NOMINEES
2026 Winners
| Award | Winner | Runner-Up | Runner-Up | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ongo Recruitment Small Business Award | Nick Young Tractor Parts Ltd | Roxton Occupational Health Ltd | Simplifying Cleaning Ltd | |
| The Blueprint Document Solutions Business Growth Award | Pattesons Glass Ltd | Westwood Pipelines T/A egeplast UK | CARS of Grimsby | |
| The Wilkin Chapman Rollits Business Person of the Year Award | Liam O’Leary – Laser Red | Lucy Ottewell-Key – Horizon Youth Zone | Jason Barker – CARS of Grimsby | |
| The Sylvester Keal Young Business Person of the Year Award | Charlotte Rycroft – Elsham Activity Centre | Allanta Todd – Ongo Recruitment | Tia Fryer – Cosmic Angel | |
| The DN Colleges New Business Award | Restaurant DOM | Period Points CIC | Grimsby Young Professionals | |
| The Bridge McFarland LLP Excellence in Community Award | The Culture House | TEC Partnership | Ongo Communities | |
| The North East Lincolnshire Business Development Award | Blackrow Group | Pattesons Glass Ltd | Laser Red | |
| The North Lincolnshire Business Investment Award | TTS Support Ltd | Westwood Pipelines T/A egeplast UK | Nelipak Elsham Ltd | |
| The Grimsby Institute Employee of the Year Award | Mitchell Blades – Know Film | Sam Morgan – CARS of Grimsby | Sarah Carvill – Humber HR People | Victoria Poppleton – Humber HR People |
| The Pepperells Innovation Award | Regal Fish | RBP Agency | TTS Support Ltd | |
| The Ellgia Sustainability Award | Nelipak Elsham Ltd | Restaurant DOM | Grimsby Community Energy | |
| The Phillips 66 Respect Award | Creative Start Arts in Health CIC | ORE Catapult | We Are F.I.S.H CIC | |
| The Nelipak Lifetime Achievement Award | Jack and Hannah Dale, Wrendale Designs | |||
| Forrester Boyd Business Excellence Award | CARS of Grimsby |
To find out more about our incredible nominees please read below!
The Ongo Recruitment Small Business Award Nominees
Roxton Occupational Health Limited

“Established in 2016, Roxton Occupational Health Limited (ROHL) is a private occupational health provider based in Immingham. Our mission statement is ‘healthy people = healthy business’, and we are passionate about supporting local businesses and SMEs with bespoke occupational health programmes. We continue to hold the prestigious SEQOHS accreditation, the gold standard of occupational health accreditation, and have done for the past 7 years. We have a loyal and wide-ranging local client base, representing everything from heavy industry to education and health and social care, who we have helped to meet their occupational health requirements. We are proud to be shortlisted for the NLBA Ongo Recruitment Small Business Award as it recognises our brilliant, friendly team whose hard work and excellent customer service has been indispensable to growing the business over the past 10 years.”

Nick Young Tractor Parts is a family-run business based in North Lincolnshire, founded by Nick Young in 1996 and built on a simple principle: helping farmers keep their machinery working when it matters most. Over the past 30 years, the business has grown from a small rural operation into a trusted agricultural parts supplier serving customers across the UK and internationally.
Today, led by the next generation, James and Melissa Young, the business continues to evolve, combining hands-on expertise with investment in systems, people and digital capability to make sourcing parts faster, simpler and more reliable.
“Being nominated for the Ongo Recruitment Small Business Award is something we’re incredibly proud of. It reflects not just the growth of the business, but the hard work of our team and the loyalty of our customers over many years. As a business rooted in North Lincolnshire, this recognition means a great deal to us. It’s a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and an exciting sign of what’s still to come as we continue to invest, grow and support the agricultural community.”

“Our journey has been defined by resilience, ambition, and the strength of our people. Since launching in 2021, we’ve grown from a small start-up into a trusted name across healthcare and commercial sectors, overcoming challenges and raising standards along the way. Our success is built on a committed team who take real pride in their work and in the service we deliver. Being nominated for the North Lincolnshire Business Awards 2026 – Ongo Recruitment Small Business Award is an incredible milestone for us, and winning would mean everything to our team and the journey we continue to build together.”
The Blueprint Document Solutions Business Growth Award Nominees

