Newcastle-under-Lyme BID celebrates business excellence at 2025 LoveNUL Awards

Newcastle-under-Lyme’s business community came together on Friday 10th October to celebrate the very best of local enterprise at the LoveNUL Business Awards 2025.

Following a public nomination and voting process which saw over 600 nominations and 6000 votes, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID proudly revealed this year’s winners at a packed ceremony held at the NSCG Performing Arts Centre.

More than 180 guests, including shortlisted businesses, sponsors, partners and key representatives from across the Borough enjoyed an evening hosted by BID Co-Chair Jane Tunnicliff and broadcaster and presenter Dan Townley. Together they awarded trophies across 11 categories, recognising the breadth of talent and dedication in the town’s business community.

Awards were proudly presented by sponsors including Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Keele University, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and University of Staffordshire.

Jane Tunnicliff said:

“Hosting the LoveNUL Business Awards is always a privilege. The evening gives us a chance to shine a spotlight on the exceptional businesses and people who make Newcastle-under-Lyme such a vibrant place. Every nominee and winner should feel incredibly proud of the impact they have in our town.”

Headline sponsor IronMarket Wealth reflected on the significance of supporting this year’s event.

“At IronMarket, we’re proud to have sponsored this year’s Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Awards. For us, this is more than just an event – it’s a celebration of the town where our story began,” said Amy Bagshaw, Director.

“Both Wes, our founder and I grew up here and continue to call Newcastle-under-Lyme home, while shaping IronMarket alongside the community that inspired it. Supporting the BID Awards is our way of giving back to the people and businesses that have helped shape us. These awards shine a light on the incredible organisations and individuals who make our town thrive, and we’re honoured to play a part in recognising their achievements.”

Charl Pearce, BID Manager, added: “The LoveNUL Business Awards are all about celebrating the people behind the businesses, the often unsung heroes who keep our town moving forward. It was fantastic to see the community come together and to feel the energy in the room. What makes these awards so special is the range of organisations recognised, from those improving health and wellbeing, to those driving retail, hospitality and culture.

“It was wonderful to see Jess from Divinity Studio Yoga & Pilates take home Independent Business of the Year, recognising her commitment to promoting wellbeing;  the team at Specsavers on Castle Walk, who were praised for their professional, friendly and life-changing optical care and the Peter Pan Centre, whose dedication to supporting children with additional needs and their families earned them Community Project of the Year. These stories represent the very best of Newcastle-under-Lyme, businesses and people who truly make a difference.”

The night also celebrated community favourites including The Little Vic (Hospitality Business of the Year Award), Brampton Museum (Visitor Attraction of the Year Award) and Shaws Chippy, who were presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for over 120 years of service to the town.

Full list of the LoveNUL Business Awards 2025 Winners:

Independent Business of the Year Award – Divinity Studio
Hospitality Business of the Year Award – The Little Vic
Professional Services Award – Specsavers
Market/Trader of the Year Award – Independent Street
Customer Service Award Award – The Hair House
Visitor Attraction of the Year Award – Brampton Museum
Community Project of the Year Award – Peter Pan Centre
New Business of the Year Award – Hurricane Gaming
Spirit of Newcastle-under-Lyme Business – Piccoloco
Spirit of Newcastle-under-Lyme Person – Janet Lowe from McDonald’s
Lifetime Achievement Award – Shaws Chippy