Businesses from across the region came together last week for the annual Wellingborough and North Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards to celebrate local success.
The event, held on the frosty morning of Friday, December 5, honoured outstanding achievements across the local business community, applauding organisations and individuals who have made a significant impact over the past year.
The ceremony was hosted by Senior Vice President Adam Fox, who led the proceedings and presented the category awards. The event also featured a live-stream appearance from Chamber President Donna French, who delivered the prestigious President’s Awards to committee members Clark Smith-Stanley and Richard Bland in recognition of their exceptional service to the Chamber and its members.
A highlight of the morning was an inspiring keynote address from Kirsty Murphy MBE, renowned for becoming the first (and currently only) female pilot in the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows. Her talk captivated attendees and received widespread praise for its message of perseverance, purpose and possibility.
Kirsty spoke candidly about her childhood inspiration – her father and his RAF team – and the sense of camaraderie she witnessed from an early age. She described how, despite repeatedly being told she could never become a pilot in the RAF, and even being rejected once because her “arms were too short”, she refused to give up on her dream.
Her remarkable aviation career has included:
- 17 years as a fast-jet pilot
- 39 operational missions over Iraq flying the Tornado GR4
- Training a significant proportion of today’s frontline RAF fast-jet pilots
- Six years as a civilian display pilot with The Blades, the world’s only aerobatic airline
- Providing unforgettable aerobatic flight experiences to passengers across the UK.
Kirsty now works at Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport, and places, with a focus on the future of aviation—including zero-emission flight, airport operations, and passenger experience.
Her commitment to inspiring young people led to her appointment in 2019 as an Aviation Ambassador by the Secretary of State for Transport. She volunteers extensively with schools and youth organisations, championing diversity and accessibility in the aviation sector. In 2021, she was awarded an MBE for Services to Aviation.
Award Winners
Business Leader of the Year:
Elena Paunette, Operations Director at Specialist Remediation Solutions
Community Impact Award:
Customer Excellence Award:
Val Adaway, Utility Warehouse – Authorised Partner
High Growth Business of the Year:
Innovation & Technology:
Start-up of the Year:
Sustainability Champion:
Special Recognition:
- North Northamptonshire Council
- Rock UK Frontier Centre
- Stephen Souch, Managing Director at 3RS IT Solutions
- HarrisonHub Socials
President’s Awards:
This year’s awards not only highlighted the vibrancy and resilience of North Northamptonshire’s business community but also delivered a powerful message about ambition and determination through Kirsty Murphy’s extraordinary story.
The Chamber would like to thank all attendees, sponsors, and contributors for making the event a memorable showcase of local talent, entrepreneurship and community spirit.
The 2025 Business Awards were sponsored by Wilson Browne (headline sponsor), The DROP System, Stanwick Lakes and MEM Digital.