“We are extremely proud to have been nominated for the Business Growth Award. As a family-run business, our journey has always been guided by hard work, trust, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Over recent years, we have been grateful to see steady growth in our client base and contract values, while also expanding our services. This has enabled us to invest in our team, creating jobs and developing skills, alongside strengthening our financial foundations. Through a progressive approach to marketing, and a focus on innovation, we have continued to evolve while staying true to our values. Winning this award would mean a great deal to our family and team, recognising not just our growth, but the dedication and support of everyone who has been part of our journey.”
Westwood Pipelines T/A egeplast UK

“Westwood Pipelines t/a egeplast UK are leading manufacturers and suppliers of Polyethylene pressure pipes & fittings, supplied to clients throughout the UK from our base in North Lincolnshire – our customers range from Water & Power Utilities, Civil & Construction companies to our Distribution partners.
Our business is built on the strength & culture of a team of likeminded people that have delivered our successful growth over the years. Engrained with the belief that great results come from genuine care, creativity, and connections. We’ve grown by staying true to who we are whilst listening closely to our clients, suppliers, putting pride into every project, and celebrating the little wins along the way. We’re proud of what we do, and even prouder of the relationships and results that have shaped our journey so far and look forward to continued success.”

Pattesons Glass Ltd is a leading UK supplier of glass packaging, serving the food, drink, and cosmetics industries, with a strong focus on service, stock availability, and customer support. Over the past five years, we’ve achieved continued growth, recently reinforced by the development of our new headquarters, positioning us strongly for the future.
“We’re proud to have been nominated for the Blueprint Document Solutions Business Growth Award and the North East Lincolnshire Business Development Award. Being nominated is recognition in itself, but to win one of these awards would truly underline the hard work and progress made in recent years, as well as being acknowledged by our peers across the industry.”
The Wilkin Chapman Rollits Business Person of the Year Award Nominees
Lucy Ottewell-Key – Horizon Youth Zone

Horizon Youth Zone is North East Lincolnshire’s brand-new youth charity. Located in the heart of Grimsby, Horizon is a safe, inspiring space where young people aged 8-19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, can have somewhere to go, something to do, someone to talk to.
Horizon’s mission is to create a safe and inclusive environment where every child and young person can discover their passion, unlock their potential, find their purpose, have fun, and raise their ambitions. With over 3000 members, Horizon is creating a space for the next generation to ‘look beyond their limits.’
“I’m delighted to be shortlisted for the Business Person of the Year Award at this year’s business awards. I joined Horizon because I believed in the mission. I want to help create real change in North East Lincolnshire, empowering and developing opportunities for young people, contributing towards the transformation and regeneration of our town centre, and building a team and culture of ambition.”

“Parallel to our company growth, we are thrilled that Liam is a finalist, for the Wilkin Chapman Rollits Business Person of the Year Award. This nomination highlights Liam’s forward-thinking leadership and his ability to steer Laser Red through an ever-evolving tech industry with transparency and passion. Winning these awards would be a powerful endorsement of our mission to prove that world-class digital innovation happens right here in North East Lincolnshire.”
Jason Barker – CARS of Grimsby

“It is a privilege to be nominated for Business Person of the Year. This recognition is extremely meaningful, especially as part of a family-run business where success is built on shared values, trust, and collective effort. I strive to lead with a clear vision, guiding the business forward while supporting those around me, including as part of my succession plan and the future-proofing of the business. With a strong sense of drive and ambition, I am committed to continual growth and improvement, both personally and professionally. I believe effective communication and a willingness to think creatively are key to building strong relationships and achieving lasting success. This nomination is a reflection of the incredible team around me, and I am grateful to be part of a journey where we continue to grow and succeed together.”
The Sylvester Keal Young Business Person of the Year Award Nominees

“Cosmic Angel is my business that I made in hopes to be able to give back to people whilst doing something that I love. My main focus is hair but I also do lash extensions and facials. I am trying to do more courses to then be able to provide a one stop shop for my clients to make them feel more comfortable in where they are going. I want to be able to make everyone feel nice about themselves and realise they are worth more than they think. Going through struggles of anxiety myself I know how hard it is to pamper yourself when you have to go to different places, so if I am able to create a safer space for people then I will do it.
“I enjoy being able to offer reasonable prices and special discounts to give back. In the future I hope to continue to grow and expand whilst making people feel more like themselves and show them that they don’t have to hide.”
Allanta Todd – Ongo Recruitment

