2025 Winners

Raising Money for Andy's Man Club

What a night! Bursting with inspiration, heartfelt recognition, and proper Yorkshire pride, last night was one to remember. The room was alive with talent, dedication and genuine love for the people and communities that make this county so special. You could feel it in every cheer, every tear, and every story shared.

Yorkshire, you really did shine. Huge congratulations to all our nominees - each of you truly represents the spirit of the Yorkshire Choice Awards!

Congratulations

Congratulations everyone. Being recognised as a nominee in The Yorkshire Choice Awards is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and the positive impact you have had on the community. Regardless of the outcome, each nominee represents the best of Yorkshire, and we commend you for your achievements and contributions.

Mark the Occasion with our Bespoke Certificates

Whether you have been nominated, recognised as a finalist, or announced as one of Yorkshire's winners in our 2025 celebrations, our digital certificates are customised to showcase your individual achievements, serving as a timeless testament to your success. Click here to order.

Official Photographs

Our official photographs taken by Robling Photography and The Yorkshire Choice Awards will be available soon.

And the winners are...

NEW STARTER BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2025

Sponsor: Indeed Flex

Winners : The Butchers Larder, Huddersfield

Sponsor: Indeed Flex

Winners : The Butchers Larder, Huddersfield

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The Butchers Larder, Huddersfield

Award-winning chef Tim Bilton has breathed new life into a former butcher’s shop in Kirkburton, Huddersfield, with his latest venture, The Butcher’s Larder. Tim, who has faced multiple battles with cancer, continues to put in long hours, often starting before dawn, making everything from scratch, including sausage rolls, pork pies, and expertly prepared cuts. His drive and passion never falter, despite his ongoing health challenges. Tim’s commitment to quality and community shines through in every detail. The Butcher’s Larder may be new, but it already stands as a true reflection of his strength, spirit, and love for great food.

Finalists

Earnshaw Estates

Gritworks

Yorkshire Wellness Centre

Sponsored by

INDEPENDENT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2025

Sponsors: Wetherby Whaler

Winners - Sam Teal Productions, Cleckheaton

Sponsors: Wetherby Whaler

Winners - Sam Teal Productions, Cleckheaton

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Sam Teale Productions, Cleckheaton

Sam Teale Productions is a young, independent business making a serious impact in just five years. Founded by Sam Teale at age 17 during lockdown, the company has grown into a dynamic team of seven, with an average age of 21. Their 2022 Christmas ad went viral, reaching over 40 million viewers across 160 countries. In 2023, they raised funds for Candlelighters and captured life-changing moments for 75 seriously ill children with Destination Florida. From tackling real issues like knife crime to inspiring the next generation through hands-on experience, their work is bold and meaningful. With a New York office in sight, this is only the beginning for the inspiring team at Sam Teale Productions.

Finalists

Cannon Hall Farm, Barnsley

Moneyweb, Scarborough

Neo Walk, York

Sponsored by

Wetherby Whaler, sponsors of The Yorkshire Choice Awards 2024

LOCAL FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR 2025

Winner - Sue Hunter, Leeds

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Sue Hunter, Leeds

Sue Hunter, wife of Leeds United and England legend Norman Hunter, has poured her heart into fundraising in his memory since his heart breaking passing in 2020. Norman spent seven years under the care of Leeds Cancer Centre after being diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), and Sue vowed to honour him by helping others. Each year, she lovingly organises the Norman Hunter Golf Day, raising funds for life-saving research through Leeds Hospitals Charity. From finding sponsors to rallying volunteers, she leads every step. This year’s event raised over £28,000, bringing the total to more than £140,000, creating a legacy Norman would be proud of.

