Finalists announced for Leicester’s Niche Business Awards 2025

Judges are picking their winners for the Niche Business Awards in September.

The eagerly awaited announcement of the finalists for the 2025 Niche Business Awards occurred earlier today during the annual Niche Networking event at TheMusicLicence provider PPL PRS, located in the centre of Leicester.

Drawing a crowd of more than 70 local professionals, the networking event – headline sponsored by creative agency Trident – brought together a diverse mix of businesses from across Leicestershire.

Adam Burrage, Managing Director of Trident – the Niche Business Awards’ Headline Sponsor for the fifth consecutive year – said: "Through the Niche Business Awards, we want to encourage local businesses to open their digital doors and step beyond Leicestershire’s borders to compete globally. There’s so much Leicester businesses can do to unlock new revenue streams and boost efficiency.

"Digital tools can speed up engagement with clients, enhance online presence, and, ultimately, bring more profit into the city. We’re excited to show businesses how they can start making a bigger impact digitally."

With fresh samosas and fizz in hand, guests gathered at PPL PRS to hear who made the shortlist for this year’s prestigious Leicestershire awards.

Now in its 11th year, the Niche Business Awards celebrate exceptional talent, innovation, and dedication across a variety of industries.

The 2025 theme, Bollywood, promises a spectacular night of colour, culture, and celebration when the winners are crowned at the awards ceremony on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Athena.

Jenny Cross, founder of the Niche Business Awards, added: “Every year we’re blown away by the calibre of nominations. Leicestershire has an incredible business scene, and the Niche Business Awards are all about recognising and celebrating that success. With the Bollywood theme, this year’s event is set to be the most vibrant yet.”

Finalists were announced across 15 categories:

Employer of the Year – Sponsored by ksabLAW

Caterpillar Leicester

Kara Healthcare

Pinnacle International Freight 

Samworth Brothers

Triumph Motorcycles

Professional Services – Sponsored by Jerroms Miller Specialist Tax

Furnley House

Rutland House Counselling and Psychotherapy

Sahota & Sahota Solicitors

The Health Suite

Wellbeing Therapy Solutions

Businessperson of the Year – Sponsored by Skintique Beautiful Smiles

Barbara Chantrill MBE - Leicestershire Education Business Company

Gareth James - LAMP 

Kishan Bhogaita - Roof Maker

Louisa Randall - Rose & Nancy

Nitesh Somani - Kara Healthcare

Best Customer Service – Sponsored by Kazzoo IT Solutions

Boden

Furnley House

George’s Hairdressing

Opulance - The Hair and Beauty House

Triage Team - The Bridge (East Midlands)

Best Small Business – Sponsored by Amedics

Globe2

Holders Estate Agents

Primary Live

Rose & Nancy

Stateside Distribution

Charity of the Year – Sponsored by HIT Technology

Bright Hope in North West Leicestershire

Focus Charity

Freeva: Free from Violence and Abuse

Headway Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland

The Bridge (East Midlands)

Rising Star – Sponsored by Weatherwise Services

Mandy Bradbury - Hollingsworths Solicitors

Rachel Brown - Kara Healthcare

Rebecca Holders - Holders Estate Agents

Sophie Matthews - HIT Technology

Tania Gerard - Tania Gerard Digital

Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by BP Legal Solicitors

Bhavin Gandhi - Paradigm Wills and Legal Services

Glenn McAllen-Finney - Chrome Video

Rebecca Holders - Holders Estate Agents

Sam Hagger - The Beautiful Pubs Collective

Steve Boorman - Anthony James Insurance Brokers

Business Growth – Sponsored by Aims Accountants for Business

ADS Laser Cutting

Anthony James Insurance Brokers

Bromford Precision Solutions

Emma Brown Hair

The Health Suite

Hospitality – Sponsored by Springfields Advisory

Kith & Kin

John's House

The Belmont

The Old Bulls Head (Woodhouse Eaves)

Winstanley House

Community Champion – Sponsored by Trident

Chris Shaw

Lauren McCormick

Louise Coleman

Rebecca Pawley

Tania Gerard

Creative – Sponsored by Minuteman Press Oadby

Arch Creative

De Montfort University

LCB Depot

Voyager 

Zelie*

Sustainability – Sponsored by Ford & Slater

Abacus Flooring Solutions

Measom Freer

Sustainable Food Places

Sustainable Minds Consultancy

The Village (Eco Village)

Best Family Business – Sponsored by Fraser Stretton

Charles Bentley 

DR Electrical 

Kara Healthcare 

Pinnacle International Freight 

Smith Brothers (Leicester)

Best New Business – Sponsored by Optima UK

Fit20 Leicester

Holders Estate Agents

Rose & Nancy 

Stateside Distribution

The One Clinic

Finalists will now go through to the next phase, where a panel of independent judges will interview each finalist before the winners are announced in September.