The Oxfordshire Business Awards returned with style and purpose this year, bringing together some of the region’s most dynamic and innovative companies for an evening of celebration, recognition and inspiration.
Held at the John Henry Brookes Building at Oxford Brookes University on Thursday 12 June, the 2025 awards ceremony highlighted the strength and diversity of Oxfordshire’s business landscape.
More than just a night of accolades, the event celebrated not only the winners but also the outstanding finalists—each one demonstrating excellence in their field and contributing to the county’s thriving economy.
With newly appointed co-chairs Heather Wood and Simon Bassett at the helm, the awards took on a fresh energy, marking a memorable chapter in the long-standing tradition of honouring business success in Oxfordshire.
Heather Wood said, “It has been an absolute honour to take on the role of Co-Chair for the Oxfordshire Business Awards this year, and what a brilliant evening it was. The room was filled with passion, talent and drive, and every single finalist truly deserved their place.
“The standard was incredibly high and a real testament to the strength of business across the county. Planning for the 2026 Oxfordshire Business Awards will be underway very soon, so if you would like to be involved in this fantastic event, do get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.”
Winners were announced in 12 award categories, including a surprise award recognising Paul Lowe’s outstanding contribution to the Oxfordshire business community, as well as the prestigious Business of the Year Award, which was presented to One-Eighty!
The OXBA Dinner was hosted by comedian Matt Richardson. Sobell House Hospice was the OXBA’s chosen charity for the evening, and with the generous donations and support of those who attended, an OXBA record amount of £5745 was raised!
This incredible sum will go a long way in supporting the vital services provided by Sobell House Hospice, ensuring that patients and their families receive the compassionate care and support they need during challenging times.
Simon Bassett said, “In its 29th year, the Oxfordshire Business Awards never fails to disappoint! The awards showcase the very best that Oxfordshire business has to offer.
“We are very blessed to live in a county with such a dynamic and vibrant business community, from small owner-managed businesses to multi-national household names. They were all present at the awards dinner, which is the highlight of the awards calendar and enjoyed by all!
“Congratulations to the worthy finalists and winners – the competition has been intense and the quality of entries exceptional. It’s been quite a year and an absolute pleasure to co-chair the awards, which continue to go from strength to strength!”
The 2025 Oxfordshire Business Awards winners and finalists are:
New Business Award – Sponsored by Enterprise Oxfordshire
Winner: Newroad 30
Finalists: Ascension Earth Resources and Terrachange Solar
Employer of the Year Award – Sponsored by Hays
Winner: One-Eighty
Finalists: Valda Energy and Wise Investment
Outstanding Contribution Award
Winner: Paul Lowe
Innovation Award – Sponsored by The Oxford Science Park
Winner: Sitryx
Finalists: Mach42 and Oxford Dynamics
Charity & Community Award – Sponsored by Greatest Hits Radio
Winner: Waste2taste CIC
Finalists: One-Eighty and Oxford United in the Community
Young Businessperson of the Year Award – Sponsored by Mathews Comfort
Winner: Henry Lynch, Lynch Brother Homes
Finalists: Shefali Sharma, Oxford Dynamics and Ben Thompson, Thompson & Terry Recruitment
Emerging Tech Business Award – Sponsored by The Oxford Trust, Oxford Innovation Space, Barclays Eagle Labs and Imed Consultancy
Winner: Terrachange Solar
Finalists: Newroad 30 and Super Benji
Property Developer of the Year Award – Sponsored by Cherry Picked Residential
Winner: KJD Construction Oxford
Finalists: Hexiqon Homes and Lynch Brother Homes
SME of the Year Award – Sponsored by The Oxfordshire Business Awards
Winner: Thompson & Terry Recruitment
Finalists: Blue Blood and Complete Inspection Surveyors
Businessperson of the Year Award – Sponsored by James Cowper Kreston
Winner: Jennifer Brown, Pampeano
Finalists: Jill Bull, Inclusive Care & Education and John Fissenden Amber Financial Planning
Large Business Award – Sponsored by RWK Goodman
Winner: GHM Communications
Finalists: Amber Financial Planning and Oxford Fine Dining
Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Darke & Taylor
Winner: One-Eighty
