The Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards (MKBAA) 2025 were launched last month under the timely theme of ‘Bridging the Gap: Skills & Learning for Our Future Workforce’.
Underscoring the urgent need to address the persistent skills gap affecting local businesses, the announcement was made against the backdrop of Milton Keynes College – proud host of the MKBAA 2025 launch event and officially named as a new headline sponsor.
The organisers of MKBAA are also delighted to announce that The Open University, Milton Keynes City Council and Brioche Pasquier will all return as headline sponsors in 2025.
Milton Keynes, a burgeoning hub for technology, finance, logistics and professional services, faces a pressing skills shortage despite its dynamic growth – a fact reflected in last year’s SEMLEP Business Survey which reported that 45% of businesses in the local area find recruiting people with the right skills difficult.
It’s a gap mirrored nationally with 24% of vacancies in England resulting from skill shortages.
As the skills deficit is put on a national platform, through the Government’s pledge to establish Skills England, ensuring the country has a highly trained workforce, MKBAA 2025 will energise the debate on bridging the skills gap within the local region, ensuring Milton Keynes retains its position as one of the UK’s most productive and innovative cities.
The theme also aligns with the City Council’s MK City Plan 2025, which emphasises strengthening Milton Keynes’ regional and national economic role by improving access to education, skills and training, particularly within the city’s technology and digital industries, which account for one in every three jobs.
Nicholas Mann, Chair of Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership (MKBLP), the organisers of MKBAA, said:
“Milton Keynes is a thriving hub of innovation and growth, but our success hinges on having a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of our dynamic economy. The 2025 MKBAA theme highlights the urgency of this challenge and the need for strategic partnerships between businesses and educational institutions. Businesses must play their part in finding a resolution to this challenge.”
Despite Milton Keynes benefitting from The Open University, MK College, MK:U, and the South Central Institute of Technology, the challenge has been largely attributed to the absence of an undergraduate university and a shortage of universal educational opportunities. A concerted effort from the business community is essential to ensure Milton Keynes remains an attractive destination for highly skilled jobs.
Sally Alexander, CEO & Group Principal of Milton Keynes College Group, said:
“Milton Keynes College is proud to be a sponsor of the MK Business Achievement Awards for 2025. Our sponsorship of these awards is a testament to our commitment to the Milton Keynes community and to the vital role that businesses play in driving economic growth and creating opportunities for all. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of local businesses and highlighting the importance of collaboration between education and industry.”
MKBAA has a proud history of setting ambitious themes that echo the city’s challenges and achievements. MKBAA 2025 is set to be no different and will serve as a platform for local businesses to showcase their achievements and contribute to the ongoing dialogue around skills development.
Entries to the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards 2025 are now open and organisations are encouraged to enter to become part of a movement towards closing the skills gap and securing a prosperous future for the city’s workforce. Any organisation or individual with an MK postcode can enter a maximum of two categories.
The first round of entries for MKBAA 2025 will close on Friday, November 8, with the second stage opening on Wednesday, November 27 and closing on Monday, January 6. The finalists party will take place on February 13, 2025, with the awards night on Thursday, March 20.
Award Categories
- Celebrating Diversity
- Charity of the Year
- Design and Creativity
- Culture, Arts and Heritage
- Innovation and Technology
- New Business
- Customer Service
- Leisure, Entertainment and Hospitality
- Professional Services
- Business Impact in the Community
- Small and Medium Business
- Micro Business
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Manufacturing and Supply Chain – New for 2025
- Built Environment (Property and Construction)
- Skills & Learning – New for 2025
- Outstanding Contribution
For more information visit www.mkbaa.co.uk Sponsorship opportunities are available for 2025 and interested organisations should email sponsorship@mkbaa.co.uk for further details.
