Harrogate Business Excellence Awards finalists revealed as judges praise high calibre of entries
The finalists for the 2026 Harrogate Business Excellence Awards have been revealed, with judges praising the “incredibly high calibre” of entries submitted this year.
The five-strong judging panel met at Oakdale Golf Club in Harrogate yesterday to consider this year's entries, with Harrogate Advertiser editor Nina Swift also attending.
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Now in their 21st year, the awards celebrate businesses and individuals across Harrogate, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Ripon, Wetherby and Boroughbridge, recognising the contribution they make to the economic success of the region.
Among the judges was Tara Stagman, director at Ake & Humphris Wine Merchants, who said the standard of entries had made selecting the finalists particularly difficult.
She said: “It has been an honour to be involved in judging this year's Harrogate Advertiser Business Awards. I must say it's a really tough job when all the applications are of such an incredibly high calibre!
“I can say with certainty that being shortlisted this year is a true sign of achievement, let alone winning. I can't wait for the awards evening!”
Catherine Grant, of Oakdale Golf Club, also praised the quality of this year's entries.
She said: “Every entrant for this year’s Business Awards had outdone themselves with the information they supplied, and all were worthy winners.
“The finalists show the entrepreneurship and leadership that make successful businesses, and it was a privilege to be involved.”
Nina Swift, editor of the Harrogate Advertiser, added: “The quality and diversity of this year's entries has been hugely impressive and shows just how much there is to celebrate across our local business community.
“The judges had an incredibly difficult job selecting the finalists, so congratulations to everyone who made the shortlist. We can't wait to celebrate their achievements at the awards in September.”
The other judges are Claire Strachan, PR consultant at Claire & Katy PR; Hana Gwyn, partner at LCF Law; and Martin Mann, chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce.
The panel brings experience from across the local business community, with backgrounds spanning public relations, law, retail, technology, professional services, networking and leisure.
This year's awards feature 13 categories, including the new Event of the Year category, while the Best Restaurant Award will be decided by a public vote.
A number of businesses have made the shortlist in multiple categories, including Fodder, How Stean Gorge, Stump Cross Caverns, Studfold 'The Nidderdale Experience' and Starling, Harrogate.
THE FINALISTS
Retail or Leisure Business of the Year
Fodder – The Great Yorkshire Food Hall
How Stean Gorge
Stump Cross Caverns
Turkish Baths Harrogate
Sustainability Award
Clearpoint Recycling Limited
eDub Services Limited
Resurrected Bites
Studfold 'The Nidderdale Experience'
Yorkshire Appliance Repairs Ltd
Rural Business of the Year – sponsored by Fat Badger Group
How Stean Gorge
Studfold 'The Nidderdale Experience'
Stump Cross Caverns
Yolk Farm
Event of the Year – new for 2026
Countryside Days
Harrogate Theatre's Jack and the Beanstalk
Harrogate International Festivals – The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival
Love to be... Festival
Starbeck Fest
Business in the Community Award
Fodder – The Great Yorkshire Food Hall
Full Circle Funerals
John Pipe International
Labcorp
Right at Home Harrogate
Starling, Harrogate
Best Independent Business of the Year – sponsored by LCF Law
Claire Baxter
Clearpoint Recycling Limited
eDub Services Limited
Reel Film Media
The Yorkshire Hearing Clinic
Touch Telecom
Best SME Company
IDR Law
LCF Residential
Radfield Home Care
Right at Home Harrogate
Tourism Award
Harrogate Ghost Walk
Ripon Museum Trust
Studfold 'The Nidderdale Experience'
Stump Cross Caverns
Turkish Baths Harrogate
Technology & Digital Award – sponsored by Made Smarter
eDub Services Limited
Nuumad
Radfield Home Care
Reel Film Media
Touch Telecom
Hospitality Business of the Year – sponsored by Turkish Baths Harrogate
Fat Badger Group
Fodder - The Great Yorkshire Food Hall
Pavilions of Harrogate
Starling, Harrogate
The Crown Hotel, Harrogate
The Inn South Stainley
Yolk Farm
Best Restaurant Award – Public Vote
Gianni's Brio
La Feria
Orchid Restaurant
Rhubarb, Harrogate
Starling, Harrogate
The Blue Bell Inn, Arkendale
The General Tarleton, Ferrensby
The Timble Inn
Business Leader/Entrepreneur of the Year
Dan Siddle – The Crown Hotel, Harrogate
Jennifer Parr – The Laser Base
Martin Holdsworth – IDR Law
Michelle Hayes – Resurrected Bites
Nathan Evans – Radfield Home Care
The Judges Choice Award and Outstanding Contribution to Business Award will both be announced on the night.
The winners will be revealed at the Harrogate Business Excellence Awards ceremony and gala dinner on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Majestic Hotel in Harrogate.
The black-tie event will bring together more than 250 guests from the business community, with a sparkling drinks reception, three-course meal and the awards presentation.
The evening will celebrate more than two decades of the awards and the achievements of the businesses and individuals helping to drive the success of the region's economy.