Hartlepool boss wins business leader award

A Hartlepool-based business leader has been named Female Business Leader of the Year at the 2025 British Business Awards.

Vikki Jackson-Smith, managing director of J&B Recycling, was honoured for her remarkable journey in transforming the family-run company into a national force in the waste management industry. 

Beginning her career at just 16, Vikki shifted the business from coal to recycling, safeguarding jobs and growing the company to process over 200,000 tonnes of waste annually.

Since J&B Recycling’s acquisition by FCC Environment in 2024, Vikki has continued to lead the business, contributing to the local economy and promoting sustainability. 

The latest award adds to her growing collection of accolades, including Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2022 Insider Dealmakers Awards and Businesswoman of the Year at the 2021 National Businesswomen’s Awards.

Vikki, who is also a trustee of Alice House Hospice in Hartlepool and actively supports local charities, schools and educational programmes, said: “I’m incredibly proud to have received this award – it’s a real honour to be recognised alongside so many brilliant business leaders. 

“This is a win for my entire team, for Hartlepool, and for the North East. 

“Our region has so much to offer and I’m passionate about creating opportunities and inspiring the next generation of leaders right here at home.” 

Steve Longdon, chief executive of FCC Environment, added: “This amazing and prestigious award win by Vikki is extremely well deserved. 

“We at FCC welcomed Vikki and the J&B business into our own a year ago now and throughout this time I have seen how Vikki has embraced the opportunities being part of a larger group brings whilst retaining her clear focus on and passion for her business. 

“I am looking forward to what the next year brings for Vikki and the entire team she leads so very well.”

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