The inaugural ClimbAwards, held during Climb26, brought together founders, investors, partners and business leaders to celebrate the individuals and organisations driving growth, innovation and positive change across the UK.
The awards recognised those not only achieving commercial success but also creating opportunities, championing inclusion and tackling some of society's biggest challenges.
From groundbreaking health innovations and purpose-led businesses to ecosystem builders and social impact leaders, the winners represented the very best of what the UK's entrepreneurial community has to offer.
The Blacks Solicitors High-Growth Business of the Year Award
Tayo Adebisi – Tilz Prosperitas Limited
Founder and CEO Tayo Adebisi has built Leeds-based Tilz Prosperitas into a multi-million-pound global trade and ecommerce business, growing from an initial £5,000 investment in 2017 to trading across Europe, North America and Australia.
A passionate advocate for international trade and entrepreneurship, Tayo has become a recognised voice in the UK's export community, while also supporting future business leaders through academia and mentoring.
The Jenny Garrett Global Women in Business Award
Lou Matthews – Culture Craft
Lou Matthews was recognised for her leadership of Culture Craft, an organisation dedicated to helping businesses build stronger workplace cultures where people and performance thrive together.
Through her work, Lou has supported organisations to create more inclusive, engaged and high-performing teams, demonstrating the powerful role culture plays in sustainable business success.
Inclusion Champion Award
Jonathan Rowley – THRIVE
Jonathan Rowley and THRIVE were recognised for their commitment to creating more inclusive opportunities and championing diversity and belonging.
The award celebrates individuals and organisations making a meaningful difference in ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background or circumstance.
Changemaker Award – Social Impact
Simon Roche – Northern Power Women Awards
Simon Roche was recognised for his role in helping create one of the UK's most influential movements dedicated to accelerating gender equality and social mobility.
Through the Northern Power Women Awards and wider initiatives, the organisation has created significant social value, championed role models and opened doors for thousands of people across the North and beyond.
Rising Star Award – Startup of the Year
Gizem Acar Tekin – Photarix
Photarix was recognised as one of the UK's most exciting emerging businesses, highlighting the innovation, ambition and potential of the next generation of founders.
The award celebrates businesses that are disrupting industries and demonstrating exceptional early-stage growth.
Innovation in Health Award – Startup
Mirjana Prokvic – HangAIR
HangAIR received recognition for its innovative approach to health technology and its potential to improve lives through new solutions and forward-thinking innovation.
The award highlights the growing strength of the UK's health innovation ecosystem and the entrepreneurs tackling some of the sector's most pressing challenges.
Innovation in Health Award – Scaleup
Anna Maxwell – Maxwellia
Under Anna Maxwell's leadership, Maxwellia has become a pioneer in consumer healthcare, helping to transform access to medicines and empowering people to take greater control of their health.
The company continues to break new ground within the healthcare sector and is recognised as one of the UK's leading health innovation success stories.
Future Earth Award
Ashleigh Brumpton – BB Designs
Ashleigh Brumpton and BB Designs were recognised for their commitment to sustainability and creating a positive environmental impact.
The Future Earth Award celebrates organisations embedding environmental responsibility into the heart of their business and helping shape a more sustainable future.
Ecosystem Growth & Opportunity Award
Tim East – Propel
Tim East was recognised for his significant contribution to strengthening the innovation and health ecosystem.
Through Propel and his wider work across health innovation, Tim has helped connect founders, investors, organisations and support networks, creating opportunities for businesses to scale and thrive.
Excellence in Business Support Award
Dawn Jarvis – North East Mayoral Strategic Authority
Dawn Jarvis was recognised for her commitment to supporting businesses and driving economic growth across the North East.
The award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to create opportunities, champion entrepreneurship and ensure businesses can access the support needed to succeed.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Andy Woods
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Andy Woods in recognition of his exceptional contribution to business, entrepreneurship and the wider ecosystem.
This award honours individuals whose impact extends far beyond commercial success and whose leadership, support and commitment have left a lasting legacy.
Celebrating Those Building What Comes Next
The ClimbAwards are more than a celebration of success. They shine a spotlight on the people and organisations driving innovation, creating opportunities and helping shape the future of business across the UK.
Congratulations once again to all of the winners, finalists and nominees.
Your ambition, resilience and impact are exactly what Climb26 exists to celebrate.