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 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
- 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, Northamptonshire
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 Officer, 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, Northamptonshire
For more information about the NNBN Awards 2025 and to secure tickets for the awards ceremony, visit https://nnbnawards.co.uk