Nottingham Forest Executive Lorraine Baggs Named East Midlands Business Ambassador of the Year

Lorraine Baggs, an inward investment specialist with Nottingham Forest Football Club, was today named Ambassador of the Year at the 2025 East Midlands Business of the Year Awards.

Baggs, who previously spent 16 years leading inward investment at Invest in Nottingham before joining the football club, received the top prize in front of a sold-out audience of 300 business leaders and owners. Christina Yardley of Rothera Bray was named CEO of the Year, and numerous other companies across the East Midlands were also recognized for their achievements. The awards, hosted by TheBusinessDesk.com, highlight the region’s economic strength and entrepreneurial spirit.

“Tonight’s shortlisted and winning companies were part of another huge show of support for our Business of the Year Awards,” said Sam Metcalf, East Midlands editor for TheBusinessDesk.com. “As our judges said, the East Midlands is often talked down or overlooked relative to some other areas but the awards has brought a spotlight onto the calibre of the industries right on our doorstep.” Other winners included Forge Genetics as Start-up of the Year and MHR International as Large Business of the Year; a full list of winners can be found here. Recognizing business leaders is crucial for fostering continued economic growth in the region, particularly as the UK navigates evolving economic conditions, according to the Department for Business and Trade.

Officials stated that the awards serve as a platform to celebrate the innovation and resilience of businesses within the East Midlands, and will continue to support the region’s economic development in the coming year.