Stephenson, an innovation leader and manufacturer of a wide range of soap bases and ingredients for the beauty and personal care market, has been named Medium Business of the Year at the 2025 Yorkshire Business Awards. The prestigious ceremony, held at New Dock Hall in Leeds, celebrated the region's most dynamic and successful businesses across multiple categories.
Founded in 1856, Stephenson has built a global reputation for innovation and sustainability in the personal care industry. The Leeds-based manufacturer supplies its comprehensive portfolio of products to over 320 partners worldwide across 62 countries, from multinational blue-chip brands to small and medium-sized craft businesses.
"This award is an outstanding testament to our dedicated team who embody the Yorkshire spirit of resilience and innovation," said Rob Carr, Managing Director at Stephenson. "From our base in Leeds, we've developed a global platform that champions sustainability while delivering world-class products. It's this combination of Yorkshire grit and forward-thinking that has helped us build a business that can compete - and succeed - on the international stage."
Adding to its impressive production capabilities, Stephenson has invested £1 million in advanced automation systems and a further £750,000 in new reactors, significantly enhancing its manufacturing capacity while maintaining focus on consistent quality. This investment reflects the company's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in their processes.
The company's products, including the Durosoft® range of naturally derived polyglyceryl esters and the Syndopal range of soap-free syndet bases, exemplify its commitment to sustainable innovation. By championing the shift from liquid products to solid, waterless personal care alternatives, Stephenson is making a significant impact on reducing water usage, lowering transport emissions, and minimising plastic packaging across the industry.
This Medium Business Award recognises Stephenson's balance of scale and agility - large enough to serve global markets yet agile enough to innovate rapidly. Its ambitious Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project, with its three-pillar approach to environmental stewardship, demonstrates how mid-sized businesses can lead the way in sustainability while maintaining impressive commercial growth, making Stephenson a standout recipient in this competitive category.
"Looking to the future, we remain fully committed to representing Yorkshire at its very best on the global stage," added Carr. "We believe medium-sized businesses like ours have a unique opportunity to drive positive change in our industries, combining the flexibility to innovate with the capability to deliver meaningful impact."
To learn more about Stephenson, its activity and product ranges, please visit stephensonpersonalcare.com.
