Four Leeds-based businesses have been recognised among the best in the UK after being shortlisted for the prestigious British Business Awards 2025. The Big Word, The Parklane Group, The PureGym Group and Zest are among 143 companies from across the country now competing for top honours at the ceremony, set to take place in Edinburgh on 24 April 2025.
More than 300 businesses entered this year’s awards, with the shortlist selected by an independent panel. Each entry was rigorously assessed based on its impact on employees, its industry, and its contribution to the wider UK economy. The final judging panel, made up of 18 leading figures from British industry, will now determine the winners. This distinguished group includes Vinodka Murria OBE, Phil Urban, CEO of Mitchells & Butlers, and Emma Crystal, CEO of Coutts Bank.
The event also has a strong charitable focus, aiming to raise £1 million for homelessness charity Social Bite. A fundraising lunch, organised in partnership with Gleneagles Hotel, will be held earlier in the day, ahead of the awards dinner at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Demand for tickets is high, with as many as 2,000 business leaders expected to attend.
Chair of the judging panel, Alan Jope CBE, former CEO of Unilever, said: “In spite of the economic headwinds facing British businesses, our incredible shortlist shows that leading British companies are thriving and in turn are powering the economy and job creation through their hard work and resilience. It came across loud and clear from the hundreds of entries we received for the awards that businesses are having to innovate and adapt like never before. It’s been inspirational to see the incredible work that’s going on behind the scenes in companies of all shapes and sizes across the UK.
“The 2025 shortlist reflects the hugely diverse range of businesses we have in this country, and I know our judging panel are going to have some tough decisions on their hands when it comes to determining our winners.”
James Holian, Head of Business Banking and International Retail at NatWest Group, said: “It’s wonderful to see such a high calibre of entries to the British Business Awards. The UK is full of entrepreneurial, creative and innovative businesses and we’re seeing those at the forefront of the UK’s economy through this process. Seeing the high level of commercial excellence across multiple sectors makes me extremely confident about the future of British business.”
Josh Littlejohn MBE, Founding Partner and Event Director of the British Business Awards, said: “We are so excited to see the event bring together some of the most successful and economically influential people in the UK – to celebrate their success, whilst at the same time raising funds for some of the most vulnerable people in society. Thank you to all of the companies participating in the awards this year.”
Attendees at the awards ceremony can look forward to a special evening featuring a fireside chat and an exclusive, unplugged performance from legendary musician and activist Sting. The event will be hosted by comedian and TV star Rob Brydon, with a keynote address from patron Sir Bob Geldof, who will be marking the 40th anniversary of Band Aid in 2025.
For further information on the awards or to buy tickets, visit: www.britishbusinessawards.co.uk.
