The Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards (MKBAA) 2025 took place last night in a dazzling celebration of excellence, innovation and community impact.
Now in its 11th year, the prestigious event, held in the stunning Ballroom at Stadium MK, welcomed over 500 guests from across the region and beyond, honouring the businesses and individuals shaping the future of Milton Keynes.
With this year’s theme, ‘Bridging the Gap: Skills & Learning for Our Future Workforce’, the awards underscored the vital need to address the ongoing skills gap affecting local businesses. Many of this year’s winners across the 16 award categories exemplified a commitment to workforce development, innovation, and making a positive impact in their respective industries.
The coveted Business of the Year award was presented to Niftylift Ltd, a leading name in manufacturing and supply chain solutions. From receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in 2024 to continued industry-wide recognition, Niftylift has demonstrated exceptional training, skills development and innovation.
Their international expansion and commercial success continue to drive local job creation and economic growth, making them a standout winner.
The Outstanding Contribution award was presented to Monica Ferguson, CEO & Artistic Director of The Stables, in recognition of her transformative impact on Milton Keynes’ cultural landscape. Under her leadership, The Stables has become a beacon for live music and arts, while her role in launching IF: Milton Keynes International Festival has engaged over 1.5 million people and elevated the city’s cultural standing nationally and internationally.
“MKBAA once again served as a powerful platform for recognising the city’s dynamic and forward-thinking community, celebrating organisations and individuals who are not only driving economic growth but also making a tangible difference through skills development and social impact,” said Chair of MKBAA organisers Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership (MKBLP), Nicholas Mann.
“This year’s winners truly exemplify the best of Milton Keynes, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements. A huge thank you to our sponsors and partners for making this event possible — we couldn’t do it without you.”
The MKBAA 2025 Winners
Skills and Learning
Sponsored by MK Education Awards
Winner: MK SNAP
Innovation and Technology
Sponsored by Helix
Winner: Autotech Connect
Leisure, Entertainment and Hospitality
Winner: Climb Quest Milton Keynes
Built Environment
Sponsored by MKDP (Milton Keynes Development Partnership)
Winner: Kirkby Diamond
Business Impact in the Community
Sponsored by EMW Law
Winner: Cranswick Convenience Foods
New Business
Winner: Chapter 25 Book Club
Culture, Arts and Heritage
Winner: MK Music Academy
Charity of the Year
Sponsored by MK Community Foundation
Winner: Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation
Celebrating Diversity
Sponsored by Forvis Mazars
Winner: Women Leaders
Small and Medium Business
Sponsored by Stratstone BMW
Winner: Mixxos Group
Micro Business
Winner: The Willen Ice Cream Company
Design and Creativity
Sponsored by GIANT
Winner: Chameleon Live
Customer Service
Sponsored by Holiday Inn Milton Keynes
Winner: Personal Group
Professional Services
Winner: Howes Percival LLP
Manufacturing and Supply Chain
Sponsored by Barclays
Winner: Niftylift Ltd
Entrepreneur of the Year
Winner: Karim Kassam
Outstanding Contribution
Winner: Monica Ferguson
Business of the Year
Sponsored by MHA
Winner: Niftylift Ltd
Headline sponsors for MKBAA 2025 were Milton Keynes City Council, The Open University, Brioche Pasquier and Milton Keynes College Group.
For further details about the MKBAA visit their website.
