Bury Free Press Awards 2025

Bury Free Press Awards 2025 

We had a wonderful evening at the Bury Free Press Awards 2025, a truly memorable black-tie event! The event took place on the evening of the 10th October 2025 at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds. The evening was full of energy, laughter, and celebration, as guests connected, shared stories, and celebrated success together. Keep reading to learn about the award we sponsored, the finalists, food, guest speaker, and WS Training team insights.

The Apprentice of the Year Award

We were proud to sponsor the Apprentice of the Year category at the Bury Free Press Awards 2025. We celebrated many amazing nominees for their hard work, with a well-deserved winner. We’ve proudly supported this award for years, recognising talent and dedication in apprenticeships.

Kirstie Wright, CEO says, “I feel these awards shine a spotlight on so many individuals who have amazing skills and contribute brilliantly to their businesses and the wider community. It is an evening which celebrates amazing achievements, and it is a privilege to be part of this.” 

The finalists of the Apprentice of the Year Award

A very special moment of the evening for WS Training was the announcement of the Apprentice of the Year Award. Our CEO, Kirstie Wright, proudly presented this award, recognising the hard work, dedication, and achievements of every finalist.

We were delighted that two of the finalists are currently on apprenticeship programmes with WS Training, and it was wonderful to see their efforts recognised alongside other talented apprentices. Events like this highlight the amazing talent and potential of apprentices, showing why supporting their growth and development is so important.

To the winner, Kirstie says, “Well, what can I say. I was so delighted for the winner, and her emotion was tangible, it truly was heart-warming to see. She is the perfect example, to show, if you’re committed and dedicated and work hard, the world has no limits, and I know she will continue to go on to achieve brilliant things in the future.”  

 

Louise Ellis, Apprenticeship Tutor, also congratulated the winner saying, “FANTASTIC, she thoroughly deserved to win this award. She has worked hard over her time on her apprenticeship and the growth in confidence from when she first started to achieving a distinction (at the start she didn’t believe she would pass) is an outstanding achievement. It was special for her to have both her mum and especially her nan there to witness.” 

 

To the highly commended, Kirstie says, “To be awarded as highly commended, shows firstly how much talent there is out there for the Trainee/Apprentice of the year award. This truly is a fantastic achievement, and it is brilliant to see so many nominees going forwards into this category.”

Please note, we have respected their privacy and have chosen to keep their names anonymous.

3-course meal at the Bury Free Press Awards 2025

After the initial speeches, which were very entertaining, the food was served, and it was absolutely delightful! The perfect three-course meal started with a delicious starter, followed by a beautifully cooked main course, and finished with an indulgent dessert. To top it all off, coffee and cakes rounded off the evening beautifully.

Charlotte Woolcock, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) says, “The food was excellent! It was well-prepared, delivered seamlessly, and absolutely delicious, particularly the beef main course.” 

Guest Speaker

This year’s guest speaker was Harpreet Kaur, winner of the BBC’s Apprentice (season 16). Harpreet was a phenomenal speaker, inspiring everyone in the room. She shared the highs and lows of running her own business, her experience working with Lord Sugar, and answered audience questions, showing the reality of how challenging business can truly be.

Charlotte, DSL commented, “It was inspiring to have Harpreet Kaur, the winner of the Apprentice, as the main host. Listening to her talk about her journey and share tips for business success, staying humble and getting back up after setbacks was both motivational and insightful.” 

 

Jane Barber, Senior Apprenticeship Practioner says, “It was great to see Harpreet, I followed her through the TV show and was great to see her in person.” 

Reflecting on a Memorable Evening at the Bury Free Press Awards 2025

On reflection, it was an incredible evening. From celebrating the achievements of the finalists, the amazing food, to an inspiring talk by Harpreet Kaur, it was a night to remember.

We were proud to sponsor the Apprentice of the Year award and celebrate the achievements of so many dedicated individuals.

Charlotte Woolcock commented, “The night was a great success, celebrating some very worthy nominees and winners. The event was sophisticated, everyone looked amazing, and it was an honour to be part of a local award recognising outstanding businesses.”

The WS Training team loved being part of the evening, celebrating and connecting with local organisations. It was a great chance to share experiences, network, and reflect on how apprenticeships positively impact individuals and the wider community.

WS Training would like to congratulate all of the finalists! We celebrated your truly remarkable achievements with great excitement. It was wonderful to witness so many proud moments captured throughout the evening. A huge thank you to everyone who made the Bury Free Press Awards 2025 so special, from the organisers to the finalists, and all those who came together to celebrate success.

Congratulations to every winner, highly commended, and nominee! 🎉