Final call for entries as Harrogate Business Awards 2026 deadline approaches

Businesses from across the district are being urged to submit their entries for the Harrogate Business Awards 2026 before nominations close.

Now celebrating its 21st year, the prestigious awards continue to recognise the outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations helping to drive the economic success of the Harrogate district.

Hosted by the Harrogate Advertiser, the awards feature 12 categories celebrating excellence across a wide range of sectors, including two new awards introduced for 2026 -Event of the Year andBest Restaurant Award.

The winners will be announced at a glittering black-tie awards ceremony at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate, on Thursday, September 24, with proceedings getting underway from 6.30pm.

This year's event is kindly sponsored by Made Smarter Yorkshire and Humber, Oakdale Golf Club, Turkish Baths Harrogate, The Fat Badger Group, LCF Law, Orchid Restaurant and Divino Restaurant, with Aphasia Support as the charity partner.

Ellie Foster, of LCF Law, said: "LCF Law is delighted to sponsor the Best Independent Business award at this year's Harrogate Business Awards.

“Independent businesses are the heart of our local economy, and we are proud to champion their success.

“We look forward to celebrating the incredible talent and entrepreneurial spirit that make Harrogate's business community thrive."

A spokesperson for Orchid Restaurant and Divino Restaurant said: "We are proud to support the Harrogate Business Awards and celebrate the incredible businesses that make our town such a vibrant place to live, work and visit.

“Through Divino Restaurant, Orchid Restaurant and The Studley Hotel, we are passionate about showcasing Harrogate's hospitality sector and contributing to the continued success of our local business community."

The organisers have also announced the judges confirmed so far for the Harrogate Business Awards 2026.

The judging panel currently includes Claire Strachan, PR consultant at Claire & Katy PR; Hana Gwyn, partner at LCF Law; Tara Stagman, director at Ake & Humphris Wine Merchants; Martin Mann, chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce; and Catherine Grant, membership and events manager at Oakdale Golf Club.

The full list of award categories is:

• Business in the Community Award
• Business Leader/Entrepreneur of the Year
• Best SME Company
• Best Independent Business of the Year
• Tourism Award
• Sustainability Award
• Rural Business of the Year
• Technology and Digital Award
• Retail or Leisure Business of the Year
• Hospitality Business of the Year
• Event of the Year
• Best Restaurant Award

The deadline for entries isAugust 7.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 24, from** 6.30pmat the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate**, with a black-tie dress code.