Staff from across the UK’s talented network have been recognised at the 2025 Chamber Awards.
- Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, has been named the President’s Award winner
- Katie Watson, Relationship Manager at the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, has been given the Rising Star Award
- Sophie Hayes, Account Manager at Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, named runner up in the Rising Star Award
Organised by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) the Chamber Awards are one of the showpieces of the business calendar. The awards are an opportunity to highlight the role that Chambers play in assisting firms to deliver growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities. They provide a brilliant opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the Chamber Network, its staff, and the vital support Chambers provide to businesses.
The President’s Award recognises the exceptional work and impact of someone who has gone above and beyond to support their Chamber, their local business community, and the wider global Chamber network. The winner, Carrie Sudbury, has been Chief Executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce since 2023. In the past 18 months she’s successfully led and delivered initiatives on business rates, social value and pathways to work. Her work has helped the Chamber become a trusted and respected voice in the region, and nationwide.
Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce said:
“Receiving the President’s Award is a real honour – but I wouldn’t have been able to achieve so much, without the amazing team at Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber.
“My aim is simple, building an environment where every business can achieve its full potential.”
The Rising Star Award is a unique opportunity to celebrate the next generation of Chamber professionals. Katie Watson, Relationship Manager at Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce has a proud record of promoting her Chamber outside the ‘9 to 5’ and helping to inspire young business leaders across the Northeast of Scotland.
Sophie Hayes was named runner-up for the Rising Star Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions as an Account Manager at the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, reflecting her dedication and impact within the Chamber network.
Katie Watson, Relationship Manager at Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce said:
“I really care about helping businesses in my region and inspiring other young professionals. Being recognised by the wider Chamber network is just amazing.
“My colleagues in Aberdeen are fantastic, helping me learn and develop every day. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Sarah Howard, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce said:
“Huge congratulations to our Chamber Award winners – who are shining examples of the amazing work being done across our network.
“Our awards are an opportunity to celebrate exceptional leadership, emerging talent and outstanding achievements.
“Each and every year, we’re blown away by the calibre of nominations and the worthy winners.”
Des Shaw, Chief Executive at Quest, corporate supporters of the Chamber Awards, said:
“At Quest we’re proud to support this year’s Chamber of the Year awards.
As a long-standing partner of BCC, we are honoured to support and to promote the extraordinary work of the Chamber Network.”
Nominees for the Rising Star award were
- Sophie Pouduval-Morrell – Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
- Joseph Jones – West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce
- Connor Butler – Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce
- Katie Watson – Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce
- Millie Young – Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce
- Jemma Cleave – Devon Chamber of Commerce
- Huw James – Business West
- Ilona Karpanos – Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce
- Becky Stubbs – Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
- Eloise Zhang – British Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai
- Sophie Hayes – Sheffield Chamber of Commerce
- Joey Adams – East Midlands Chamber
- Angela Saluste – British Estonian Chamber of Commerce
- Grace Cuthbertson – North East Chamber of Commerce
Nominees for the President’s Award were
- Elspeth Stewart – British Chamber of Commerce in Korea
- Eileen Perry – East Midlands Chamber
- Phil Smith – Business West
- John Brown – Cornwall Chamber of Commerce
- Carrie Sudbury – Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce
- Katy Holmes – British Chambers of Commerce Dubai