Finalists

Ciara Jenkinson, Rotherham

Emma Curtin, Wetherby
Josh Faulkner, Leeds

ROB BURROW OUTSTANDING COURAGE AWARD 2025

Sponsor: Latimer by Clarion Housing

Winner - Ruby Helmsley, Leeds

Sponsor: Latimer by Clarion Housing

Winner - Ruby Helmsley, Leeds

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Ruby Helmsley, Leeds

Sixteen-year-old Ruby Helmsley has a rare genetic condition called Williams Syndrome, making her extremely vulnerable to infections. She relies on Total Parenteral Nutrition to stay alive. Ruby spends long stretches in hospital, including over Christmas and her 16th birthday. Despite this, she faces life with extraordinary courage and emotional strength. In 2024, she became the face of Leeds Hospitals Charity’s £500,000 7 Days of Play appeal, bravely sharing her story on video and local news. Ruby speaks out not for herself, but to protect and uplift others, a true act of bravery.

Finalists

Josh Faulkner, Leeds

Kylie Lang, Brighouse

Tim Bilton, Huddersfield

Sponsored by

COMMUNITY ARTS AWARD 2025

Sponsors: Ultra Event Production

Winners - Overgate Hospice Choir, Halifax

Sponsors: Ultra Event Production

Winners - Overgate Hospice Choir, Halifax

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Overgate Hospice Choir, Halifax

Overgate Hospice Choir, based in Halifax, was founded in 1991 with a clear and heartfelt purpose, to support the vital work of Overgate Hospice in Elland, West Yorkshire. More than three decades on, the choir has become a true Calderdale institution, raising an astonishing £411,000 through the power of music and community spirit. Known for their warmth, talent, and tireless commitment, the choir welcomes singers of all abilities and performs everything from classical pieces to contemporary favourites. Their annual Christmas Carol Concert is a highlight of the local calendar, proof that when voices come together with purpose, incredible things happen.

Finalists

Bradford Literature Festival, Bradford

Danceology, Wetherby

Lucy's Pop Choir, York

Sponsored by

YORKSHIRE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2025

Sponsors: Expect Distribution

Winner - Samantha Wagstaff, York

Sponsors: Expect Distribution

Winner - Samantha Wagstaff, York

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Samantha Wagstaff, York

Samantha Wagstaff is the founder of Neo Social, a female-led marketing agency based in Yorkshire that’s making a big impact on small businesses. In just two years, she’s helped take multiple clients from under £40k to over £1 million in annual turnover — some in less than 12 months. With a client retention rate of 99% over five years, Sam’s results speak for themselves. After giving birth in May, she took just two weeks off before getting straight back to work, doubling Neo Social’s revenue this year while continuing to mentor and support other women in business.

Finalists

Nick Hird, Keighley

Matt Healey, Leeds

Mohammad Karoli, Batley

Sponsored by

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2025

Winner - Sam Waddington, Bridlington

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Sam Waddington, Bridlington

When a devastating motorbike crash left Sam Waddington a below-knee amputee in 2013, he felt alone and vulnerable. Ten years later, he became a peer support volunteer for Day One, offering emotional support to others facing the long, complex, and daunting recovery journey. By listening and sharing his story, Sam gives others hope. Since April, he has provided over 1,500 minutes of one-to-one support at Leeds General Infirmary and over the phone from his home in Bridlington. Sam is known for his empathy, calm presence, and ability to make people feel seen and understood during their toughest moments.

Finalists

Alex Walmsley, Heckmondwike

Alistair Bishop, Halifax

Satwant Singh, Bradford

Sponsored by

INSPIRATIONAL INDIVIDUAL OF THE YEAR 2025

Winner - Nikki Gilmore, York

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Nikki Gilmore, York

Nikki Gilmour, a self-employed beautician from York, is a true force of courage and determination, she inspires everyone she meets. Diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016, she feared she wouldn’t live to see her son, Luke, grow up. Surgery removed 80% of the tumour but caused a stroke, affecting her speech and mobility on her left side. Told she might never return to normal life, Nikki defied every expectation. She completed a 10km Shine Night Walk and a 100k trek across the Sahara Desert, raising vital funds for the charity that supported her through treatment. Despite ongoing challenges, Nikki’s drive to give back and show others what’s possible in the face of adversity is nothing short of remarkable.

