Tuk Tuks, talent and triumphs: The Niche Business Awards 2025
- Emily Miller
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
11th Awards is an astounding success
Every September, Leicester’s business community comes together for a night that is as much about people as it is about profit. Our Niche Business Awards have become a firm fixture in the calendar, and this year’s ceremony was one to remember.
On 6 September, over 400 guests filled the iconic Athena venue for the 11th annual awards, immersing themselves in an evening of Bollywood-inspired celebration. From the moment guests walked into the venue - with its vibrant colours, music, and the irresistible scent of authentic Indian cuisine - there was an energy that captured Leicester’s spirit: entrepreneurial, diverse, and proud of its community.
With a theme honouring the city’s South Asian heritage, the night was more than a celebration of business. It was about community, representation, and recognition, shining a light on the resilience, creativity, and drive that continue to shape Leicestershire’s future.
Greg Hollingsworth lit up the Niche Business Awards as host, bringing energy, charm, and plenty of laughs to the stage. As director of Hollingsworths Solicitors and President of the Leicestershire Law Society, Greg knows how to lead—both in business and in the community.
Beyond the boardroom, he champions charities like Lamp Advocacy and STWL, proving his commitment to giving back. With his quick wit and engaging presence, Greg kept the audience hooked from start to finish, making the awards night not just memorable, but downright fun. He’s a host who truly knows how to celebrate local success.
A Night of Celebration
Headline sponsored by Trident, this year’s awards felt like a reminder of why we celebrate success. It wasn’t just about trophies and applause, but about acknowledging the dedication behind every nomination. The judging panel had the tough task of narrowing down over 300 entries to find the winners across categories that reflect the evolving business landscape - innovation, growth, sustainability, creativity, and social impact.
Jenny Cross, founder of the awards and CEO of Cross Productions, set the tone beautifully:
“This year’s awards were about representation as well as recognition. Leicester is built on entrepreneurship, and so much of that comes from our city’s diverse communities. The Bollywood theme allowed us to celebrate those contributions in a joyful, meaningful way.”
Her words reflected a truth felt throughout the evening: Leicester thrives because of the blend of cultures, ideas, and people who make up its business community.
Culture Meets Commerce
The Bollywood theme was more than just décor- it became the heartbeat of the evening. Guests enjoyed live performances filled with high-energy dance and music, while the menu paid homage to authentic Indian cuisine. It was a reminder that culture and commerce don’t just coexist in Leicester; they fuel each other.
Sanjay Foods delivered an unforgettable culinary experience at the Niche Business Awards. Their diverse menu, and the team's attention to detail and commitment to excellence ensured that every dish was a masterpiece. Sanjay Foods truly elevated the evening, leaving attendees raving about the delectable offerings.
Adam Burrage, Managing Director of Trident and headline sponsor of the awards, summed it up: “Being a Niche Business Award winner is a significant recognition of excellence. It signifies dedication, innovation, and a positive impact within the Leicestershire business landscape.” That blend of business impact and cultural pride is what makes the Niche Business Awards unique.
Recognising the Best
The awards are about celebrating talent in all its forms - from ambitious start-ups to established organisations and inspiring individuals. This year’s winners demonstrated the sheer breadth of excellence across the region.
Here’s the full list of the 2025 winners:
Best New Business (Sponsored By Optima UK): Rose & Nancy
Best Family Business (Sponsored By Fraser Stretton): Kara Healthcare
Business Growth (Sponsored By Aims Accountants for Business): The Health Suite
Best Small Business (Sponsored By Amedics Clinic): Stateside Distribution
Employer of the Year (Sponsored By KSABLaw): Kara Healthcare
Rising Star (Sponsored By Weatherwise Services): Rebecca Holders, Holders Estate Agents
Businessperson of the Year (Sponsored By Skintique Beautiful Smiles): Nitesh Somani, Kara Healthcare
Best Customer Service (Sponsored By Kazzoo IT Solutions): The Bridge (East Midlands)
Entrepreneur of the Year (Sponsored By BP Legal Solicitors): Steve Boorman, Anthony James Insurance Brokers
Professional Services (Sponsored By Jerroms Miller Specialist Tax): The Health Suite
Creative (Sponsored By Minuteman Press Oadby): Voyager
Hospitality (Sponsored By Springfields Advisory): The Belmont Hotel
Sustainability (Sponsored By Ford & Slater): Abacus Flooring Solutions
Leicestershire Charity of the Year (Sponsored By HIT Technology): Focus Charity
Community Champion (Awarded By Trident): Louise Coleman, Messy Senses
Judges’ Award (Awarded By The Niche Business Awards 2025 Judging Panel): Chris Shaw, Think Funding
Why the Awards Matter
In a time when running a business can feel tougher than ever, evenings like this remind us of the bigger picture. The Niche Business Awards are not just about recognition - they’re about resilience. They shine a spotlight on those who’ve weathered challenges, embraced innovation, and created opportunities for others along the way.
The stories of the winners are stories of hope. They prove that whether you’re growing a family-run healthcare provider, building creative ventures like Voyager, or leading with compassion like Louise Coleman of Messy Senses, success is about impact as much as income.
Since their launch in 2014, the Niche Business Awards have received over 4,000 nominations, becoming one of the most anticipated events in the region’s business calendar. Over the past 11 years, they’ve celebrated hundreds of businesses, all while championing Leicester as a city that’s open to innovation, diversity, and collaboration.
This year’s Bollywood-inspired ceremony was a reminder of what makes our business community so special: its people. The energy in the room, the stories shared, and the pride on display all pointed to one thing-Leicestershire’s future is bright.
For more stories, interviews, and photos from the event, head over to Niche Magazine’s news page and join the conversation using #NicheBizAwards.
Because when we celebrate success together, we don’t just grow businesses - we grow communities.
