Manchester-based Shield Safety, a trusted leader in food safety, health and safety, and fire safety, has been named Innovator of the Year at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards 2025. 

Headquartered in the city’s Northern Quarter, Shield Safety was recognised for its pioneering approach to safety innovation and commitment to raising industry standards.

The prestigious accolade recognises Shield Safety Group’s pioneering work as a certification body for Safe to Trade, a ground-breaking new consumer standard transforming food safety across the sector. 

Over the past year, the company’s dedication to raising industry standards and strengthening public confidence has earned widespread recognition from regulators, businesses and consumers alike.

This accolade follows the Greater Manchester regional launch of Safe to Trade, which was held recently at Shield Safety’s Northern Quarter head office. 

The event brought together leading figures from the food safety industry and key regulatory stakeholders, further underscoring Shield Safety’s commitment to supporting and delivering the new consumer standard.

The recognition underscores Shield Safety’s commitment to harnessing innovation, technology, and expertise to drive meaningful change across the safety landscape. Through its work, the company continues to help businesses operate with greater safety, responsibility and transparency.

With the UK’s largest team of Environmental Health Practitioners, Shield Safety works closely with industry leaders to deliver forward-thinking, trusted safety solutions that protect both businesses and the public. As the organisation continues to expand its global reach and partnerships, this award further cements the Manchester-founded company’s reputation as one of the most forward-thinking and trusted authorities in the safety sector, setting new benchmarks for how safety and compliance are delivered in a modern, customer-focused world.

Dr. Mark Flanagan, CEO and Founder of Shield Safety, commented: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised as Innovator of the Year. This award is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team, whose work for Safe to Trade continues to make a genuine impact across the food industry. 

Our goal has always been to make the world a safer place to eat, work and play – and this recognition reflects how far we’ve come in achieving that.”

Shield Safety is a trusted leader in food safety, health and safety, and fire safety. For more than 20 years, the company has delivered solutions that go beyond protecting businesses – helping to drive growth, enhance wellbeing, and save lives.

With the UK’s largest team of Environmental Health Practitioners, Shield Safety ensures every service it provides meets the highest standards of expertise and quality. Its core values of passion, excellence and putting people first guide its approach and define the organisation’s identity.

A recognised innovator in the safety industry, Shield Safety is the first Certification Body for Safe to Trade, the pioneering consumer standard transforming food safety across the sector.