Shortlist for Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards unveiled

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber has revealed the names of 22 Rotherham-based businesses that have reached the shortlist of the 2025 Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards.

The glittering evening, which has firmly established itself as one of the most prestigious business events in South Yorkshire, will showcase and celebrate the achievements of South Yorkshire’s local business community – from apprentices and start-up businesses taking the first steps on their business journey to businesses that are going above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to giving back to the local community, sustainability and supporting staff and customers.

With 14 different categories up for grabs, as well as one shortlisted business set to receive the prestigious title of Business of the Year, the event promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment, celebrations and a chance to reflect on achievements made during the past 12 months.

Rotherham-based businesses will be represented in every award category on the evening, with businesses from the town securing four out of five shortlisted places in three categories: Apprenticeship of the Year, Campaign of the Year and Charity of the Year.

The event, which is sponsored by Barnsley College, recognises and celebrates many different aspects of South Yorkshire’s business community, from individuals taking the first steps in their chosen vocation to growth, excellent customer service, as well as the commitment made by businesses to shape the local communities they serve, protect the environment and help employees to realise their full potential.

The Rotherham businesses that have made the shortlist include Equans, which was shortlisted in three categories, including Large Business of the Year, whilst IT specialists Balliante and Gala Technology were both shortlisted in two categories.  Four Rotherham-based charities, Crossroads Care, Kiveton Park & Wales Community Development Trust, Rothacs and Rotherham Samaritans could be in line to receive a special cash prize to support their work.

In recognition of their longstanding contribution towards shaping South Yorkshire’s economy, businesses celebrating a significant milestone in 2025 may be eligible to receive a special “Salute to Business” award, which will be presented during the evening. To apply, businesses should contact Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber by emailing awards@brchamber.co.uk.  

Sponsored by Barnsley College, the winners will be announced during a glittering ceremony taking place at Magna on 14th November and hosted by SAS veteran and best-selling author Colin MacLachlan, who successfully swapped the battlefield for the boardroom as well as appeared as an instructor on the hit TV shows SAS: Who Dares Wins and Secrets of the SAS.

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said:

“The Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards has firmly established itself as one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the local business calendar, and I’d like to congratulate every business that has reached the shortlist, as well as the businesses that have so generously sponsored the event. The standard of entries was exceptionally high, and with a record number of entries, any business that has reached the shortlist should feel incredibly proud of their achievements.

I’d also like to thank every business that has entered this year’s awards, and with a number of new awards up for grabs on the night, the event promises to be an incredible evening that not only celebrates and showcases the strength and diversity of our local economy but also offers a unique opportunity for businesses to come together, make new connections and reflect on their own achievements during the past 12 months.”

Tickets for what is anticipated to be a sell-out event are no on sale and can be booked via the Chamber’s website. For more information, visit http://www.brawards.co.uk/.