‘Wowzer, wow, chuffed and humbled.’
These are just some of the words used to describe what it feels like to be included in 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.
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 more than 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.
Everyone on the list will we invited to attend the 2025 Northern Leaders awards dinner at KPMG, Manchester on November 20th.
Wowzer!
Louise Stephenson, partner, DRAX Executive, said: “Wowzer! I am overwhelmed be included alongside such outstanding leaders across the North. Thank you so much on behalf of The Drax Empowering Women in Business Community. What a way to start the week.”
Clare Roberts OBE, CEO at Kids Planet, said: “Honoured to be included in this list again with amazing other Northern Leaders.”
Stuart Clarke MBE, founder, Leeds Digital, said: “It’s a real honour to be on this list.”
Dawn Huntrod, regional director North at Make UK, said: “Such an honour to be recognised amongst such exalted company.”
Nicola Merritt, CEO of Cortus Advisory Group, said: “Very grateful to have been recognised again amongst such fantastic and talented leaders.”
Honoured
Natasha Sayce-Zelem, director of digital and business platform, Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Honoured to see my name on this list again alongside so many friends. Thank you BusinessCloud for your tireless championing of the North and for your encouragement.”
Tiffany Thorn, CEO, BiVictriX Therapeutics, said: “Wow, what an honour. So very humbled to be included in this list amongst such a great line up of the most inspiring Northern business leaders. Thanks so much BusinessCloud for even thinking of me, let alone adding me to the list.”
Sophie Milliken MBE, founder Moja, said: “Well chuffed to make the list again. Mega shoutout to the BusinessCloud team as I know A LOT of work goes into the research to compile the list. Excited to attend the dinner and hang out with epic people who appreciate the North.”
Helen Tonks MBE, co-founder of Hydraulics Online, said: “I really can’t believe who I’m rubbing shoulders with here – what an absolute honour to make the edit amongst such incredible Northern Leaders. Thank you so much for the recognition, BusinessCloud – I think you’ve just made my week already.”
Russell Teale, co-founder and CEO at Vivify, said: “Wow, what a lovely surprise, honoured to be amongst amazing leaders across the region. Thank you BusinessCloud.”
Humbled
Cancer survivor Kate Rothwell, group head of tax, The Pebble Group, said: “Very humbled and honoured to be included representing all the Northern Women in Tax, those raising £££ for Prevent Breast Cancer and most importantly giving a voice to those coming back from a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.”
Danny Simpson, CEO of MID Digital Solutions / managing director, Sales Geek, said: “So lucky and honoured to be part of this amazing list of leaders. Thank you to all the sponsors and BusinessCloud.”
Tracy Mort, CEO and owner, Cole Beauty, said: “Very honoured to be included on the list again thanks BusinessCloud. Definitely in great company.”
Laura Earnshaw, founder and CEO, MyHappymind, said: “Delighted to have made the list BusinessCloud and congrats to all the other amazing leaders doing incredible things in the North.”
Phil Witcherley, Executive Director for Economy, Innovation and Culture at North East Combined Authority, said: “What a nice surprise to be included in this. What an honour.”
Liz Ashall-Payne, founder of ORCHA, said: “Wow. Just delighted to be listed with these amazing people. Thank you.”
Ram Gupta, managing director of Nybble, said: “Absolutely honoured to be part of a list of such inspiring individuals. Thank you BusinessCloud. Looking forward to the event on November 20th.”
Tech entrepreneur Zandra Moore MBE said: “Wow! What a list. Proud to be included.”
William Lees-Jones, managing director of JW Lees Brewery, said: “Proud to be in excellent company representing everything that we are doing at JW Lees.”
Barry Leahey MBE, President at Playdale, said: “Thrilled and humbled to be recognised in this way.”
Gosh
Jane Dawson, founder of Ella Dawson Foundation, said: “Gosh. I am humbled and truly honoured to be included alongside this list of incredible leaders .Thankyou BusinessCloud for recognising the work of Ella Dawson Foundation helping young adults and their families live well through and beyond cancer.”
Dan Booth, CEO at Leonard Curtis, said: “Very proud and privileged to have been included and recognised … none of what we achieve would be possible without our brilliant colleagues and teams. Maximum credit to them and maximum respect to all who have made the list. Thank you.”