BusinessCloud is today unveiling its Northern Leaders 2026 list, celebrating the 200+ people who are making the North a better place.

Now in its third year, Northern Leaders recognises inspirational individuals from the worlds of business, sport, politics, charity, education, philanthropy, property and beyond.

This year’s list features 93 new entries, reflecting BusinessCloud’s commitment to recognising fresh faces and unsung heroes alongside some of the region’s best-known figures.

Although the list comprises 200 entries, eight feature two people, bringing the total number of individuals recognised to 208, including 85 women.

Former Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) chief executive Eamonn Boylan has been included posthumously following his sudden death earlier this year, after dedicating more than 40 years of his life to public service.

Eamonn Boylan, former chief executive, Greater Manchester Combined Authority; interim chief executive, Manchester City Council

Former Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) chief executive Eamonn Boylan has been included posthumously

The headline sponsor of Northern Leaders 2026 is OBI, supported by law firm CG,GM Business Growth Hub and Rochdale Development Agency.

Everyone featured on the list will now be invited to the Northern Leaders 2026 awards evening at KPMG’s Manchester office on November 19.

Northern Leaders 2026

BusinessCloud executive editor Chris Maguire said: “We had a record-breaking number of nominations this year from across the North and the hard part was limiting it to 200 entries.

“There are 93 new names on the list and this is because we want Northern Leaders to look different every year.

“The key question we asked when discussing the names was this: Have the nominees made the North a better place?

“Some of the names are obvious like Sir Kevin Sinfield, in recognition of all fundraising he’s done for motor neurone disease (MND) charities.

“One of the first things Andy Burnham did when he became prime minister was open No10 North, which has shifted some of the power and focus from Westminster to the North. That’s what we want.”

Among the other people recognised in Northern Leaders 2026 are:

  • 1. Adam Waugh: The 63-year-old sailor and former stockbroker from Northumberland built his own boat and sailed solo around the world, raising £100,000 for the Ella Dawson Foundation.
  • 2. Bill Holroyd CBE: A long-standing philanthropist who has played a key role in the development of OnSide Youth Zones, helping create opportunities for young people.
  • 3. Clare Roberts OBE: Founder and CEO of Kids Planet, which has grown into the UK’s second-largest nursery provider.
  • 4. Michael Carrick: The Manchester United manager whose foundation helps create opportunities for children and young people to feel safe and achieve their full potential.
  • 5. Conor Flood: A property professional who has raised awareness and funds for brain tumour research following his own diagnosis at the age of 28.
  • 6. Dave Thompson MBE: Has dedicated his life to helping other disabled people after breaking his neck while playing American football in 1989.
  • 7. Dr Fozia Saleem: An entrepreneur who has chosen to build her globally ambitious biotechnology business, Magnitude Biosciences, in the North East.
  • 8. Gavin Howarth: Continues to lead the business and foundation established by his parents, Helen and Andy Howarth, following their deaths within days of each other, upholding the values and integrity they instilled.
  • 9. Heather and Tom Staff: The siblings behind Manchester-based Street Group, which has grown into a business employing 230 people.
  • 10. James Batchelor MBE: Founder and CEO of Alertacall, who has dedicated his working life to using technology to help older people maintain their independence.
  • 11. Karlie Thompson: An NHS worker who lost both legs after developing sepsis and was given just a five per cent chance of survival.
  • 12. Shaun Wane: The former rugby league coach, now in demand as a keynote speaker and business consultant, who speaks with brutal honesty about his difficult childhood.

The names on the 2026 Northern Leaders were chosen after a robust judging process, in which all vested interests were declared.

Last year, Lindsey Burrow, wife of rugby league legend Rob Burrow, received the Northern Leaders Overall Award in recognition of her fundraising and work raising awareness of motor neurone disease (MND).

  • Every effort has been made to check all the names and bios on the list.  If you spot any mistakes please email Chris.Maguire@Businesscloud.co.uk