“We are extremely proud of Allanta Todd, who has been shortlisted for Young Business Person of the Year. Allanta began her journey with Ongo Recruitment at just sixteen, starting as a Recruitment Apprentice and already showing maturity, drive and ambition beyond her years. Now nineteen, she is a shining star within the team, bringing energy and commitment to everything she does.
From supporting apprentices and employers to stepping up far beyond her role, she makes a real and lasting difference every day. This shortlist celebrates her incredible achievements so far and marks her out as an exciting young professional with a very bright future ahead. A fantastic achievement, and she’s only just getting started!”
Charlotte Rycroft – Elsham Activity Centre

Elsham Activity Centre offers over 20 unique, fun & exciting outdoor activities that creates an unforgettable experience for all types of people & occasions. Corporate Team Building days, School trips, Kids Parties, Stag & Hen Do’s, or just a day out for fun! Plus they offer a mobile service to take their activities to any venue.
“I feel very honoured to be nominated, I absolutely love my job. I run all aspects of the business so every day is different. I feel very lucky that one day I can be in the office doing accounts & taking bookings, then the next outside all day, running an event. I take pride in making the business as successful as it possibly can be, always trying to improve & grow.”
The DN Colleges New Business Award Nominees

“Being nominated for the DN Colleges New Business Award feels like a real full circle moment for me. What started as an idea driven by frustration, passion, and a genuine desire to make a difference has grown into something that’s now being recognised at this level.
Building Period Points hasn’t been about perfection or having all the answers; it’s been about showing up, figuring it out as I go, and staying committed to creating real, practical change in the community. This nomination isn’t just a personal milestone, it’s a reflection of the people who’ve supported the journey, believed in the mission, and helped turn a small idea into something with real impact.”

“At Restaurant DOM, we are incredibly proud to be double nominees for this year’s Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards. Being named a finalist for the DN Colleges New Business Award is a tribute to our team’s passion; it is wonderful to see our young students aspiring to become great chefs and bringing something truly new and fresh to the local dining scene. Their energy and creativity are the heartbeat of our kitchen, and we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of culinary talent right here in our region.
Ultimately, we hope that by championing high-quality, sustainable gastronomy, we can help put our region on the map as a “must-visit” food destination. We want to draw more people into the area to discover the incredible talent and produce Northern Lincolnshire has to offer. We look forward to celebrating these achievements with the business community at the Grimsby Auditorium!”

“After an incredible first year, Grimsby Young Professionals entered the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce 2026 Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards as a reflection of the momentum we’ve built and the impact we’re starting to see across our community. In a short space of time, we’ve created a platform that brings people together, celebrates emerging talent, and champions the opportunities that exist right here in our region.
Being nominated for the DN Colleges New Business Award means so much to us, because everything we do is rooted in supporting those early in their careers and showing that you don’t have to leave places like Grimsby to succeed. We’re passionate about not only showcasing local talent, but retaining it, and building a community people are proud to be part of.
To win this award would be a powerful moment, recognising the importance of investing in people, backing potential, and continuing to grow something that is making a real difference locally.”
The Bridge McFarland LLP Excellence in Community Award Nominees

“We’re delighted to be shortlisted for Excellence in the Community at this year’s business awards.
To have our work recognised among such deserving nominees is a significant achievement for The Culture House and the communities we’re proud to work with.
As a local arts charity working extensively to bring life and colour to the streets, everything we do is rooted in the belief that culture has the power to make a real and lasting difference to people’s lives.
Being shortlisted in the Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards gives us the opportunity to shine a light on our work, as well as on the impact culture can make — from bringing people together, to inspiring creativity, to supporting stronger, more connected communities.”

“As one of the largest college groups in the country, the TEC Partnership is a leading force in further and higher education across the East Coast of England, serving over 16,000 learners annually. We are more than just an educational provider; we are a civic anchor embedded within our communities. By securing over £40 million in grant funding to address local skills gaps and hosting large-scale inclusive events—like The Grimsby Institute Summer Festival—we actively remove barriers to education. Our mission is focused on changing lives every day, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, has the support and facilities needed to reach their full potential.
We hope to win this award because our commitment to our communities is both measurable and transformative. Our campuses serve as vital hubs for culture and industry, hosting major festivals and business conferences that connect thousands of residents and employers. By combining strategic investment with a deep-rooted culture of inclusivity, the TEC Partnership delivers a tangible, long-term impact that empowers our communities and strengthens the regional economy.”

