The finalists have been announced for the NNBN Awards 2025, celebrating the outstanding achievements of Northamptonshire’s business and charity community.

Fourteen categories will recognise organisations and individuals driving success across the county — from established names such as Castle Theatre, Sedgebrook Hall and Wicksteed Park to emerging ventures including Giant Journeys and The Right Track Consultancy.

The winners will be revealed at a black-tie ceremony on Friday 10 October at the Hilton Northampton.

“The calibre of entries this year has been exceptional, demonstrating the remarkable resilience, creativity, and ambition that defines Northamptonshire’s business landscape,” said NNBN director Simon Cox.

Now in its third year, the NNBN Awards celebrate and raise the profile of inspiring local organisations. The event is supported by headline sponsors West Northamptonshire Council, Square Feet, Poppy Eco Hub and Pilkington Communications, along with event sponsor Wilson Browne Solicitors.

Three organisations — The Nutrient Gap, Northants Fashion and Textiles School, and Zinc Digital — are finalists in two categories each. Other names on the shortlist include Rushden Escape Rooms, Eastfield Academy, Greedy Gordons and ‘Disabled Adventurer’ Nick Wilson.

Jessica Pilkington, director at Pilkington Communications, said recognition at the NNBN Awards can deliver real business benefits. “Being a finalist gives you credibility, builds trust with customers, and opens doors to new opportunities. Congratulations to everyone shortlisted.”

Daniel Grainger and his team
Daniel Granger of Daniel Granger Hairdressing celebrates at the NNBN Awards 2024 after the Northampton town centre salon was named Hair Beauty Business of the Year

The 2025 NNBN Awards finalists

Business of the Year

  • Castle Theatre (Parkwood Theatres), Wellingborough

  • Simply Techspace, Moulton Park, Northampton

  • Verve Workspace, Milton Malsor

Business Person of the Year

  • Jamie-Lee Lothian, Northants Fashion and Textiles School

  • Nitesh Somani, Kara Healthcare, Wellingborough

  • Joe Zielinski, Zinc Digital, Little Houghton

Charity of the Year

  • Community Law Service, Northamptonshire

  • NAB Sight Support for Northamptonshire

  • Northamptonshire Sport

Food & Drink Business of the Year

  • Greedy Gordons, Northamptonshire

  • The Nutrient Gap, Irthlingborough

  • The Palmichael, Burton Latimer

Hair & Beauty Business of the Year

  • Beauty Bar, Desborough

  • Beauty by Frankie, Derngate, Northampton

Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year

  • Lifestyle Performance Transformations, Kettering

  • Silver Strength, Rushden

  • Yoke Hill Leisure, Upper Benefield

Micro Business of the Year

  • Melody Woman Music, Northamptonshire

  • The Nutrient Gap, Northamptonshire

  • Pendragon Protect, Northamptonshire

The North Northamptonshire Enterprise Award

  • Hangar .41, Northamptonshire

  • Sheer Edge, Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire Tourism Award

  • Rushden Escape Rooms

  • Wicksteed Park, Kettering

Small Business of the Year

  • MAIAR, North Northamptonshire

  • Stunited CIC, Northampton

  • The Beauty Box, Northamptonshire

Special Recognition Award

  • Michelle Shaw, chief executive, C2C Social Action

  • Nick Hayton, corporate and community fundraiser, Northamptonshire Health Charity

  • Nick Wilson, Disabled Adventurer

Start Up Business of the Year

  • Giant Journeys, educational services, Northamptonshire

  • Northants Fashion and Textiles School, Northampton

  • The Right Track Consultancy, Northampton

The Green Award

  • Eastfield Academy, Northampton

  • Marlec, Corby

  • Sedgebrook Hall, Northamptonshire

The West Northamptonshire Innovative Enterprise Award

  • Hilton Northampton

  • Samantha Cameron Social Media Coaching Ltd, Northampton

  • Zinc Digital, Little Houghton