Wakefield came alive with pride and celebration as the Wakefield BID Awards 2025 lit up Wakefield Exchange, bringing together more than 350 people from across the city centre for an unforgettable evening.
Hosted by the sensational Ruby Rhubarb, the night was a joyful showcase of everything that makes Wakefield special — its thriving business community, passionate people, and strong sense of place.
Guests were treated to breathtaking live entertainment from students at CAPA College and Wakefield College, setting the perfect tone for an evening of recognition, applause and celebration.
With each award announcement, the room erupted with cheers, big smiles and well-deserved applause as shortlisted nominees and winners took to the stage.
🧑 People and Community Champions
- Employee of the Year – Winner: Janet Fisher – Well Woman | Shortlisted: Sarah – New Union, Dominic Cegg
- Manager of the Year – Winner: Police Sgt Nicola Milbourn | Shortlisted: Bev York, Julia Smith
- Community Organisation/Charity of the Year – Winner: Theatre Royal Wakefield | Shortlisted: Artwalk Wakefield, Well Woman
- Best New Business of the Year – Winner: O’Connor’s | Shortlisted: Land of Furniture, Panda Mami
- Independent Business of the Year – Winner: The Hummingbird Collective | Shortlisted: Wool ’n’ Stuff, Escapable
🍽️ Excellence in Hospitality
- Best Café of the Year – Winner: Haus | Shortlisted: Café 19, Grind
- Best Pub/Bar of the Year – Winner: The Counting House | Shortlisted: New Union, Supper Club
- Best Restaurant of the Year – Winner: Panda Mami | Shortlisted: Qubana, TET
🛍️ Retail and Specialist Businesses
- Hair and Beauty Business of the Year – Winner: Scott Banks | Shortlisted: Room 97, Fade and Tan
- Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year – Winner: Sanctuary Health & Wellbeing | Shortlisted: Boots Opticians, Vision Express
- National Retail Business of the Year – Winner: Boots Opticians | Shortlisted: H Samuel, New Look
- Retailer of the Year – Winner: Frank Bird | Shortlisted: Althams, Wakefield Trinity Retail Shop
- Professional Services Business of the Year – Winner: First Choice Recruitment | Shortlisted: Boots Opticians, Red Rock
🏆 Citywide Impact and Recognition
- Outstanding Contribution to the City Centre – Winner: West Yorkshire Police
- Shoppers Award – Winner: Bob and Berts | Shortlisted: Marks & Spencer, Primark
- SaferWakefield Business Contribution of the Year (Sponsored by ShopSafe) – Winner: Wool ’n’ Stuff
- Overall Business of the Year – Winner: Bob and Berts
Thomas Wales, Chief Executive of Wakefield BID, said:
“This event is about more than just awards — it’s about celebrating the people and businesses that give Wakefield its character and heart. Seeing so many come together under one roof, applauding one another, is what makes this city special.
Congratulations to every single person who was shortlisted and to our incredible winners. You are the reason Wakefield continues to grow, thrive and inspire.”
The Wakefield BID Awards are part of Wakefield BID’s ongoing commitment to supporting and celebrating the businesses that make the city centre a better place to live, work and visit.
Photos from the evening can be found on our social media channels.