“We are incredibly proud to be shortlisted for the Excellence in Communities Award. Ongo Talk exists because people told us they needed help now. So we created a safe space where people are heard, supported and believed in, often at the moment they need it most. In just one year, over 570 people have rebuilt stability, confidence and hope through the Ongo Talk counselling service. It stops people from falling further and helps them move forward in their lives. Here at Ongo we are very proud of our amazing team for being recognised for their hard work and determination to make a difference and help people in our local communities.”
The North East Lincolnshire Business Development Award Nominees

Pattesons Glass Ltd is a leading UK supplier of glass packaging, serving the food, drink, and cosmetics industries, with a strong focus on service, stock availability, and customer support. Over the past five years, we’ve achieved continued growth, recently reinforced by the development of our new headquarters, positioning us strongly for the future.
“We’re proud to have been nominated for the Blueprint Document Solutions Business Growth Award and the North East Lincolnshire Business Development Award. Being nominated is recognition in itself, but to win one of these awards would truly underline the hard work and progress made in recent years, as well as being acknowledged by our peers across the industry.”

“Blackrow Group is a North East Lincolnshire based engineering company with over 45 years of experience delivering mechanical, electrical, fabrication, and maintenance services across the manufacturing and industrial sectors. Operating nationwide, Blackrow supports clients with full project delivery, from design and off-site fabrication through to installation and ongoing support. We are proud to be recognised for our continued growth, strong workforce, and commitment to supporting industry and our local community.”

“At Laser Red, we specialise in cutting through the digital noise to deliver high-impact digital solutions. Being nominated for the North East Lincolnshire Council Business Development Award is a fantastic recognition of our recent scaling and our commitment to elevating the digital landscape of our local region. We hope to win because it validates our client-first growth strategy and underscores the hard work our team puts in everyday!”
The North Lincolnshire Council Business Investment Award Nominees
Westwood Pipelines T/A egeplast UK

“Getting nominated in the North Lincolnshire Business Awards means a lot to me. We’re not a huge company in the UK, but we’re growing quickly, and that’s down to a team of people who genuinely care about what we do and give their best for every client. Having this recognised is genuinely heart-warming. I’m incredibly proud of every member of my team and of how far we’ve come together, and I’m grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way. It’s a reminder that hard work, honesty, and sticking to your values really do make a difference.”

“When I first took over TTS Support 12 years ago from my father, it was a small, local operation known at the time as TTS of Louth, just two vans serving our community in Louth. At the time, I don’t think I fully appreciated the journey that lay ahead, or the challenges that would come with trying to grow something so personal into something much bigger. My father was closing the business due to a lack of work, I had just had my first born child & I needed to keep the business alive. With the lack of other opportunities in the area I lived, I decided it was best to buy the business from my father to try and create something for my family and I.
“Since then, through a lot of hard work, long days, and no shortage of setbacks, I’ve transformed TTS into a nationwide mobile business. Today, we have 19 mobile mechanics out on the road, a workshop powered by 10 skilled engineers, and a dedicated office team of 10 people who keep everything moving behind the scenes. What started as a small family business has become a strong, growing company with reach across the country.
I’ll be honest, this hasn’t been easy. Building this business has taken everything: time, energy, and a lot of persistence. There were moments where progress felt slow, and others where the pressure felt overwhelming. In 2021, business struggled and we lost a lot of work. Through price changes, staff movements and a shift in morale through Covid, but I believed in what we were building, and I kept pushing forward & pulled TTS back out its worst years.
Winning this award would mean a great deal to me, not just as recognition of that journey, but as validation of the risks taken and the effort invested over the years. It would represent the growth we’ve achieved and the investments we’ve made, not only in the business itself, but in people. Because while I may have started this journey, I certainly haven’t finished it alone.”

“We’re proud to share that Nelipak Elsham has been shortlisted for two awards, a fantastic recognition of the continued progress we’ve made as a site and team. The categories are the North Lincolnshire Council Business Investment Award and the Ellgia Sustainability Award, reflecting our ongoing commitment to strategic investment, operational excellence, and building a more sustainable future in healthcare packaging. We’re incredibly proud of what the team at Elsham has achieved over the past year, and this shortlisting is a testament to the hard work, collaboration, and momentum across the site. Winning would be a great honour and a powerful recognition of the dedication and progress driven by everyone involved.”
The Grimsby Institute Employee of the Year Award Nominees

“I am truly honoured and grateful to have been nominated for Employee of the Year. Given that CARS is a family-run business makes this recognition especially meaningful to me, as it reflects not only my own efforts but the shared values and support of the whole team. I have always been committed to developing myself through ongoing training and learning, striving to deliver consistent, high-quality service and contribute positively to our projects and wider business goals. Most importantly, I aim to reflect our company’s core values in everything I do. This nomination is something I deeply appreciate, and it motivates me to continue growing both professionally and personally as part of our journey.”

