Home Business Awards & Achievements Newcastle business leader shortlisted for prestigious national award

Newcastle business leader shortlisted for prestigious national award

Tony Earnshaw, chief executive and founder of UK Commercial Group

Tony Earnshaw, chief executive and founder of UK Commercial Group, has been named a finalist in the Business Leader – Large category at the SME National Business Awards 2025.

This recognition is a testament to Tony’s success in building a thriving company from the ground up. At just 19 years old, with no financial backing, he founded UK Commercial Group. Today, the business has grown into a £10 million-a-year enterprise, employing around 140 people nationwide.

The Business Leader – Large category celebrates exceptional individuals who go above and beyond to inspire their teams, drive their businesses forward, and make a lasting impact on their industries and communities.

“This category is all about recognising the individuals behind great businesses,” said Damian Cummins, Awards Director at the SME National Business Awards. “Through the public vote, we give employees, clients, partners, and communities the chance to shine a light on the leaders who truly stand out.”


Tony Earnshaw said: “Being shortlisted for this award is an incredible honour, not just for me, but for everyone at UK Commercial Group. Our success has always been about teamwork, determination, and a shared vision, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come since those early days starting out with nothing but ambition. This recognition is as much theirs as it is mine.”

This follows hot on the heels of the company being announced as a finalist in the Training Provider category at the upcoming Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) Industry Awards.

The winners of the SME National Business Awards 2025 will be announced at a ceremony later this year.