A Night to Remember: Celebrating James at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2025

We’re incredibly proud to announce that we were named one of the Top 4 Finalists at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2025, a huge milestone for our team, our community, and especially our Founder, James.

This moment wasn’t just about business success. It was about honouring someone who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support others and lift up his local community. And we knew it had to be celebrated in a way that reflected everything James stands for.

Without his knowledge, we organised a special surprise. At the awards night, James walked into the venue expecting a typical event and instead, was greeted by two full tables of close friends, family, and long time supporters. Twenty people who know his journey, his sacrifices, and his heart were there to cheer him on. The look on his face said it all.

James has always been someone who puts others first. From working long nights in freezing conditions to helping clients avoid disruptions during harsh Yorkshire winters, he’s never shied away from a challenge. His journey started with a simple grit bin and a desire to make a difference, personally gritting driveways at 4am to ensure safety for local residents and businesses. What started small has grown into a full-scale 24/7 operation that now serves businesses across the region.

Through his leadership at Bawcro Gritting, James has built a reputation for reliability and care. His mission has always been clear: to keep the community safe and running no matter the weather. He leads from the front, often driving the gritters himself, mentoring the team, and showing that leadership is about service, not status.

Being recognised as a finalist in the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2025 is a well deserved nod to the positive impact he continues to make across Yorkshire.

We want to thank everyone who voted for us and helped us reach the final four. Your support means everything. The Yorkshire Choice Awards are built on community recognition, and your votes confirmed what we’ve always known, James is a true community leader..

That night was filled with emotion, laughter, and pride. James didn’t need a spotlight to stand out but his presence, his story, and the people surrounding him made it impossible not to notice. While we didn’t take home the winner’s trophy, seeing our founder celebrated by those who matter most was the real win.

We’ll continue to serve our customers and support our community with the same passion James brings every day. Being a finalist has only strengthened our resolve to do more, give more, and grow together.

If you’re inspired by our story, we’d love for you to stay connected and follow our journey.