Sheffield Business Awards prove local enterprises are bouncing back after the pandemic.

Last night, unLTD, a Sheffield business magazine, hosted the annual Sheffield Business Awards.

There were 15 awards up for grabs, with four companies nominated in each category. These categories include Employer of the Year, Social Impact Award and Sheffield Maker Award.

Ian Finkill, director of Robert Sorby, who won the Maker Award for Manufacturing Company of the Year, said: “It was good to be back catching up with other Sheffield businesses again, and to come away with the trophy was fantastic.”

The local business community were glad to have an opportunity to show they are still thriving, despite the pandemic.

Zoe Wadsworth, owner and creator of Fab Events, explained that COVID meant she had to change the business she has been running for 15 years.

She said: “As events were illegal we had to pivot so we now advise businesses on events they can run to improve their brand strategy.

“It has been difficult when people know you are doing one thing and now we do something different, but this award feels like a sign we’re on the right track.”

Many of the businesses that won awards were also able to innovate during the pandemic, but for some, the lockdown restrictions had unexpected positive consequences.

Ian Finkill said: “As sad it is to say, all the lockdowns meant people wanted to start new hobbies, so they came to us for the woodworking tools we make.

“Our order book is now the biggest it’s been in our 200 year history.”

Sheffield Sustainable Kitchens won the Planet Saver Award for their drive to be as eco-friendly as possible and director Rob Cole said the pandemic increased business for them as well.

“As soon as the first lockdown ended our phone started ringing off the hook.

“People had been sitting at home, not able to spend money on holidays and wanted to make their homes more special.”

Whilst the economic landscape may have been irreversibly changed by the last 18 months, Sheffield businesses are refusing to go anywhere.

(Picture courtesy of Robert Sorby)