NNBN Awards 2025: Outstanding finalists unveiled across Northamptonshire

From a defence company and micro wind turbine manufacturer to social media experts, charities, entrepreneurs and beauty businesses – the diverse talent of Northamptonshire’s business and charity community has been showcased today with the announcement of the 2025 NNBN Awards finalists.

Nearly 40 inspiring organisations have been shortlisted across 14 categories, with the prestigious awards ceremony set to take place at the Hilton Northampton on Friday, 10th October 2025.

The finalists represent the breadth and innovation of the county’s economy, including established enterprises like Castle Theatre, Sedgebrook Hall and Wicksteed Park and groundbreaking startups such as Giant Journeys educational services and The Right Track Consultancy.

NNBN Director Simon Cox said: “The calibre of entries this year has been exceptional, demonstrating the remarkable resilience, creativity, and ambition that defines

Northamptonshire’s business landscape. Thank you to our judges, our sponsors and everyone who took the time to enter – we know how much effort goes into these applications. We are now preparing for the night itself so please get your tickets, and we would encourage all our finalists to spread the word – share your achievement, tag us on social media. This is your chance to shine.”

The NNBN awards, supported by event sponsor Wilson Browne Solicitors, are now in their third year and continue to provide crucial visibility for Northamptonshire’s most inspiring success stories.

Three organisations have earned recognition in multiple categories. The Nutrient Gap, Northants Fashion and Textiles School, and Zinc Digital are all competing for two awards each.

Other finalists include Rushden Escape Rooms, ‘Disabled Adventurer’ Nick Wilson, Eastfield Academy which has been shortlisted in The Green Award, Greedy Gordons, and the Hilton Northampton – which will also be hosting this year’s awards ceremony.

Jessica Pilkington, Director of headline sponsor Pilkington Communications, said: “Northamptonshire is packed with impressive people and organisations doing incredible work across every sector. We’re proud to be based here and to be supporting these awards. As a communications agency, I can’t stress enough how valuable this kind of recognition is – being a finalist gives you credibility, builds trust with customers, and opens doors to new opportunities.

“My advice to all the finalists is to shout about this achievement, use it in your marketing, and make sure everyone knows you’ve been recognised as one of the best in the county. Congratulations to everyone shortlisted.”

The NNBN Awards 2025 are generously supported by event sponsor Wilson Browne Solicitors, and headline sponsors West Northamptonshire Council, Square Feet, Poppy Eco Hub, and Pilkington Communications.

Meet the 2025 finalists:

Business of the Year sponsored by Business Doctors Northamptonshire

Castle Theatre (Parkwood Theatres), Wellingborough
Simply Techspace, Moulton Park Northampton
Verve Workspace, Milton Malsor

Business Person of the Year sponsored by The Business Times

Jamie-Lee Lothian, Northants Fashion and Textiles School
Nitesh Somani, Kara Healthcare, Wellingborough
Joe Zielinski, Zinc Digital, Little Houghton, Northamptonshire

Charity of the Year sponsored by MPP Digital

Community Law Service, Northamptonshire
NAB Sight Support for Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire Sport

Food & Drink Business of the Year sponsored by voco by IHG

Greedy Gordons – Northamptonshire
The Nutrient Gap, Irthlingborough
The Palmichael, Burton Latimer

Hair & Beauty Business of the Year sponsored by A2B Exterior Cleaning

Beauty Bar Desborough
Beauty by Frankie, Derngate Northampton

Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year sponsored by Hanwood Park

Lifestyle Performance Transformations, Kettering
Silver Strength, Rushden
Yoke Hill Leisure, Upper Benefield

Micro Business of the Year sponsored by Ena HR & Training

Melody Woman Music, Northamptonshire
The Nutrient Gap, Northamptonshire
Pendragon Protect, Northamptonshire

The North Northamptonshire Enterprise Award sponsored by Tresham College, part of The Bedford College Group

Hangar .41, Northamptonshire
Sheer Edge, Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire Tourism Award sponsored by The Chester House Estate

Rushden Escape Rooms
Wicksteed Park, Kettering

Small Business of the Year sponsored by Umbrella HR

MAIAR, North Northamptonshire
Stunited CIC, Northampton
The Beauty Box, Northamptonshire

Special Recognition Award sponsored by Wyke Financial

Michelle Shaw, Chief Executive Officer, C2C Social Action
Nick Hayton, Corporate and Community Fundraiser, Northamptonshire Health Charity
Nick Wilson, Disabled Adventurer

Start Up Business of the Year sponsored by Freelance Credit Control