As nominations open for YorkMix Hero Awards 2025, we spoke to one of the winners from last year’s celebrations to find out what they thought.
Bex Stewart, who runs the Quakerwood Pub in Acomb, took home the Best Boss Award at the event last June.
Bex told YorkMix that she was shocked to have even achieved the top three, but winning was completely unexpected.
“To be nominated, I was a bit mind blown. And then on the night when they actually announced my name, I was nearly sick, because I was so in shock. I was like, oh my god, I do not believe it,” she explained.
Bex was put forward by her colleagues for all of the work she does for the local community and various charities.
Her nomination stated that, “she puts everyone before herself and makes sure everyone’s needs are met.”
She regularly hosts charity fundraising events, including football matches, darts tournaments, and quizzes, and works alongside charities such as Macmillan and Oscars Brain Tumour Foundation.
Bex shared, “I try to help out as many local charities or charities that are relatable to my customers as well.
“It’s non-stop, but it’s great because it’s really rewarding. We did a charity quiz last month and raised around £1600.
“The energy that it brings to the pub, especially if it’s for someone local, people come all over for it and it’s just really nice to see the community work together.”
When Bex was first informed about her nomination, she thought the phone call was related to another charity event.
“I had just done last year’s charity football match, so when Ben (from YorkMix) rang me I was banging on about the football, and he said ‘I’ve not rung you for that, you’ve been nominated’, I was a bit mind blown,” Bex told YorkMix.
She described the awards night as “brilliant,” and especially enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people.
“Everyone in the room was just so full of love and energy for other people, and wanted to celebrate.
“I don’t think it mattered who won on the night really, because everyone was there for a reason and everyone was lovely,” Bex added.
Despite her modesty, Bex’s win was incredibly well received by the local community, with people congratulating her even weeks later.
“When I won the award and I came back to the pub, everyone was absolutely buzzing. I think because it’s such a community pub, everyone in the company and in the community were so excited for me,” she told YorkMix.
Bex feels that it’s recognition like this is what keeps her going, “It’s tough running a business, but when you get recognised, it makes it feel worthwhile.”
When asked about the evening in general, she told YorkMix, “The whole evening was just great. The dinner was lovely, the reception, and when you walked in it was a really good atmosphere. You just walk away thinking – mint.”
The YorkMix Hero Awards aims to shine a light on local people who go above and beyond to improve the lives of others.
Bex highlighted the importance of events like this in York and encourages anyone who has someone in mind to put them forward.
She said, “I think every business has some sort of reward and recognition scheme, but to be recognised and be invited to something like the YorkMix Heroes, you feel really special.
“And for those people that do feel like it’s just the day job, like I did, people obviously think a lot more of us, and you don’t see that every day. It’s nice to know what impact you have on other people.”
The YorkMix Hero Awards will be taking place at a glitzy ceremony at York Racecourse on 20 June 2025. Once again the awards are supported by Yorkshire Profiles and a string of individual award sponsors from across the area.
Nominations can be submitted here, and a panel of judges will shortlist the finalists later this year.
The categories for this year include:
- Best Boss Award
- Environmental Hero Award
- Volunteer of the Year
- Charity Fundraiser of the Year Award
- Outstanding Bravery Award
- “In the Face of Adversity” Award
- Educator of the Year Award
- Incredible Child Award
- Outstanding Talent Award
- Neighbour of the Year Award
- The Parent or guardian of the Year Award
- The Ultimate Hero Award.