Regional companies of every size have been celebrated at the annual Yorkshire Post Business Awards - with the “extraordinary” Dame Linda Pollard chosen for a special Lifetime Achievement Award.

Hundreds of people attended the black-tie event at New Dock Hall in Leeds, hosted by broadcaster Christine Talbot.

Winners on the night included the likes of Yorkshire Building Society, Farmer Copleys and the UKREiiF event which attracts thousands of real estate specialists to Yorkshire each year. It won the small business (10 to 50 employees) category, while its marketing director Nathan Spencer was selected as the business leader of the year.

The final award of the evening went to Dame Linda, who has recently stepped down as chair of Leeds NHS Teaching Hospitals Trust after 13 years in post.

Winners gather on stage at The Yorkshire Post Business Awards 2025. Picture: Allan McKenzie

placeholder image — Winners gather on stage at The Yorkshire Post Business Awards 2025. Picture: Allan McKenzie

Dame Linda’s varied career saw her found two companies, chair organisations promoting the role of women in business and hold a variety of senior roles across the private, public and third sectors - including at Yorkshire Forward, Leeds University and Coutts Bank.

Yorkshire Post business editor Chris Burn said: “In more recent years, she has become best known for her role as Chair of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust - bringing her private sector acumen and trademark ‘can-do’ spirit to the vital task of reforming and improving our cherished health service, making it fit for the modern day.

“She stepped down from that post this year after 13 years of outstanding service; a period in which the organisation moved from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘good’, transformed staff engagement and returned to financial surplus. She has also played a pivotal role in developing the Leeds Innovation Village, a project expected to create thousands of jobs and deliver a £13 billion boost to the West Yorkshire economy; a perfect reflection of the collaborative approach that has defined her entire career.

“Already recognised with an OBE, CBE and Damehood and with numerous national awards to her name, we felt her departure from the Leeds trust role this year represented the perfect moment to add one more to her collection, in recognition of her remarkable service to this region.”

Hundreds of people attended the event at New Dock Hall in Leeds

Dame Linda was given a standing ovation as she collected her award and said she was surprised and delighted to be given the accolade.

She said the people and business community of Yorkshire make the region special and also passed on some modest advice.

“Surround yourself with cleverer people than yourself and you will succeed,” she told the audience.

A 12-page supplement about the event will be published in The Yorkshire Post on November 25.

Mr Burn said: “A huge thank you has to go to all our winners, those shortlisted and our illustrious judges and sponsors for making our 20th awards a night to remember. We look forward to doing it all again next year and celebrating the Yorkshire business community.”

Full list of winners

Employee Health & Wellbeing Award (Sponsored by: Sovereign Health Care) : JTM Service Ltd - Winner

Apprentice of the Year: James MacLeod, DSSR Consulting Engineers - winner

Rural Business of the Year: Farmer Copleys - winner; Dean's York Garden Centre - highly commended

Manufacturing Award (Sponsored by: RTC North): Thurston Group - winner

Hospitality Business of the Year (Sponsored by: ReFood): The 3 Acres - winner

Best Family Business: Care Connection Partners - winner; Yorkshire Heart Vineyard & Brewery - highly commended

Technology & Digital Award: The Despatch Company - winner; Whatwouldajudgesay.com - highly commended

Best Business Start-Up (Sponsored by: Xentra): DigitalCNC Ltd - winner

Best New Commercial Development Award (Sponsored by: Fuse Civils): Muse - Forge Island - winner

International Business of the Year: Burgess Pet Care- winner

Sustainability Award: Clearpoint Recycling- winner

Micro Business of the Year (Up to 10 employees): Berkache Services Ltd - YorLoos. -winner: Rooms4groups Ltd - highly commended

Small Business of the Year (10 to 50 employees): UKREiiF - winner

Innovation Award: Essential Healthcare Solutions Ltd. - winner

Medium Business of the Year (51-250 employees): Tiger Sheds - winner

Business Leader/Entrepreneur of the Year (Sponsored by: S&W Group): Nathan Spencer, UKREiiF - winner

Large Business of the Year (251+ employees) (Sponsored by: BPI): Yorkshire Building Society - winner; Regal Food Products Group Plc - highly commended

Lifetime Achievement Award (20 yr anniversary award): Dame Linda Pollard - winner