Bloomin' Buds won the Creative Business of the Year, sponsored by Bradford 2025

This award celebrates originality and creativity in a variety of different forms. From digital pioneers to filmmakers, designers and architects, we have been looking for the creative spark that is lighting up the region.

We are delighted to celebrate the company creating change in the Bradford district.

Bloomin’ Buds was launched by Katie Mahon in 2014 with the aim of increasing access to opportunity and the arts for working-class communities.

The theatre company engages with professionals, who are highly experienced within their fields and offers volunteering, intern and academic placements within the professional theatre environment.

It also collects content for its plays by engaging with working-class communities and aims to bring “voice and empowerment” to them.

Katie, who is Artistic Director, said: “It is a huge privilege to win the Creative Business of the Year Award, to be recognised for the hard work of all of our team providing community support and arts and cultural activity for the local community of Thorpe Edge and beyond. 

“It is very exciting to be recognised in the wake of the City of Culture 2025, it’s a very exciting time for us with lots of opportunity coming our way.”