News: Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards winners 2026
A longstanding construction business and an organisation that is helping companies to tackle the pressures of soaring energy costs have led a list of Rotherham-based winners, who were recognised for their outstanding contributions to South Yorkshire's business community during the past twelve months at the Barnsley & Rotherham business awards.
It proved to be a night to remember for O&P Construction Services, which walked away with two awards, recognising its social value impact contributions, as well as proving to be a worthy winner of the title outstanding large business of the year; whilst managing director Robert Mitchell was also highly commended in the business person of the year category. Following a management buy-out last year, the company has created 15 new jobs and successfully delivered a range of pioneering and innovative projects, working in partnership with the NHS and public sector organisations.
They were joined in their celebrations by Professional Energy People, which is responsible for managing a staggering £46m of energy contracts, was named the best small business, whilst Magna completed the list of Rotherham-based winners on the evening, after securing the title of Campaign of the Year, in recognition of its pioneering Bridges to Work scheme, designed to break down barriers facing young adults with disabilities to securing employment.
Organised by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, the sell-out event, which was sponsored by Barnsley College and hosted at Magna, saw over 550 members of the local business community come together to celebrate the achievements of businesses and individuals who have played their part in shaping the local business landscape during the past 12 months; from apprentices taking the first steps in their chosen career paths to businesses that have gone above and beyond the call of duty in delivering excellent customer service, people development, marketing, sustainability and growth, with the overall winner of the title of Business of the Year chosen from shortlisted businesses.
The awards also recognised the enormous contribution made by the voluntary and not-for-profit sector, with Rotherham-based Crossroads Care being presented with the title of Charity of the Year and receiving a cheque for £3000 to support their work, whilst Barnsley FC Community Trust and the Rotherham Hospice were both highly commended.
The overall title of Business of the Year was presented to Matrix Consulting Engineers after impressing judges with its remarkable growth, which has seen the business deliver design and infrastructure projects across England, resulting in new jobs created and its significant growth during the past 12 months.
Four businesses, which racked up a collective 515 years of service to the region, were also presented with special salutes to business. Those recognised included, Millgate (30 years), Marsden Weighing (100 years), Sheffield Children’s Hospital Trust (150 years) and Oxley & Coward (235 years).
The event was compered by versatile comedian and impressionist Jess Robinson, who also delivered a sensational live performance during the event, whilst Chancellor of the Exchequer and MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, made a special appearance at the event, paying his own tribute to the strength of South Yorkshire’s local economy as well as reflecting on his long association with Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, whilst guests celebrated the evening in style, dancing until the early hours.
Robert Mitchell, Construction Director, O&P Construction Services Ltd, said: “Since completing our management buy-out in April 2025, the business has gone from strength to strength. We’ve welcomed 15 new colleagues, invested in apprenticeships and offered work experience to young people considering a career in construction. Our team has delivered some fantastic projects, including Health on the High Street in Barnsley, and this recognition is a tribute to their hard work and commitment.
“Although O&P celebrated its 55th anniversary this year, it feels like an exciting new chapter for the company. My business partner Keiron Foster and I are immensely proud of the whole team and grateful to our clients and supply chain partners for their continued support.”
Linda Spencer, Managing Director, Professional Energy People said: "The high cost of energy is impacting businesses of all sizes, and I feel incredibly proud that the work we deliver to help our clients navigate the complex and challenging energy market has been recognised in this way. Being named as Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber’s Small Business of the Year is a huge honour and a testament to the hard work, drive and dedication of every member of our team, who are playing their part in helping businesses to reduce energy costs and deliver practical energy-saving solutions.”
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Matt Travis, President, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said: “Every year without fail, the ways in which our local business community go above and beyond the call of duty never ceases to amaze me. Throughout everything that has been thrown at us in recent years, businesses across Barnsley, Rotherham and South Yorkshire have shown something remarkable. Resilience, determination and confidence in the future. One thing has become very clear; the strength of South Yorkshire is not found in buildings or balance sheets, it's found in our people.
The Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards are one of the most important events we host at the Chamber, not only offering a chance for the local community to come together to celebrate and reflect on their achievements during the past 12 months but to celebrate and showcase some of the truly innovative work being delivered across our region.
The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high, giving the judges some very difficult decisions to make. However, what truly stood out is the ambition, renewed confidence and resilience demonstrated by businesses across our region. When businesses face challenges, they innovate; when businesses spot new opportunities, they grab them with both hands, and when they achieve success, the whole region benefits.
From start-up businesses and apprentices who are just making their mark on the world to longstanding organisations that have shaped the local business landscape for many years, I would like to congratulate every business that has played a part in making this year’s Business Awards an evening to celebrate, and whether a winner on the night, highly commended or shortlisted, they can be incredibly proud of their achievements.”
The Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards will return in 2027.
Business of the Year: Matrix Consulting Engineers
Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by RNN Group
Winner: Holly Thurlbeck, Ridley & Hall
Highly Commended: Ellie Hickling, KCM Waste Management; Noah Burkinshaw, Mears Group
Shortlist: Bailey Fletcher, Gala Tent; Jamie Kelly, Equans
Business Community Impact, sponsored by Rotherham Together Partnership
Winner: Dwelling Doctors
Highly Commended: BetterYou Ltd; Magna
Shortlist: Equans; TMG Mortgage Network
Business Growth, sponsored by Actus
Winner: Matrix Consulting Engineers Ltd
Highly Commended: APM Direct Couriers; O&P Construction Services Ltd
Shortlist: Ridley & Hall Solicitors; Elevation Recruitment Group
Business Person of the Year, sponsored by OCPR Ltd
Winner: Laura Holland, Ecotech Engineers Ltd
Highly Commended: Stuart Turner, LensGo Visual Media; Robert Mitchell, O&P Construction Services
Shortlist: Chris Annetts, Optimise Cyber Solutions; Scott Thorpe, TMG Mortgage Group
Charity of the Year, sponsored by Taylor Emmet Solicitors
Winner: Crossroads Care
Highly Commended: Rotherham Hospice; Barnsley FC Community Trust
Shortlist: YWCA Yorkshire; Weston Park Cancer Charity
Commitment to People Development, sponsored by Pathways to Work, Rotherham
Winner: Ridley & Hall Solicitors
Highly Commended: IT Desk (UK) Ltd; Aspire Personalised Care Ltd
Shortlist: Gravitate Digital Group; Equans Regeneration Ltd
Excellence in Customer Service, sponsored by MKB Solicitors
Winner: Wayv
Highly Commended: IT Desk; Allendale Building Supplies
Shortlist: International Freight Solutions; Millgate
Large Business of the Year, sponsored by Barnsley College
Winner: O&P Construction Services
Highly Commended: KCM Waste Management Limited; Mace Group
Shortlist: Equans Regeneration Limited; RNN Group
Campaign of the Year, sponsored by Rotherham Enterprise Agency Limited
Winner: Magna, Bridges to Work
Highly Commended: Crossroads Care Charity, Dementia Garden; Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, The Pride of Yorkshire
Shortlist: Chapter II, 250th St Leger Festival; Rotherham Hospital & Community Charity/Rotherham NHS Foundation
Most Promising New Business, sponsored by IT Desk
Winner: Optimise Cyber Solutions
Highly Commended: MiniVox; Marvel ICA Ltd
Shortlist: BrookTech; Hamilton Barber
Sustainability Award, sponsored by Enzygo
Winner: Rotherham Hospital & Community Charity
Highly Commended: ESH Construction; Empress Building
Shortlist: Parkgate; 1101
Small Business of the Year, sponsored by 1101
Winner: Professional Energy People
Highly Commended: Wildfire Agency; Glu Recruit
Shortlist: Gravitate Digital Group; Apollo Safety
Social Value Business of the Year, sponsored by Rotherham Council
Winner: O & P Construction
Highly Commended: H W Martin; Equans
Shortlist: R H Fullwoods; KCM Waste Management
Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber website
Images: Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber
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It proved to be a night to remember for O&P Construction Services, which walked away with two awards, recognising its social value impact contributions, as well as proving to be a worthy winner of the title outstanding large business of the year; whilst managing director Robert Mitchell was also highly commended in the business person of the year category. Following a management buy-out last year, the company has created 15 new jobs and successfully delivered a range of pioneering and innovative projects, working in partnership with the NHS and public sector organisations.