“Winning this award would be a huge personal achievement for me and a reflection of the effort I have put into growing within my role over the past year. I genuinely care about the work I produce and the success of the team, so to be recognised in this way would mean a lot and give me even more motivation to keep improving and progressing in my career.”
Sarah Carvill – Humber HR People

“Humber HR People is an outsourced HR partner for SMEs across Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. With a strong dedication to nurturing local talent and offering meaningful career progression within the region, Humber HR People has expanded from a small operation to a growing business founded on the values of integrity, flexibility, and teamwork.
We are immensely proud to have Sarah Carvill shortlisted for the Employee of the Year award. Her journey exemplifies the culture of growth and dedication at the core of our business. Sarah began in an operational role and has progressed through three promotions to lead our SupportHire recruitment service, achieving a 100% vacancy fill rate with an average four-week time to hire.
While nominated alongside Victoria, they collectively embody the dedication, resilience, and teamwork that underpin everything we do at Humber HR People.”
Victoria Poppleton – Humber HR People

“Humber HR People is an outsourced HR partner for SMEs across Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. With a strong dedication to nurturing local talent and offering meaningful career progression within the region, Humber HR People has expanded from a small operation to a growing business founded on the values of integrity, flexibility, and teamwork.
We are immensely proud to have Victoria Poppleton shortlisted for the Employee of the Year award. Her journey exemplifies the culture of growth and dedication at the core of our business. Victoria joined as an HR & Recruitment Coordinator and has advanced through three promotions to become a Human Resources Partner, completing her CIPD Level 5 qualification and now leading a team of advisors supporting over 30 SME clients.
While nominated alongside Sarah, they collectively embody the dedication, resilience, and teamwork that underpin everything we do at Humber HR People.”
The Pepperells Innovation Award Nominees

“Winning this award would mean a great deal to me, not just as recognition of that journey, but as validation of the risks taken and the effort invested over the years. It would represent the growth we’ve achieved and the investments we’ve made, not only in the business itself, but in people. Because while I may have started this journey, I certainly haven’t finished it alone.
This recognition would belong just as much to the team we have today. Every mechanic out on the road, every engineer in the workshop, and every member of our office staff plays a crucial role in what we do. Their commitment, their professionalism, and their hard work every single day are what allow this business to continue growing and succeeding. I can comfortably say that we have the best team in the 16 year history of the business so far.
“So for me, winning wouldn’t just be a personal milestone, making my father and my little boys proud for the work in the beginnings, it would be a moment to acknowledge and thank the people who stand behind this business and make it what it is today. No matter the outcome, I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and I’m even more excited about where we’re going next.”

“We are proud to be shortlisted for the Pepperells Solicitors Innovation Category at this year’s Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards. At RBP, we are a full-service marketing and communications agency, delivering strategic PR, digital marketing, branding, and creative campaigns that help businesses grow, engage audiences, and achieve measurable results.
Being recognised in this category reflects the dedication, creativity, and forward-thinking approach of our team. RBP Managing Director, Nina Shipley, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for a Northern Lincolnshire Business Award. This recognition is a real testament to the hard work of our team and we’re very much looking forward to celebrating with all the other inspiring businesses on the night.”

“Being nominated for the Pepperells Solicitors Innovation Award at the Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards is a real honour for everyone at Regal Fish Supplies. Over the past 30 years we have worked hard to grow and modernise the business while staying true to the values that built it, and to have that work recognised by the local business community means a great deal to us.
This nomination is a reflection of the effort and commitment shown by our whole team, and we are proud to be considered alongside so many other outstanding businesses in the region.”
The Ellgia Sustainability Award Nominees

“At Restaurant DOM, we are incredibly proud to be double nominees for this year’s Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards. Our recognition in the Ellgia Sustainability Award category reflects our core values and our commitment to the future. We operate with a strict zero-waste ethos, ensuring every ingredient is respected and utilized to its fullest potential. By sourcing primarily from local suppliers and producers, we guarantee the freshest seasonal flavors while significantly reducing our carbon footprint.
Ultimately, we hope that by championing high-quality, sustainable gastronomy, we can help put our region on the map as a “must-visit” food destination. We want to draw more people into the area to discover the incredible talent and produce Northern Lincolnshire has to offer. We look forward to celebrating these achievements with the business community at the Grimsby Auditorium!”

