The Yorkshire & Humberside Family Business Awards returned to Leeds for an unforgettable evening of celebration, bringing together family businesses from across the region to recognise outstanding achievements, inspiring stories and the people behind them.
On Friday 21 November 2025, The Royal Armouries in Leeds welcomed family business owners, entrepreneurs, employees and supporters for the fourth annual Yorkshire & Humberside Family Business Awards.
Organised by The Family Business Community, the event brought together businesses of all sizes and sectors for an evening dedicated to recognising the resilience, innovation and commitment that make family businesses such an important part of the regional economy.
With an electric atmosphere, an impressive turnout and plenty of reasons to celebrate, the evening was a fitting tribute to the people and families who work tirelessly to build, grow and sustain their businesses.
Celebrating the People Behind the Businesses
What makes the Yorkshire & Humberside Family Business Awards particularly special is the emphasis on the people, relationships and stories behind each business.
From first-generation entrepreneurs building something new to established businesses carrying forward generations of family heritage, the awards recognise that family business success is about much more than commercial achievement.
The 2025 awards celebrated excellence across a diverse range of industries, with recognition for everything from manufacturing, retail and hospitality to leadership, sustainability, innovation and community impact.
The evening also provided an opportunity for family businesses to come together, share experiences and celebrate one another’s achievements in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Howarths Takes the Top Honour
Among the highlights of the evening was the announcement of Howarths, based in Cleckheaton, as Overall Family Business of the Year 2025.
The business enjoyed an outstanding evening, also receiving the Purpose Driven – Large Business Award, while team member Tracey Hopkins was recognised with the Employee Excellence Award.
Taking home three awards was a significant achievement for Howarths and one of the standout moments of the ceremony.
An Evening Full of Personality
The awards have developed a reputation for being much more than a traditional corporate awards ceremony, combining professional recognition with creativity, entertainment and a genuine sense of community.
The 2025 event was warmly hosted by renowned food writer and broadcaster Nigel Barden, alongside The Family Business Community co-founders Sue Howorth and Dave Clarkson.
Together, they brought energy, warmth and personality to an evening that celebrated the extraordinary achievements of ordinary families doing remarkable things.
Reflecting on the success of the ceremony, the organisers said:
“This year’s awards were even bigger and better than before. The atmosphere was electric, and we were delighted by the impressive turnout, which truly showcased the strength and spirit of family businesses in Yorkshire and Humberside.”
They added:
“We are so grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate and recognise the dedication, hard work, and innovation of our region’s family businesses. It certainly was a night everyone there will remember!”
More Than Just an Awards Night
Beyond the trophies and celebrations, the Yorkshire & Humberside Family Business Awards provide an important platform for raising the profile of family-owned businesses and recognising their contribution to the region.
The event creates opportunities for businesses to connect with others who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of family enterprise, while giving employees, family members and business leaders a chance to celebrate their collective achievements.
As the awards continue to grow, their purpose remains the same: to champion family businesses, share their stories and ensure their contribution receives the recognition it deserves.
The 2025 ceremony was another memorable chapter in that journey, celebrating not only business success but the passion, determination and family values behind it.
View the full list of 2025 Yorkshire & Humberside Family Business Awards winners.
