The winners of the Sheffield Business Awards 2024 were revealed at a glitzy event at the Octagon Centre last week, attended by over 440 guests.
The prestigious event, which took place on Thursday 17 October, honoured the brightest organisations, individuals, collaborators, and not-for-profits making an impact in Sheffield right now.
Building on the success of last year’s event, which saw the dress code return to black-tie, the introduction of several new awards and an ambitious overhaul of the judging system, this year’s event was bigger and better still.
Organised by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and supported by Chamber Patron and Headline Sponsor, The University of Sheffield, guests were treated to a three-course meal served by the University’s acclaimed catering team and live entertainment from Undercovered.
Winners from across 16 categories were announced by special guest host, Ben Hanlin, TV presenter and magician, inside the Octagon Centre.
Louisa Harrison-Walker, Chief Executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Last night’s Sheffield Business Awards, kindly hosted by our generous sponsors at The University of Sheffield, were a celebration of resilience and positivity in our city, showcasing the incredible talent held within our very own region.
“We celebrated a diverse range of businesses, organisations and individuals that collectively make Sheffield the incredible place that it is. To all those organisations that were shortlisted, and to all those who took home awards, you embody the very best of Sheffield and contribute to making our city the best place in the UK to start, grow or run a successful business.”
The full list of winners is as follows:
The Spirit of Sheffield Award (sponsored by B. Braun) : Sheffield DocFest
The Community Impact Award (sponsored by Secure Power) : St Vincent De Paul Furniture Project
The International Trade Champion (sponsored by Newable and UK Export Finance) : Pricecheck
Outstanding Contribution to Employee Health and Wellbeing (sponsored by Sheffield United Community Foundation) : Jenx
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion (sponsored by British Business Bank) ; Business Sheffield
Outstanding Contribution to Workforce Development (sponsored by Opportunity Sheffield) : Dalton Roofing Ltd
The Environmental Impact Award (sponsored by Irwin Mitchell) : Food Works
The Brand Campaign of the Year (sponsored by UniHomes) : St Luke’s The Moor
The Inspirational Leader of the Year (sponsored by Auditel) : Rachel Abbott, Cobra Sport
The Leading through Innovation Award (sponsored by Wake Smith Solicitors) : Pendo
Small Organisation of the Year (sponsored by Business Sheffield) : The Green Estate CIC
Medium to Large Organisation of the Year (sponsored by Ogilvie Fleet) : STEPS Rehabilitation
The Collaboration Excellence Award (sponsored by The Clear Group) : Sheffield United Community Foundation
The Learning Champion of the Year (sponsored by The Sheffield College) : Solomon Maragh, OSL Cutting Technologies (Rotabroach)
Start-up Organisation of the Year (sponsored by North East Business Resilience Centre) : Verticode
Yasmin Knight, Assistant Director of Regional Engagement & Innovation at the University of Sheffield – headline sponsor and judge for the Collaboration Award, said: “The University of Sheffield was thrilled to sponsor the Sheffield Business Awards this year, celebrating the incredible innovation and talent within our city’s businesses.
“I was also honoured to judge the Collaboration Award. The quality of the entries was truly heartening, though it came as no surprise given Sheffield’s natural inclination for collaboration.
“Congratulations to Sheffield United Community Foundation for taking home the award on the night, but to all shortlisted, well done!”
Lastly, the winner for The Chamber President’s Special Recognition Award (sponsored by Counter Context and Altitude) was Harmony Works.
Alexis Krachai, President of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: “Thank you for everyone who came to this year’s Sheffield Business Awards. It was a true celebration of everything that happens here in our region and the great work of so many individuals and organisations.
“It has been an honour to be able to bring back The Chamber President’s Special Recognition Award this year, to celebrate a project that truly has a special place in my heart.
“Well done to Harmony Works. Providing a home for music is incredibly important to the lives and futures of young people and their communities across Sheffield. Plus, the restoration and renovation of Canada House not only rescues a building but keeps hold of a piece of Sheffield’s story for many more years to come.”
Sheffield boasts an impressive musical heritage, being the birthplace of some of the world’s most renowned artists and a hub for live music venues and festivals. Harmony Works want all young people in the region to have access to state-of-the-art facilities that can empower them to be part of this rich legacy.
“Congratulations to everyone who won an award or was shortlisted this year,” Alexis added. “We’d also like to thank all our judges who took time out of their busy schedules to read applications and to our sponsors who helped make this event happen. Thank you.”
For more than 160 years, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce has supported, connected, and represented local businesses of all sizes in Sheffield with an aim to lead the way in making the city the best place in the UK to start, grow and run a successful and sustainable business. Events like the Sheffield Business Awards are a huge part of that commitment.