Winners revealed at the Yorkshire Business of the Year Awards 2025
Garry Wilson, founder of private equity firm, Endless, was named Ambassador of the Year at the 2025 Yorkshire Business of the Year Awards.
Garry co-founded the Leeds-based business 20 years ago, and the firm’s entrepreneurial and sleeves-rolled-up approach has delivered a fantastic track record of turnarounds – safeguarding more than 40,000 jobs through more than 100 acquisitions.
He has been a key figure in promoting the importance of the private capital industry, especially in showcasing what can be achieved from the regions.
“It is an absolute honour,” said Wilson. “Thank you for recognising me. I have a fabulous team behind me.
“Leeds is our heartland, we have always used that as a big, competitive advantage.
“We are as ambitious as we ever were – now it’s about succession planning, it’s the turn of the next generation. I always say that if I tried to join Endless today, I wouldn’t be good enough.”
The 2025 Yorkshire Business of the Year winners
Guest speaker, mountaineer Dave Bunting MBE, an Everest expedition leader and ex-British Forces mountaineering specialist.
The awards, which took place at New Dock Hall in Leeds, were hosted by TV presenters Ross Fiddes and Emma Jones, and supported by headline sponsors RBC Brewin Dolphin, Tudor International Freight, and Verlingue.
Sheryl Moore, Yorkshire Editor at TheBusinessDesk.com, said: “The calibre of entries this year was exceptional and competition across all categories was fierce. It was a rigorous judging process and all entrants displayed the drive and determination that is synonymous with the Yorkshire region.
“Huge congratulations to our winners and shortlisted companies and thank you to our sponsors for your hard work in helping make the awards a huge success.”
The 2025 Yorkshire Business of the Year Awards Winners
As a leading designer and manufacturer of contract carpet tiles and planks, Burmatex’s commitment to sustainability is unrivalled. By continually improving and adapting its products, the company envisages a future where sustainability is not just a business objective, but a guiding principle that influences all its operations
Abode’s award-winning kitchen and bathrooms taps are at the forefront of cutting-edge design. The Barnsley-based company’s ongoing thirst for innovation enables its customers to take more control of their water supply, cutting energy and saving the planet.
International Trade
Winner: Akula.
Global expansion has been a key focus for this manufacturer of marine-grade outdoor furniture. From its Wetherby site, Akula, which works with brands such as Princess Cruises, Marriot and the Hilton, has established a significant presence in North America, Europe, the UAE, Asia, and Australasia
Winner: The Bio-D Company. Bio-D is committed to creating ethical cleaning products that don’t cost the earth. A trailblazer in the sustainable consumer cleaning market, Bio-D uses plant based and naturally derived ingredients, while its products are manufactured using solar energy. Based in Hull, it has recently entered the personal care market with a range of soap bars
Family-owned Stephenson is a leading global supplier of soaps and cosmetic ingredients. Founded in 1856, Leeds-based Stephenson champions innovation and sustainability in all its processes and boast an impressive portfolio of blue-chip brands.
Castleford-based PTSG is the UK’s leading provider of specialist services for buildings across all sectors. Excellent customer service remains the goal for the acquisitive group, which has seen year-on-year growth across its five divisions, with turnover projected to soar more than 40 per cent this year.
