Institute Of Economic Development Unveils 2025 Award Winners

The Institute of Economic Development (iED) has revealed the winners of its Annual Awards 2025 at a celebratory ceremony in Manchester.

More than 150 delegates gathered in the Grand Ballroom at The Lowry Hotel last night following the sold-out iED Annual Conference, Good Growth: Driving the UK economy with investment in our regions and communities. The Awards Dinner recognised outstanding individuals, teams and organisations across the full spectrum of economic development.

This year saw a record-breaking number of entries, with almost 60 submissions received for seven award categories, and shortlisted nominations were assessed by an expert judging panel in September. The glittering ceremony, hosted once again by iED Director and former Chair Bev Hurley CBE, honoured achievements across both the public and private sectors.

iED Award Winners 2025

Leader of the Year

• Jo Stevens, Managing Director, Oxford Innovation Space 

Team of the Year

• Economic Development Team, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council

Rising Star of the Year

• Nathan Shoesmith, Consultant, GC Insight

Social Value Initiative of the Year
Sponsored by The Growth Company

• Transforming West Cumbria, Sellafield Ltd & Cumbria Community Foundation

Most Innovative Project of the Year

• Embedding Good Growth Principles into programme design and UKSPF delivery in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, Cornwall Council

Collaborative Initiative of the Year
Sponsored by Recurve Solutions

• Data-Driven Innovation, University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University

Outstanding Impact
Sponsored by Pegasus Group

• Empowering Communities through Social Value, East Riding of Yorkshire Council

The evening concluded with the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution to Economic Development award, bestowed posthumously on the late Sir Howard Bernstein.

Paying tribute, iED Chair Tom Stannard described Sir Howard as “a remarkable leader in economic development and regeneration”. As Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, Sir Howard played a transformative role in reshaping the city and driving the regeneration that underpins its modern success. He later served as Patron of the iED from 2017 to 2020. Sir Howard’s son, Jonathan and daughter, Natalie, accepted the award.

iED Executive Director Nigel Wilcock said:

“When we first created these awards during the Institute’s 40th anniversary celebrations, our ambition was clear: to recognise excellence – individuals, teams and organisations making a real difference in economic development across the UK. Every year since, the quality, innovation and commitment displayed has been extraordinary, and this year is no exception.

“Shortlisting the finalists was no easy task for our judges. My congratulations go to all those who were shortlisted, to each of our winners, and my sincere thanks to everyone who submitted entries. Their work showcases the diversity, creativity and impact of economic development in action – precisely what these awards exist to celebrate. It was wonderful to welcome so many familiar faces, along with new colleagues, to share in this special evening.”