Entries are now open for the Cambridge Independent Business Awards 2025.
After a great first event last year, we’re excited to kick off the search again for the top businesses in the area.
This year’s ceremony will be held back at the stunning Great Hall of King’s College, Cambridge on Thursday, 25 September.
The night will reveal winners across 14 different categories that cover all types of businesses around Cambridge.
It’s free to enter via our dedicated website cambridgeindependentbusinessawards. co. uk.
You can put yourself forward or be nominated by someone else.
The deadline to enter is midnight on 4 July.
Editor Paul Brackley, who leads the judging panel, said: “Our inaugural awards were a wonderful celebration of the extraordinary business community in our area, showcasing talent and achievements across all sectors and sizes.
“These awards offer an opportunity to have the work of your team recognised and celebrated. We can’t wait to see this year’s entries.
“We are also grateful to our sponsors for enabling us to host these annual awards in such style at the Great Hall at King’s.”
Barr Ellison is back as headline sponsor for these awards.
This well-known Cambridge law firm serves clients throughout East Anglia and has been providing trusted legal advice since way back in 1874.
Barr Ellison says: “Based in the heart of the city, we’re dedicated to promoting our clients’ interests – delivering more than legal solutions by identifying opportunities and empowering our clients to succeed. We don’t just provide great service, we work to deliver your success.”
Pure is also returning as sponsor for Employer of the Year. They’re a professional recruitment agency working across East England with expertise in fields like accountancy, HR, tech, marketing and engineering roles.
David Culley from Pure said: “We’re delighted to be part of these awards – it really shines a spotlight on what makes our local business community tick; its innovation, grit and ambition. We’re proud to back Employer of The Year because it matches what we care about most – helping companies build great teams and strong workplace cultures.”
The Business of The Year award comes in three sizes this time around – Small (one to 24 employees), Medium (25-249) and Large (250+).
This year Conscious Communications will sponsor Business Of The Year – Medium again.
Zoë Scorer from Conscious Communications said: “We’re thrilled to support these awards again this year with sponsorship focused on medium-sized businesses because they really drive Cambridge’s economy forward with their creativity and resilience.
“Medium businesses are vital locally – making real impacts while building sustainable futures – so celebrating them means a lot here.”
“The whole event highlights why Cambridge stays such an exciting place for business.”The Cambridge Independent Business Awards 2025 takes place on September 25.
Kale & Damson is back too – they supply fresh fruit & vegetables wholesale locally – supporting Hospitality Business Of The Year this time around – celebrating those who get hospitality right by their guests & customers.
Cambridge BID (Business Improvement District) returns sponsoring Retailer Of The Year – focusing on those offering excellent products paired with top customer service.
Mantle Space joins as new sponsor supporting Innovation Of The Year – they invest in property & run flexible serviced offices with eight centres including four here plus Chelmsford & others nearby.
Collaboration often leads to best results – Astra Zeneca supports Award For Collaboration once more recognizing teams who’ve joined forces successfully solving problems or improving services.
There are two individual-focused categories:
Apprentice/Trainee Of The Year highlights newcomers making real positive impacts early in their careers.
Meanwhile Business Person Of The Year goes out to leaders whose work made big differences inside their company & wider community.
Business Person Of The Year In20124 went To Peter Burrows CEOAt The Cambridge Building Society. Picture : Keith Heppel l
The previous winner was Peter Burrows from Cambridege Building Society who won not only due to fantastic company results but also its community impact through charity work & schemes like Rent To Home helping first-time buyers get started owning homes.
The Cambridge Building Society now sponsors Business Person Of The Year meaning last year’s winner gets honorific duty passing trophy onto whoever wins next time round.
“It was a great honour.. I look forward..” said Peter reflecting his win last year.
The award covers every stage too:Start-Up recognizes those under three years old still finding their feet, Scale-Up rewards companies beyond start-up phase showing clear growth backed by solid models. Sustainability matters more than ever so there’s Green Award for firms seriously tackling environmental issues. Social Enterprise honors organizations addressing big challenges here making lasting impact.
A networking reception sponsored by HSBC kicks off before black-tie gala dinner where winners across all categories celebrate together inside King’s Great Hall.
You can check rules or enter now over at cambridgeindependentbusinessawards. co. uk. And keep an eye out as we’ll share more updates soon!
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