Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards, an electrifying celebration of South Yorkshire’s vibrant business community

Representatives from the region’s business community joined Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber at Magna on Friday, 3rd November, for the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards – A Celebration of Business, in association with RNN Group. 

This glittering event was nothing short of a spectacle, drawing over 550 guests from businesses and organisations from across Barnsley, Rotherham, and South Yorkshire. The lively atmosphere was complete with a captivating light show throughout the awards ceremony, live music from Kyle Tomlinson the 2017 Golden Buzzer Act and Finalist of Britain’s Got Talent, a DJ and saxophonist set from Catherine Rannus, and an amazing amusement ride to finish the evening. 

Guided by the familiar hand of Amy Garcia of Look North fame, the Awards ceremony unfolded with the presentation of ten awards, acknowledging the diverse efforts of the business community. From ambitious entrepreneurs seeking to claim Businessperson of the Year to budding Apprentices taking their first steps by demonstrating exceptional commitment to developing their careers. 

Further awards were given which acknowledged best practices in sustainability, staff development, customer service, and growth, with the accolades covering the full spectrum of business practice. 

Standing tall among the winners, Warwick Ward (Machinery) Ltd, the largest independent CASE dealer in Europe and one-stop-shop solution for all your Earthmoving and Recycling Equipment, clinched the coveted title of Business of the Year. With a decade of sustained growth, the recently announced Employee-Owned business exemplified business excellence. 

Recognising the charity and not-for-profit sector, FareShare Yorkshire, an organisation combatting food poverty by redistributing surplus food across the region, claimed the title of Charity of the Year along with a £3,000 donation. 

Honouring longstanding businesses for their dedication to the local economy, certificates were presented to stalwarts such as Jeremy Neal Funeral Directors (25 Years), Morthyng Group Limited (35 Years), H E Barnes Ltd (100 Years), and Davies Turner & Co Ltd (150 Years).  

Additionally, a special salute was extended to the NHS, commemorating 75 years of service, with certificates given to Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust as an appreciation of their services to the region. Past President Joada Allen was also acknowledged for her leadership of the Chamber during the pandemic years, and the success of her business, Visualised it, for 10 years in business. 

Matthew Stephens Chamber President, said; “I would like to congratulate all the winners, highly commended and shortlisted businesses who were recognised on the evening! Your dedication, resilience, and innovation have set the standard for excellence in Barnsley and Rotherham. Warwick Ward (Machinery) Ltd, congratulations on claiming the prestigious title of Business of the Year. Your decade of sustained growth and commitment to excellence is truly inspiring. 

“A special mention must go to the new Chamber Charity of the Year, FareShare Yorkshire, for your tireless efforts in combatting food poverty. The £3,000 donation is a small token of appreciation for the significant impact you’ve made in our community. 

“I was pleased we could make a heartfelt salute to the NHS, celebrating 75 years of service. Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, your dedication to the well-being of our region is invaluable. 

“This evening was more than a celebration; it was a showcase of the resilience, innovation, and collaborative spirit that defines the thriving business landscape of Barnsley and Rotherham. Here’s to the continued success and growth of our remarkable community. Cheers to each one of you who contributed to this unforgettable night!”. 

Shane Young, Operations Director, said; “I would like to say what an extraordinary night it was at the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards. On behalf of the Chamber, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you who made this event a resounding success. 

“Thanks goes to the RNN Group, our headline sponsor, for their unwavering support that added a special spark to the evening. To our sponsors, whose generosity allowed the evening’s award to take place, we applaud you. Your commitment to the business community in South Yorkshire is outstanding. 

“Congratulations to our shortlisted businesses on their success”. 

For more information on the awards visit www.brawards.co.uk or email [email protected]  

2023 Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards Winners

Business of the Year

Warwick Ward (Machinery) Limited

Apprentice of the Year

Harry Walker – Total Training Provision

Business Community Impact

Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust

Business Growth

Warwick Ward (Machinery) Limited

Business Person of the Year

Hayley Koseoglu – iekos

Charity of the Year

Fareshare Yorkshire

Commitment to People Development

IT Desk (UK) Ltd

Excellence in Customer Service

Enhance Skin Health Ltd

Most Promising New Business

Gala Education & Marketing

Sustainability Award

Andel Ltd