Our Founder and Chairman, Kevin McCabe has been named winner of the Business Enterprise Award at the 37th Yorkshire Awards, held on 27 February 2026 at The Queens Hotel, Leeds.
The award recognises an individual whose leadership, vision and long-term commitment have delivered exceptional economic impact across Yorkshire and beyond. The judges cited Kevin’s six-decade career in property, his role in shaping the region’s urban landscape and his sustained commitment to regeneration across Yorkshire and the wider North.
Kevin founded Scarborough Group International in 1976. Fifty years on, the business remains family-owned and active across the UK, with a development pipeline exceeding £2 billion.
In the early 2000s, Kevin led the Group’s expansion across the UK, supported by teams in Leeds, London, Manchester, Sheffield, Scarborough and Edinburgh. Following the successful development of Amerikalei House in Antwerp, he established a European headquarters in 2006 and based himself in Brussels to oversee growth across Germany, France, Poland, Hungary, Denmark and Sweden.
Demonstrating the disciplined judgement that has defined his career, Kevin led the strategic sale of a significant portion of the Group’s European business shortly before the 2008 global financial crisis, recognising growing instability in the investment market. The decision protected the business ahead of widespread disruption across global banking and real estate sectors.
Under his leadership, Scarborough Group has delivered more than 40 million sq ft of commercial, residential and sporting space across the UK, Europe and parts of Asia.
Kevin has consistently taken a long-term, partnership-led approach to development, prioritising places that support jobs, enterprise and communities for generations.
Thorpe Park Leeds exemplifies that philosophy. Conceived more than three decades ago, the estate continues to evolve into one of the UK’s leading mixed-use destinations for business, education, retail and leisure. When complete, it is expected to support more than 15,000 jobs alongside new homes, public realm and sustainable infrastructure. Development will continue into the next decade, with further phases progressing.
Sport has been a constant thread throughout Kevin’s life. From playing football at school level in Sheffield to competitive amateur squash, he has remained closely involved in grassroots participation. In recent years, he introduced padel tennis to Scarborough and continues to support new facilities in Leeds and Sheffield.
He is also well known for his long association with professional football, having served as owner and chairman of Sheffield United Football Club. His experiences are reflected in his memoir, Mucky Boots, offering a candid account of life in the game.
Family remains central to his life. Married to Sandra for more than five decades, Kevin is a proud father and grandfather. His sons, Simon and Scott, are part of the Group’s leadership team.
Through the Scarborough Group Foundation, established 25 years ago, more than £2 million has been donated to charitable causes across Yorkshire and beyond, with a focus on health, wellbeing, medical research and support for children and young people.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Foundation coordinated the procurement and distribution of vital PPE to hospitals and key workers across Yorkshire and the North of England.
Kevin said:
“To receive the Business Enterprise Award at the Yorkshire Awards is a tremendous honour. I have always believed in backing this region, investing for the long term and working in partnership to create places where people and businesses can thrive. This recognition reflects the efforts of many talented colleagues, my family and partners who share that belief.”
Now in its 37th year, the Yorkshire Awards celebrate individuals and organisations whose work has made a significant contribution to the region’s reputation, prosperity and quality of life.
Photo courtesy of Roth Read Photography.
