As a media partner of the 2025 Culture Pioneer Awards, TrainingZone is thrilled to reveal this year’s shortlist.

It’s been another demanding year for businesses – AI disruption, economic pressures, legislative changes and escalating employee expectations have challenged even the most resilient workplace cultures. Yet, the organisations and leaders who truly prioritise their people have stepped up boldly to drive meaningful workplace transformation.

Before we share the exciting shortlist, we’d like to acknowledge all those who have championed this programme – from the culture innovators submitting their entries to the judges evaluating applications, and the partners and supporters backing this vital mission. Thank you for your dedication.

With the shortlist now unveiled below, the next milestone will be the winner reveals! This will happen at the Culture Pioneers Leadership Forum, featuring The TCM Group and London HR Connection. The daytime event takes place on 16th October at 30 Euston Square, London, UK. Secure your tickets here.

2025 Culture Pioneer Awards shortlist unveiled

Discover the complete list of this year’s shortlist below…

Leadership Awards

With evolving expectations, senior leaders face mounting pressure to deliver financial results whilst fostering a nurturing environment for their teams.

It’s a considerable challenge, yet the finalists in these Leadership Awards, sponsored by HubStar, showed relentless dedication to enhancing their people’s working experiences. With clear evidence of truly groundbreaking initiatives over recent years, the judging panel was struck by the determination, innovation, and meaningful progress achieved amidst uncertain times.

People Leader Award

• Angie Lewis, Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust
  
• James Ferguson, Wurzak Hotel Group
  
• Janine Leightley, Bright Horizons
  

Business Leader Award

• Anne Ellis, Mauve Corporate Systems UK Ltd
  
• Danielle Hunt, Pharmacist Support
  
• James Fleming, The Power Within Training & Development Ltd
  

Brand Award

‘The standard continues to rise year on year’. The Brand Award judging committee was thoroughly impressed with this year’s contenders. Each facing distinct challenges within their sectors – from manufacturing to early childhood education to aerospace – these organisations remained true to their purpose. They proved that their brand principles are integral to their workplace culture – not merely decorative.

• Benifex
  
• Bright Horizons UK
  
• MOO Print Ltd.
  
• Siderise
  
• UK Space Agency
  

Inclusion Award

A trend of diversity programme reversals across several major (primarily US) corporations has placed DEI spending under examination for many organisations. Despite these reduction pressures, the Inclusion Award contenders intensified their commitment to creating belonging and psychological safety for their workforce.

• Bright Horizons UK
  
• Comic Relief
  
• Tigerbond
  
• V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum)
  
• VizyPay
  

Learning Award

For numerous organisations navigating this challenging financial environment, learning and development faces significant budget constraints. However, the below Learning Award finalists bucked this trend.

Leadership exemplification, company-wide learning advocates, and creativity in maximising constrained budgets were all highlighted as achievement indicators by the judging panel.

• Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited
  
• Bright Horizons UK
  
• Designer Contracts Ltd
  
• St. Peter’s Hospice
  
• Tigerbond
  

Well done to the 2025 Culture Pioneer Awards shortlist!

A hearty congratulations to this year’s contenders for their resilience, bold decisions and, above all, their constructive influence on workplace culture.

Remember, the 2025 Culture Pioneer Award winners will be announced on 16th October at the Culture Pioneers Leadership Forum. Get your tickets here.