Finalists

Ali Waterworth, Huddersfield

Humera Khan, Bradford

Russell Davis, Halifax

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD 2025

Sponsors: Yorwaste

Winners - Bagden Hall, Huddersfield

Sponsors: Yorwaste

Winners - Bagden Hall, Huddersfield

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Bagden Hall, Huddersfield

Bagden Hall is renowned for its exceptional customer service, consistently going above and beyond to make every guest feel valued. Whether hosting weddings, conferences, or special celebrations, the team is known for its flexibility, attention to detail, and ability to tailor each event to suit individual needs and visions. From last-minute changes to personalised touches, nothing is too much trouble. Guests are welcomed like family, dogs included, with treats, water bowls, and even breakfast sausages. From handwritten notes for milestone celebrations to thoughtful gestures throughout each stay, Bagden Hall delivers hospitality that is heartfelt, memorable, and truly exceptional.

Finalists

Ambitions Gymnastics, Keighley

Ate O'Clock, York

The Hearing Suite, Harrogate

Sponsored by

CHARITABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2025

Sponsors - Elegance UK

Winners - All Star Prizes, Leeds

Sponsors - Elegance UK

Winners - All Star Prizes, Leeds

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All Star Prizes, Leeds

All Star Prizes, founded by Yorkshire duo Matthew Colley and Simon Johnson, is built on resilience, heart, and a drive to give back. Matthew, a former Royal Dragoon Guard, found himself homeless after a relationship breakdown, but through grit and vision, he and Simon created a business that changes lives. From helping people buy their first homes to donating a £10,000 interactive floor to LGI’s children’s cancer ward, their impact is profound. They support food banks, homeless charities, and host free family events for Martin House. Their journey is one of true inspiration and life-changing generosity.

Finalists

GXO, Barnsley

Moneyweb, Scarborough

Mowgli Street Food, Leeds

Sponsored by

KATE GRANGER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD 2025

Headline Sponsor: Franks Accountants

Winner - Dr Agam Jung, Leeds

Headline Sponsor: Franks Accountants

Winner - Dr Agam Jung, Leeds

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Dr Agam Jung, Leeds

Dr Agam Jung is one of those rare, remarkable people who changes lives just by being who she is. As Consultant Neurologist and lead for the MND service in Leeds, she’s not only brilliant at what she does, but she treats every single patient with warmth, dignity and real compassion. It was Dr Jung who first dreamed of building a centre just for people with MND. She shared that dream with her patient, the late Rob Burrow, and together they set out to make it happen.

With support from Leeds Hospitals Charity, Rob’s family, Kevin Sinfield and an incredible community, a £6.8 million campaign was launched. Now, that dream is becoming real, the Rob Burrow Centre for MND is being built. Alongside it, Dr Jung is also leading world-first research to speed up diagnosis and give people with MND what they deserve most: better care, answers, and hope.

Finalists

Caroline Lambert, Leeds

Ellie Macdonald, Leeds

Louise Prashad, Easingwold

Sponsored by

Headline Sponsor

CHARITABLE EXCELLENCE AWARD 2025

Sponsors: Tieva

Winners - Candlelighters, Leeds

Sponsors: Tieva

Winners - Candlelighters, Leeds

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Candlelighters, Leeds

For over 40 years, Candlelighters has been a lifeline for families in Yorkshire facing childhood cancer. When a child is diagnosed, everything changes in an instant and Candlelighters is there to provide comfort, strength, and support every step of the way. Each year, they help hundreds of families with emotional, practical, and financial care, from therapy and hospital support to special holidays and bereavement services. They also fund vital hospital roles and invest in ground-breaking research. Candlelighters brings light to even the darkest days, creating a strong, compassionate community where no family has to face childhood cancer alone.

Finalists

Children's Heart Foundation, Leeds

Homeless Street Angels, Leeds

Marie Curie Bradford Hospice, Bradford

Sponsored by

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