33 York and North Yorkshire businesses named as awards finalists
The Press BUSINESSiQ Awards 2025 take place at York Racecourse. All the category winners from the night. (Image: Chris BOOTH)
Some of the best businesses in York and North Yorkshire will be recognised in the upcoming York Press BUSINESS iQ Awards 2026.
After a tough time judging almost 150 entries, the judges have whittled them down to 33 finalists across 11 categories.
Head of the judges, David Dickson, has been a judge for around 25 years.
David says there was once again many entries this year, even if it was slightly down on last year.
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Tadweld, which is a finalist in the Manufacturer of the Year category. (Image: Darren Greenwood)
He recalled the many categories, which include start-ups and small businesses, saying the quality of entries in these categories especially was “outstanding.”
“There’s lots of new businesses” being created in York and North Yorkshire, he continued.
Brew York, which is a finalist in the Manufacturer of the Year Category. (Image: Tadweld, which is a finalist in the Manufacturer of the Year category.)
David has seen many decades of the business awards, which in 2026 are in their 35th year.
He said: “We will have a great crowd there. The event is really well put together.”
Staff at the Milner York in 2024. The hotel is a finalist of the Employer of the Year Category. (Image: Pic supplied)
And with there being 33 finalists, a wide cross-section of the business community will be present.
David believes the racecourse location is very impressive.
He added: “It’s always a great pleasure to have these people down at the racecourse. It’s going to be exciting to meet these outstanding finalists.”
Steve Lowe, LOCAL iQ/ York Press sales director said: "After sitting on the panel and seeing the York Press BUSINESSiQ Awards entries, one thing is clear: York's business community is thriving.
"The sheer number of submissions, combined with the exceptional standard of entries, made judging both rewarding and incredibly challenging. Every category featured businesses achieving outstanding results, driving innovation and making a positive impact across the region.
"With such a competitive field, the awards promise to be a fantastic evening of celebration, networking and inspiration. Make sure you're in the room when York's business success stories take centre stage. A big thank you to our judges, who gave up their time to review the entries and to select the winners."
Lyndsay Mitcheson of Neo Walk, who is a finalist in the Business Personality of the Year category. (Image: Pic supplied)
Hundreds of businesspeople are expected to attend the glittering awards ceremony on Thursday November 26.
Jo Malone of VetPartners is a finalist in the Business Personality category. (Image: Pic supplied)
The awards host will be Cally Beaton, a broadcaster, business leader, podcaster, performer, comedian and best-selling author.
Event organiser Kate Neighbour said of Cally: “Her senior management positions at some of the biggest media companies in the world have included being the youngest and only female member of the ITV board.
“She went on to do a ten-year stint as Senior Vice President at US studio giant Paramount, responsible for brands including MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central; so, if you want someone to blame for bringing South Park and Spongebob to the world, you need look no further.”
Cally Beaton is host of the business awards on November 26. (Image: Pic supplied)
Kate added: “Cally is one of the UK's most sought-after names for corporate, broadcasting and live work.”
The finalists are as follows:
Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by The Company of Merchant Adventurers: Sarah Fairweather of the Grand Opera House, George Owen of Vet Partners and Cameron McNicholl of Cedarbarn.
Business Innovation, sponsored by Fera Science Ltd: Roche Legal, Elaaine Moorris of Curious Edge and Elizabeth Huxton of OT4me, plus City Cruises York.
Business Personality, sponsored by York Race Course: Jo Malone of VetPartners; Lyndsay Mitcheson of Neo Walk and Iain Scott of ISF.
City Cruises York is a finalist in the Business Innovation category. (Image: Pic supplied)
Creative Industries Award, sponsored by Aesthetica: Next Door But One, National Centre for Early Music and Viridian FX.
Employer of the Year, sponsored by York St John Apprenticeships: Walker Crips Group Investment Manager Ltd, The Milner York and Muddy Boots Nurseries.
Family Business of the Year, sponsored by York Angels: PPS, Simon Baynes and Lundia UK Ltd.
Logo (Image: NQ)
Large Business of the Year, sponsored by HSBC: Muddy Boots Nurseries, PureNet Solution and Grand Opera House.
Manufacturer of the Year, sponsored by Parsons Accountants: Brew York, ISF and Tadweld Ltd.
New Business of the Year, sponsored by ISF York: Schiewe Ceramics, Techscend and Your Menopause Nurse Ltd.
Retail, Leisure and Hospitality, sponsored by York BID: York Dungeon, Fat Badger and Expedition Yorkshire.
Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Hethertons Solicitors: McMillan Associates, Dryfix Preservation Ltd and Nomada Digital.
Please email Kate Neighbourfor ticket enquiries.