Emma McSkelly, NCM Auctions, Named Finalist in 2025 Great British Entrepreneur Awards

Emma McSkelly, founder and CEO of Doncaster-based NCM Auctions, has been announced as a finalist in the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards. She’s been shortlisted in the Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year category, in recognition of her impressive growth journey and leadership in the auction and asset management industry.

Celebrating its reputation as “The Grammys of Entrepreneurship”, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards shine a spotlight on the UK’s most innovative, impactful and resilient founders. This year, more than 800 entrepreneurs have made the shortlist, representing every corner of the UK and a wide range of sectors.

Honouring Scale and Success

Emma’s recognition comes after a remarkable trajectory - growing NCM Auctions from the ground up to a £10 million business, challenging outdated industry models along the way. While the nomination acknowledges her as an individual entrepreneur, Emma was quick to credit her team:

“Entrepreneur might be singular, but growing a business from £0 to £10 million is never a solo effort.

I didn’t do it alone.

It takes a team that backs you and your mission to challenge the old rules of auctioneering and asset disposition - and build something sharper, more sustainable and fit for modern business.”

About the Awards

The 2025 cohort of finalists reflects a powerful collective impact:

• 25,000+ employees across the UK

• 9,000+ new jobs expected in the next 12 months

• £2.25 billion in combined turnover

• An average business age of six years

Notable past winners include the founders of BrewDog, ClearScore, Zilch, Grenade and Unbiased - many of whom received early recognition from the awards long before becoming household names.

A Night to Celebrate

Winners will be revealed at a high-profile ceremony on Monday, 17th November 2025, at London’s Grosvenor House. The event is expected to welcome more than 1,500 guests, including entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders, in a celebration of entrepreneurial excellence.

The awards are proudly backed by Allica Bank, a long-standing champion of UK SMEs. Conrad Ford, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Allica, highlighted the importance of recognising the SME sector:

“From early-stage start-ups to established family businesses, this year’s finalists are a driving force in the British economy. Their innovation and resilience are making a real difference in communities up and down the country.”

Frankie James, founder of the awards, added:

“This year’s shortlist represents the very best of British business. The quality of entries continues to rise, and many of our finalists go on to shape entire industries.”

Congratulations to Emma and the NCM Auctions team on this well-deserved recognition.