THE shortlist for the British Business Awards 2025, in association with NatWest, has been released with 143 UK companies aiming for the win.
The shortlist will now go forward to the main judging panel comprising 18 independent judges, ready for the ceremony in Edinburgh on 24 April.
Major multinationals including Dell Technologies and Hewlett Packard (HP), UK PLCs including Scottish Power, The Weir Group and Greggs are included in the shortlist.
Brands like Miller Homes, The PureGym Group and The Ivy Collection and technology and innovation led companies like Stellar Omada and Dynisma, are just some of the well-known brands included in the shortlist.
More than 300 companies entered the British Business Awards and the shortlisted businesses were chosen by an independent shortlisting panel.
Each entry was carefully examined and judged on their positive impact to their workforce, sector and overall contribution to the British economy.
The awards are raising funds for beneficiary homelessness charity Social Bite, with a target of raising £1m through the event and a fundraising lunch happening earlier in the day, being organised with Gleneagles Hotel.
The awards dinner will take place at the EICC and tables are already in high demand with up to 2,000 business leaders set to attend.
Alan Jope CBE, former CEO of Unilever and chair of the judging panel said: “In spite of the economic headwinds facing British businesses, our incredible shortlist shows that leading British companies are thriving and in turn are powering the economy and job creation through their hard work and resilience.
“It came across loud and clear from the hundreds of entries we received for the awards that businesses are having to innovate and adapt like never before.
“It’s been inspirational to see the incredible work that’s going on behind the scenes in companies of all shapes and sizes across the UK.
“The 2025 shortlist reflects the hugely diverse range of businesses we have in this country, and I know our judging panel are going to have some tough decisions on their hands when it comes to determining our winners.”
James Holian, head of Business Banking and International Retail, NatWest Group said: “It’s wonderful to see such a high calibre of entries to the British Business Awards.
“The UK is full of entrepreneurial, creative and innovative businesses and we’re seeing those at the forefront of the UK’s economy through this process.
“Seeing the high level of commercial excellence across multiple sectors makes me extremely confident about the future of British business.”
Guests at the British Business Awards are being treated to a fireside chat and a rare, unplugged music performance from the iconic musician and activist Sting.
The evening will be hosted by comedian, presenter and TV star Rob Brydon and will feature a keynote address from the event’s patron Sir Bob Geldof, who is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Band-Aid in 2025.
To see the full shortlist and for further information on the event visit: www.britishbusinessawards.co.uk