Grantham Journal Business Awards 2025 Celebrates Local Excellence

The winners of the Grantham Journal Business Awards 2025 were announced during a prestigious ceremony held on November 21, 2025, at Arena UK Allington. This event, celebrating its 26th year, recognized outstanding businesses across Grantham, with ten category winners and a Judges’ Prestige Award recipient honored.

The awards, sponsored by local companies Pentangle Engineering Services and Enva, are the longest-running of their kind in the region. Over 200 guests attended the event, which featured a drinks reception sponsored by Listers, followed by a gourmet meal.

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

Celebrating Local Businesses

The awards showcased a variety of businesses, highlighting their contributions to the community. The winners included:

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

The evening concluded with the announcement of the Judges’ Prestige Award, which went to James Laurie of Amberley Ltd, chosen from the finalists for his outstanding contributions.

Giving Back to the Community

In addition to celebrating business achievements, the event raised funds for two charitable causes, benefiting the finalists for Best Social Enterprise, Grantham Foodbank and the Rotary Club of Grantham.

Kerry Coupe expressed her gratitude, stating, “A huge congratulations to all our winners and finalists. It truly was a fantastic night of celebration.” She also acknowledged the support of various sponsors and partners that made the evening possible, including Pentangle Engineering Services, Enva, PVS Media, and others.

Photos from the evening will be available on the Iliffe Media website, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere and the proud moments of all winners and participants.