“We’re proud to share that Nelipak Elsham has been shortlisted for two awards, a fantastic recognition of the continued progress we’ve made as a site and team. The categories are the North Lincolnshire Council Business Investment Award and the Ellgia Sustainability Award, reflecting our ongoing commitment to strategic investment, operational excellence, and building a more sustainable future in healthcare packaging. We’re incredibly proud of what the team at Elsham has achieved over the past year, and this shortlisting is a testament to the hard work, collaboration, and momentum across the site. Winning would be a great honour and a powerful recognition of the dedication and progress driven by everyone involved.”

“Grimsby Community Energy is a local, award-winning, community benefit society that develops and owns renewable energy projects across North East Lincolnshire. Over the past ten years, we have installed solar PV systems on a growing portfolio of community and commercial buildings, including education centres, charities, and local businesses—providing them with cheaper, greener electricity.
Beyond generation, our work is rooted in community benefit. We deliver education, support student placements, and are developing new projects to tackle fuel poverty, including plans to bring solar and energy support to households on Grimsby’s East Marsh. Everything we do is designed to keep value local—environmentally, socially, and economically.”
“Being nominated by the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce is a real reflection of the progress community energy is making in our region. For a small team, it recognises not just our projects, but the partnerships we’ve built and the trust local organisations have placed in us. It also highlights the growing role that community-led solutions can play in the energy transition—ensuring that the benefits of clean energy are felt locally, particularly by those who need them most.”
The Phillips 66 Respect Award Nominees

“ORE Catapult supports businesses developing new technology to make the offshore renewable energy sector smarter, safer and greener. We provide unique testing, validation and demonstration facilities, and share critical market insights so that companies accelerate their growth and develop commercially viable products that solve industry problems.
We are proud to be nominated for the Phillips 66 Respect Award in recognition of our commitment to being a welcoming and supportive place to work, where we constantly strive to create a workplace full of enthusiasm, commitment and kindness.”
Creative Start Arts in Health CIC

Creative Start is a Grimsby-based Community Interest Company that uses the transformative power of creativity to support individuals in recovery from addiction and mental health challenges. As a peer-led organisation, we provide a safe, inclusive environment where lived experience is not just valued but is at the core of everything we do. Our core mission focused on restoring people, places and purpose.
“At Creative Start, respect is a foundational trait embodied across our team, volunteers and membership. We don’t just offer support; we foster a culture of genuine belonging and equality:
● Lived Experience Leadership: By placing those in recovery at the heart of our decision-making, we ensure our workplace and programs are built on mutual respect and the removal of the “service-user” hierarchy.
● The Paint The Town Proud Project: This flagship initiative perfectly embodies our commitment to inclusion. By creating large-scale community murals, we empower people in recovery—often a marginalised group—to lead public art projects. This restores their sense of dignity while allowing the wider public to see their talent rather than their struggle, directly dismantling local stigma.
● Psychological Safety: We provide a sanctuary where diversity of background is celebrated. Our creative spaces are designed to be “barrier-free,” ensuring that everyone, regardless of their past or current challenges, feels heard, safe, and valued.
● Community Integration: Through our projects we bridge the gap between the recovery community and the general public. Directly reducing stigma and fostering a collective sense of pride and ownership. Our work is tangible proof of the power of genuine recovery and the valuable contribution our community makes to both the cultural and wellbeing landscape of North East Lincolnshire.
Winning the Respect Award would recognise our commitment to proving that through creativity and empathy, every individual deserves a seat at the table.”

We Are F.I.S.H Community Interest Company is a community-led organisation based in Grimsby/Cleethorpes that supports neurodivergent young people and their families. The organisation was created in response to lived experience of navigating Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with a focus on reducing isolation and creating inclusive opportunities. Through initiatives such as our Creative Paths sessions, our Youth Art Hub (The TickArt Office) and community-based activities, We Are F.I.S.H CIC provides safe, welcoming spaces where individuals can build confidence, form friendships and feel they are part of their community.
“Being nominated is incredibly meaningful to us as a small, volunteer-led organisation. It recognises the importance of creating inclusive spaces where people feel respected, understood and valued. This nomination reflects the voices and experiences of the families we support, and highlights the positive impact that community-led initiatives can have in bringing people together and challenging stigma around neurodiversity.”