The shortlist has been revealed for the 2026 Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards, with 27 organisations in the running for the annual accolades. The winners will be crowned on November 19 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Hull.
The leading figures at the helm of three category contenders are also competing for the coveted Entrepreneur of the Year title, underlining the strength and drive of those now shortlisted. Start-Up award entries were up 33%, further reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit in the region.
Third edition under new leadership
It is the third edition of the awards under talent champion Simon Jones and events specialist Jane Smallwood. The level of support generated has surpassed even that garnered for last year's silver anniversary celebration. With the quality of entries also praised, the gala celebration promises to be another great night under the guidance of top television host Gethin Jones.
Simon said: "Our partnership numbers are incredible this year, the highest we've seen since taking the awards on, and we see that as a real show of confidence in what we're delivering. The strength and depth of the submissions have been extremely good, and we feel that is a result of the whole process being taken a lot more seriously."
Judging process refreshed
Judging of the nominations has been made more rigorous, moving from a desktop exercise with independent representatives of the business community to in-person interviews and site visits by a far wider supporting cast. Entries closed last month, launching the process.
Jane said: "Since taking the awards baton on from Reach Plc, who remain our media partner, we've refreshed the judging process – taking it from a paper exercise to a deep dive with face-to-face meetings. We feel it enhances the credibility of the accolades, and this is reflected in the quality of our contenders."
Partners and ticket details
Headline partner is For Entrepreneurs Only, with three new principal partners also involved in 2026 - BAE Systems, H&H and Siemens Gamesa. They join East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Fred, Future Humber, GW Power, Horncastle Group, Hull City Council, Hull Live, KCOM, MKM, Sewell Group and University of Hull. Event partners Cobus Communications, DoubleTree by Hilton, Fisher Security and Soanes Poultry are also supporting.
A dozen awards will be presented, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, with packages of support tailored to the individual category. Tickets will be available through the website - www.heybusinessawards.co.uk - priced at £90 plus VAT each or £850 plus VAT for a table of 10, from October 19.
2026 shortlist
The full shortlist includes: Rising Star Award - Oliver Cook, The One Point Group; Bradley Homes, Siemens Gamesa; Kaitlin Lander, C4DI. Entrepreneur of the Year - Peter Lawford, Managing Director, Sirius Homecare; Ben Roman, Founder, Reaply / Little Astronauts; Paul Tennison, Owner, The Brush Bus.
Innovation Award - Concrete Youth, GMP Manufacturing Ltd, Humber Violence Prevention Partnership / NHS Humber Health Partnership. Environmental & Sustainability Award - Bishop Burton College, Tate, William's Den. Charity of the Year - Hull Truck Theatre, PAUL for Brain Recovery, The Hinge Centre. Team of the Year - Humber Violence Prevention Partnership, Siemens Gamesa, Sirius Homecare Team.
Best Place to Work - Concrete Youth, Forrester Boyd Chartered Accountants, Ideal Heating. Start-Up Business of the Year - Bright Edge Networks, Little Astronauts, Stamp Brothers. Small Business of the Year - FR Scott, Informed Financial Planning, Ridings. Growth Award - Adams & Green Ltd, Hull What's On, The Brush Bus Ltd. Large Business of the Year - Integra Buildings Ltd, Tate, The One Point Group. The Lifetime Achievement Award is to be announced on the evening.
