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The chemical and pharmaceutical industry is fundamental to modern society. With an immense variety of products, from vital medicines and foods, the construction of buildings, to transport and leisure, the industry truly does have an impact on virtually every aspect of our daily lives.
Read moreOn Thursday, 19th June 2025, chemical businesses, customers and suppliers from across the United Kingdom gathered at the Queens Hotel in Leeds to celebrate the very best of the UK’s chemical and pharmaceutical businesses at the Chemical Industries Association’s (CIA) Chemical Industry Awards. This year’s ceremony held particular significance as it marked the CIA’s 60th anniversary.
For six decades, the CIA has represented, advised and supported the UK’s chemical industry, championing its role in driving economic growth, innovation and national resilience. This year’s celebration not only highlighted the extraordinary achievements of today’s businesses and professionals but also reflected on the enduring legacy of an industry that has continued to adapt, evolve and excel for over 150 years.
The 2025 ceremony saw a record number of entries and a sold-out evening, demonstrating the depth of talent across the country. It was also a fitting moment to honour every individual working in and for the industry playing a crucial role in maintaining what is often called the “industry of industries.”
CIA Chief Executive Steve Elliott said:
“As we celebrate 60 years of representing our industry, we are reminded that resilience is perhaps the most defining feature of the UK chemical industry. In the face of economic uncertainty, global disruption and regulatory change, this industry has continually adapted, led and delivered.”
“The businesses and people we honour through our Awards celebration represent the very best of our sector’s past, present and future. Thank you to every company and individual who entered our awards, our sponsors and our dedicated judges.”
A special thank you was also extended to the Year 10 students and their teacher Mrs Thompson at Bridgewater High School in Warrington who once again designed the award trophies, sponsored by Solvay for the past 9 years.
Winner: Stepan UK Ltd
Winner: GSK, Irvine
Winner: Elish Chambers, Engineering First Line Leader, GSK
Winner: CATCH
Winner: Lubrizol, Huddersfield
Winner: Exergy3
Winner: GSK Zinnat Supply Chain
Winner: DSV Air and Sea Ltd
Winner: Victrex
Winner: Victrex
Winner: Martin England
Winner: SABIC UK Petrochemicals
The CIA Company of the Year award went to Victrex, recognised for sustained business growth and a significant contribution to the UK economy over the past two years. Jakob Sigurdsson, CEO at Victrex said:
“The whole chemical industry has faced many challenges in recent years. To get strong recognition for our innovative culture, long-term value proposition and products that help enable environmental and societal benefits for our customers is a real achievement.
“This award is a true testament to our global Victrex team, particularly reflecting Safety as our highest priority and the progress made in this area, and serves as a motivation to do even better every day in all areas of the business.”
The Future Leader Award, which celebrates exceptional leadership and communication skills from a young professional in the sector, was awarded to Elish Chambers, Engineering First Line Lead at GSK.
Elish said:
“Winning the CIA’s Future Leader Award is a huge honour, and I was incredibly proud yet humbled to hear my name announced. It means a lot to be recognised for the work I care so deeply about — supporting inclusion, driving innovation, and helping the chemical industry move forward. I’m excited to take on the role of leading ChemTalent and represent early-career voices at such a crucial time. Our industry is facing real challenges, but also real opportunities, and I’m looking forward to advocating for our sector and hopefully inspiring the next generation of innovators.”
Thank you all our sponsors once again: ChemUK, Solvay, Dow, GSK, Ineos Inovyn, On-Site Energy, GrainLNG, Hynamics, The Salters’ Company, Cogent Skills, AXIOM and SLR Consulting.
To view all winners and photos please visit: Our Meet the Winners page.
Figures released by the CIA indicate sustained growth for Q2 2024, building on the positive performance seen in the first three months of the year. This marks a significant recovery following 18 months of severe decline.
