The game-changing work of more than 200 figures from the North is today recognised with publication of BusinessCloud’s 2025 Northern Leaders list.
Northern Leaders shines a light on the leaders who have made – and continue to make – the biggest positive difference to the North.
It was inspired by the late, great former chief executive of Manchester City Council, Sir Howard Bernstein, who is widely recognised as being the catalyst for the regeneration of Manchester.
The names on the list will now be invited to attend the 2025 Northern Leaders awards dinner at the Manchester offices of KPMG on 20th November.
This year’s list includes 74 new names from the North West, North East and Yorkshire & Humberside and includes figures from the world of business, charity, sport, property, politics, philanthropy and TV.
Co-founders and siblings are listed as one entry so the 2025 Northern Leaders list also includes the names of at least 90 women.
This year’s headline sponsor is OBI, alongside law firm CG, GM Business Growth Hub, Rochdale Development Agency, insurance giant Lockton and J.P. Morgan Private Bank.
You can see the 200 names and their profiles by clicking on the link below.
This year’s list includes a mix of household names and unsung heroes. Among the new names on the list are:
• Lindsey Burrow, widow of rugby league legend Rob Burrow, she has helped raise millions for charity and highlighted the practical hardships faced by unpaid carers;
• Mike Ingall, chairman and CEO of Allied London for the impact of the St John’s development in Manchester;
• Figen Murray, mother of Manchester Arena victim Martyn Hett, who inspired Martyn’s Law;
• Parvez Qadir, director of Rochdale-based social enterprise Breaking Barriers that gives a platform to underrepresented voices and communities;
• Frank Rothwell, chairman of Oldham Athletic FC, who became the oldest person to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean in aid of Alzheimer’s Research; and
• Ross Linnett, CEO of North East-based Recite Me, which was inspired by his lived experience with dyslexia.
BusinessCloud’s executive editor Chris Maguire joined a panel of respected judges in whittling down the main list containing more than 500 names to just 200.
Maguire said: “The 2025 Northern Leaders list is a real celebration of more than 200 people who make the North a better place.
“Anyone could nominate and I’m indebted to the contribution of the judges in narrowing it down to the final 200. It was a tough job.
“Northern Leaders doesn’t just celebrate business leaders but also people from the worlds of sport, charity, property, politics, health, philanthropy and many more who make the North a better place by virtue of their actions.
“Many of those on the list have suffered adversity or illness but have used their own experiences to help others.”
A second smaller list of people who elevate and promote the North to a wider audience will be published later this month.
• Every effort has been made to ensure all the details on the 2025 Northern Leaders list are correct but if you spot a mistake please email Chris.Maguire@BusinessCloud.co.uk