A writer for the Sheffield Tribune has come out on top at the 2025 British Journalism Awards, winning the prize for Best Local Journalism.

Mollie Simpson, best known for her work revealing “bribery and fraud” at the University of Greater Manchester, was awarded the prize alongside Mill Media founder and Editor of The Mill, Joshi Herrman.

Yesterday evening’s annual awards night was hosted by journalist and presenter Jeremy Vine and held by Press Gazette.

The three pieces which won her the coveted title were written when she was at The Mill in Manchester.

Earlier this year she joined The Tribune, another Mill Media publication founded by former Sheffield Star journalist Dan Hayes.

The judges called Ms Simpson’s work “a tenacious and first-class piece of investigative reporting by a journalist who would not be thrown off the trail.”

In an exclusive comment, Mr Herrman said: “We’re incredibly excited to win this award.

“This investigation has been a story we’ve covered all year, and it’s led to a police investigation, several mentions in parliament and the suspension of the vice chancellor and other senior university officials.

“Having it recognised with a national award is a lovely bonus,” he said.

Mollie joined The Mill fresh out of university in 2021, and has since helped shape the regional media landscape across the north of England through her work in Manchester and Sheffield.

Mollie Simpson added on her own celebratory LinkedIn post: “Thanks so much to all my Mill Media colleagues for their support, and to Press Gazette.”

Image: Press Gazette/Adam Duke Photography