They were joined in their celebrations by Professional Energy People, which is responsible for managing a staggering £46m of energy contracts, was named the best small business, whilst Magna completed the list of Rotherham-based winners on the evening, after securing the title of Campaign of the Year, in recognition of its pioneering Bridges to Work scheme, designed to break down barriers facing young adults with disabilities to securing employment.
Organised by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, the sell-out event, which was sponsored by Barnsley College and hosted at Magna, saw over 550 members of the local business community come together to celebrate the achievements of businesses and individuals who have played their part in shaping the local business landscape during the past 12 months; from apprentices taking the first steps in their chosen career paths to businesses that have gone above and beyond the call of duty in delivering excellent customer service, people development, marketing, sustainability and growth, with the overall winner of the title of Business of the Year chosen from shortlisted businesses.
The awards also recognised the enormous contribution made by the voluntary and not-for-profit sector, with Rotherham-based Crossroads Care being presented with the title of Charity of the Year and receiving a cheque for £3000 to support their work, whilst Barnsley FC Community Trust and the Rotherham Hospice were both highly commended.
The overall title of Business of the Year was presented to Matrix Consulting Engineers after impressing judges with its remarkable growth, which has seen the business deliver design and infrastructure projects across England, resulting in new jobs created and its significant growth during the past 12 months.
Four businesses, which racked up a collective 515 years of service to the region, were also presented with special salutes to business. Those recognised included, Millgate (30 years), Marsden Weighing (100 years), Sheffield Children’s Hospital Trust (150 years) and Oxley & Coward (235 years).
The event was compered by versatile comedian and impressionist Jess Robinson, who also delivered a sensational live performance during the event, whilst Chancellor of the Exchequer and MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, made a special appearance at the event, paying his own tribute to the strength of South Yorkshire’s local economy as well as reflecting on his long association with Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, whilst guests celebrated the evening in style, dancing until the early hours.
Robert Mitchell, Construction Director, O&P Construction Services Ltd, said: “Since completing our management buy-out in April 2025, the business has gone from strength to strength. We’ve welcomed 15 new colleagues, invested in apprenticeships and offered work experience to young people considering a career in construction. Our team has delivered some fantastic projects, including Health on the High Street in Barnsley, and this recognition is a tribute to their hard work and commitment.
“Although O&P celebrated its 55th anniversary this year, it feels like an exciting new chapter for the company. My business partner Keiron Foster and I are immensely proud of the whole team and grateful to our clients and supply chain partners for their continued support.”
Linda Spencer, Managing Director, Professional Energy People said: "The high cost of energy is impacting businesses of all sizes, and I feel incredibly proud that the work we deliver to help our clients navigate the complex and challenging energy market has been recognised in this way. Being named as Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber’s Small Business of the Year is a huge honour and a testament to the hard work, drive and dedication of every member of our team, who are playing their part in helping businesses to reduce energy costs and deliver practical energy-saving solutions.”
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Matt Travis, President, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said: “Every year without fail, the ways in which our local business community go above and beyond the call of duty never ceases to amaze me. Throughout everything that has been thrown at us in recent years, businesses across Barnsley, Rotherham and South Yorkshire have shown something remarkable. Resilience, determination and confidence in the future. One thing has become very clear; the strength of South Yorkshire is not found in buildings or balance sheets, it's found in our people.
The Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards are one of the most important events we host at the Chamber, not only offering a chance for the local community to come together to celebrate and reflect on their achievements during the past 12 months but to celebrate and showcase some of the truly innovative work being delivered across our region.
The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high, giving the judges some very difficult decisions to make. However, what truly stood out is the ambition, renewed confidence and resilience demonstrated by businesses across our region. When businesses face challenges, they innovate; when businesses spot new opportunities, they grab them with both hands, and when they achieve success, the whole region benefits.
From start-up businesses and apprentices who are just making their mark on the world to longstanding organisations that have shaped the local business landscape for many years, I would like to congratulate every business that has played a part in making this year’s Business Awards an evening to celebrate, and whether a winner on the night, highly commended or shortlisted, they can be incredibly proud of their achievements.”
Business of the Year: Matrix Consulting Engineers
Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by RNN Group
Winner: Holly Thurlbeck, Ridley & Hall
Highly Commended: Ellie Hickling, KCM Waste Management; Noah Burkinshaw, Mears Group
Shortlist: Bailey Fletcher, Gala Tent; Jamie Kelly, Equans
Business Community Impact, sponsored by Rotherham Together Partnership
Winner: Dwelling Doctors
Highly Commended: BetterYou Ltd; Magna
Shortlist: Equans; TMG Mortgage Network
Business Growth, sponsored by Actus
Winner: Matrix Consulting Engineers Ltd
Highly Commended: APM Direct Couriers; O&P Construction Services Ltd
Shortlist: Ridley & Hall Solicitors; Elevation Recruitment Group
Business Person of the Year, sponsored by OCPR Ltd
Winner: Laura Holland, Ecotech Engineers Ltd
Highly Commended: Stuart Turner, LensGo Visual Media; Robert Mitchell, O&P Construction Services
Shortlist: Chris Annetts, Optimise Cyber Solutions; Scott Thorpe, TMG Mortgage Group
Charity of the Year, sponsored by Taylor Emmet Solicitors
Winner: Crossroads Care
Highly Commended: Rotherham Hospice; Barnsley FC Community Trust
Shortlist: YWCA Yorkshire; Weston Park Cancer Charity
Commitment to People Development, sponsored by Pathways to Work, Rotherham
Winner: Ridley & Hall Solicitors
Highly Commended: IT Desk (UK) Ltd; Aspire Personalised Care Ltd
Shortlist: Gravitate Digital Group; Equans Regeneration Ltd
Excellence in Customer Service, sponsored by MKB Solicitors
Winner: Wayv
Highly Commended: IT Desk; Allendale Building Supplies
Shortlist: International Freight Solutions; Millgate
Large Business of the Year, sponsored by Barnsley College
Winner: O&P Construction Services
Highly Commended: KCM Waste Management Limited; Mace Group
Shortlist: Equans Regeneration Limited; RNN Group
Campaign of the Year, sponsored by Rotherham Enterprise Agency Limited
Winner: Magna, Bridges to Work
Highly Commended: Crossroads Care Charity, Dementia Garden; Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, The Pride of Yorkshire
Shortlist: Chapter II, 250th St Leger Festival; Rotherham Hospital & Community Charity/Rotherham NHS Foundation
Most Promising New Business, sponsored by IT Desk
Winner: Optimise Cyber Solutions
Highly Commended: MiniVox; Marvel ICA Ltd
Shortlist: BrookTech; Hamilton Barber
Sustainability Award, sponsored by Enzygo
Winner: Rotherham Hospital & Community Charity
Highly Commended: ESH Construction; Empress Building
Shortlist: Parkgate; 1101
Small Business of the Year, sponsored by 1101
Winner: Professional Energy People
Highly Commended: Wildfire Agency; Glu Recruit
Shortlist: Gravitate Digital Group; Apollo Safety
Social Value Business of the Year, sponsored by Rotherham Council
Winner: O & P Construction
Highly Commended: H W Martin; Equans
Shortlist: R H Fullwoods; KCM Waste Management
Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber website
Images: Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber
