Scorpion Production Group and Hangry Burger strike gold at Burton Celebratory Lunch
Scorpion Production Group shared the spotlight with Hangry Burger at the Burton Celebratory Lunch yesterday, securing the coveted Business of the Year and Startup of the Year awards respectively.
The lunch was held at the Branston Golf & Country Club with the attendance of over 70 business leaders and delegates of the region. It was hosted by head of Burton Chamber, Richard Brooks.
The headline sponsors of the event were Momentum Training Solutions and Sefton & Associates.
Over the past year, Scorpion Production Group experienced a significant growth after reinvesting in new equipment, including one of the largest stocks of LED panels in the area.
They have delivered over 350 events—ranging from corporate conferences to large-scale festivals, with a 98 per cent ‘on time and on budget’ project delivery rate.
Recently, the group partnered with Treeapp to plant trees and offset carbon emissions. To date, they have planted over 400 trees, offsetting an estimated 43.71 tonnes across their lifetime.
The Business of Year award was sponsored by BCRS Business Loans.
Award applications were judges by a panel of three, including Pi-Kem director Fiona Rouse, Amanda Mitchell from Amanda Mitchell Aesthetics Clinic, and Neil Betts from Go True North.
The Hangry Burger was crowned as the Burton & District Business Start-up of the Year, sponsored by Sallara Marketing.
It was opened in 2024, inspired by the need of a revamped food scene in the town.
The takeaway was first located on an industrial estate on Hawkins lane, classed as a ‘dark kitchen’.
In April 2025, it was moved to James Brindley way, increasing footfall and visibility. The move also created an increased sale in neighbouring businesses.
Judges praised their strong blend of creativity and community impact, including the initiatives of an extensive vegetarian range and offering employment to three local young people.
Burton’s Young Professional of the Year, sponsored by Hardy Signs, was Tom Drysdale.
Tom joined Burton Radio & Echo in March 2025 and quickly embraced a role that combined journalism, business development, and community leadership.
Within weeks, he was managing multiple responsibilities: sourcing and writing stories for the Burton Echo, securing advertising and sponsorship, and shaping the station’s long-term strategy.
Commercially, Tom has secured thousands of pounds in sponsorship and advertising, increasing the station’s sponsorship revenue by 103 per cent and personally managing five key accounts that now generate over half of our total sponsorship income.
Sophie Allen from Serrano Media was highly commended in the Young Professional of the Year category for championing inclusion with SARAC and Buton YMCA.
Meanwhile, Richard Wileman handed his Burton & District Chamber of Commerce President’s award to Russel Jeans, managing director of Sefton Recruitment.
It was sponsored by Astle Paterson solicitors.
Richard Brooks, head of Buton & District Chamber of Commerce, said: “What an incredible celebration of the talent and determination that drives our business community.
“The standard of entries this year was outstanding and our judges had an exceptionally difficult job choosing the winners.
“I am immensely proud of all our winners, and those shortlisted.
“Their achievements, whether as long-established businesses or exciting new ventures, reflect the strength, creativity, and resilience of the Burton and District economy.
“It was a privilege to bring everyone together for such a positive afternoon and to recognise the businesses, professionals, and teams who are helping our region thrive.”
Pictured from left to right: Sophie Allen, Russel Jeans, Paul Morgan, Shawn Morgan, Hazel Morgan, Chris Griffin, Edd Stanton, Gillan Stanton, and Tom Drysdale
