York Press BUSINESSiQ Awards 2026 on
Thursday 26th November at York Racecourse.

Please email Kate Neighbour for ticket enquiries.

The Press Business Awards aim to celebrate success, recognise achievement, and highlight the innovative people and companies throughout York district who are putting their region on the map by boosting the economy while making a positive contribution to the local community. We believe that the passion, determination, tireless energy and skills that goes into running a top-performing company all deserve recognition and our awards categories are designed to celebrate businesses from across arrange of sectors. Held again at the York Racecourse on Thursday 26th November.

Closing date is Friday 21st August.

The Press BUSINESSiQ Awards 2026 are open to all businesses in The Press’s circulation area of York, North and East Yorkshire. If you have any queries, please email email Kate Neighbour.

Enter The Press 2026 BUSINESSiQ Awards»

HEADLINE SPONSORS - YORK St JOHN UNIVERSITY

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by: HSBC

This award is open to all companies with an annual turnover of at least £1 million which can demonstrate outstanding organisation, exceptional financial returns, strong growth and innovation strategies plus market prowess in its sector. Submissions may include the success of principal products and services and how they are marketed, obstacles faced and overcome, strategies to motivate and upskill staff, future strategy for maintaining growth and dynamism and responsibility to the community.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by: HETHERTONS SOLICITORS

Open to those businesses in the region which have been trading for more than a year and have a turnover of less than £1 million. The judges will consider financial performance, strategy and the way it has developed, it’s approach to staff development and customer service, potential for future growth and the impact the business has had on jobs and the community.

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AWARD

Sponsored by: AESTHETICA

The second year for this award in 2026, recognising the exceptional contribution of businesses and organisations within the region’s thriving creative and cultural sectors. Informed by the city’s status as a UNESCO City of Media Arts, this category celebrates those driving innovation, excellence and impact - locally, nationally or internationally. From visual arts, music and theatre to games design, publishing, digital media and heritage, this award honours creativity as a vital force in the economic and cultural life of York and North Yorkshire. Judges will be looking for businesses and organisations of all sizes that can demonstrate clear cultural, social or economic impact on the city and region. If your work is shaping creative opportunity or cultural growth - this is your opportunity to show us.

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by: IAIN SCOTT FABRICATIONS

This category award is open to those businesses in the region which have been trading for more than a year. The judges will consider financial performance, strategy and the way it has developed, it’s approach to staff development and customer service, potential for future growth and the impact the business has had on jobs and the community.

BUSINESS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by: YORK RACECOURSE

This category award is open to all business people in the region who demonstrate inspired leadership. Judges will look for the personality’s role and impact in their own organisation’s success as well as how they have had an impact on the wider business community, examples of their flair and method for getting things achieved. They will also look at his or her personal achievements and their personal challenges which have been successfully overcome and how they have been a role model for others.

FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

This award is open to established family businesses across all industry sectors that can demonstrate sustained success across a broad range of measures, whilst ensuring all family values are followed. The judges will be looking at the aspirations of your business to demonstrate how both current and future family generations will be involved in the growth of the business.

RETAIL, LEISURE, AND HOSPITALITY AWARD

Sponsored by: THE YORK BID

This award will celebrate outstanding excellence in the retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors. This award will recognise businesses that have demonstrated exceptional innovation, customer service, and community engagements. The judges will be looking for commitment to delivering memorable experiences, driving economic growth, and contributing positively to the local landscape. They embody excellence in product offerings, customer satisfaction, and sustainable business practices, setting a benchmark for industry standards and inspiring others in the retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors.

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by: YORK St JOHN UNIVERSITY APPRENTICESHIPS

This award honours the region’s top employers who have demonstrated strong investment in their employees. The judges want to know about the company which, in the opinion of its staff, provides the best working environment, best people development practices, best skills and training programmes and demonstrates genuine care for the health and well-being of its workforce.

MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by: PARSONS ACCOUNTANTS

Manufacturing creates economic growth and is the engine that drives the districts economy. Manufacturers like you contribute to the vibrancy of our communities through good business practices, innovative processes and productivity enhancements. This award celebrates the successes of manufacturers in the region. The judges will be looking for excellence in their field, ability to success, growth and best practice.

BUSINESS INNOVATION OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by: FERA

For this award we are looking for the business or organisation that is bringing about change for the better by the application of new thinking and ideas. Innovation could be from the application of creativity to new or better products or services, better ways of working that have produced great results and investing in research and development. It could be that your organisation has formed new and exciting partnerships that have changed your outlook and performance; using good ideas from staff, customers or your supply chain to make real changes to what you do and succeed as a business.

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by: THE COMPANY OF MERCHANT ADVENTURES

Apprenticeships are an increasingly important way of attracting new talent and providing training for the future. We know there have been some fantastic successes locally and this award recognises an employer’s best apprentice who has successfully come through their apprenticeship programme. The finalists in this category will have gone above and beyond as part of their apprenticeship for an employer that has offered the support and training needed to kick start their careers.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Sponsored by: YORK St JOHN UNIVERSITY

This distinguished award recognises an individual or business that has made an extraordinary and enduring contribution to York’s business community. The recipient has demonstrated a lifetime of leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence, helping shape the economic and cultural fabric of the region.

Whether through pioneering enterprise, inspiring mentorship, or sustained community engagement, their legacy reflects the very best of York’s business spirit. This award celebrates not only their achievements, but the values, vision, and impact that will continue to influence and inspire future generations.