plus
• Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice
• Citizens Advice Doncaster Borough
• South Yorkshire Community Foundation
• YWCA Yorkshire

And the list goes on…

There are so many categories celebrating different types of achievements. From customer service champs to green pioneers, the breadth of talent is amazing. Other finalists include:

• Large Business of the Year (Sponsored by TwentyFour IT Services): 2Excel Aviation Ltd, Hesley Group, Keepmoat Ltd, Polypipe Building Products.
• Innovation of the Year (Sponsored by Peel Land): Automated Analytics, DN Colleges Group, Essjay, Gala Technology, Holistic IT, Polypipe Building Products.
• Small Business of the Year (Sponsored by Enviro Electronics): Automated Analytics, Connectus Business Solutions Ltd, Highfield Coffee Social, Peak Mechanical Ltd, S2S Group, Toppings Pies.

More than just a list of names

Seeing all these names listed really highlights the incredible spirit of the Doncaster business community. These aren’t just companies; they are teams of people who have worked tirelessly to achieve something special. It's this drive that the Chamber of Commerce wants to celebrate. The quality of the entries this year really stood out.

Jade Dyer, Chief Operating Officer at Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, shared her thoughts on the announcement:

“This year’s entries have been nothing short of inspiring, showcasing the resilience, creativity, and determination that make Doncaster’s business community so special. Every finalist has achieved something remarkable, and we are proud to shine a spotlight on their success through these awards.”

What happens next?

For the finalists, the journey isn’t over yet. Now they move on to the second stage of judging. This involves interviews and presentations where they get to tell the judges more about their story and their successes. It’s a chance for them to really show what makes their business or their work stand out. After that, it’s just a matter of waiting for the big night when the winners will be announced.

Get your gladrags ready for the big night

Everything leads up to one massive celebration. The winners will be revealed at a glamorous black-tie ceremony on Thursday, 11 December 2025, at the famous Doncaster Racecourse. It’s set to be an unforgettable night of live entertainment, networking, and, of course, celebrating the incredible achievements of the local business community. The evening is designed to inspire everyone and highlight the amazing innovation that helps businesses in the region to thrive. It's the premier event in the Doncaster business calendar for a reason. Anyone wanting to be part of the celebration can find out more about tickets and sponsorship for the business awards online.