Celebrate Success. Inspire Growth. Build Community.
The prestigious St.Helens Borough Business Awards are back for 2026 and bigger than ever!
Now in their second year at the BrewDog Stadium, the St.Helens Borough Business Awards continue to celebrate the outstanding businesses, people, and organisations that make our borough brighter and better for all.
Join us and our valued partners, as we celebrate innovation, ambition, and success within the thriving St.Helens business community.
Nominate Your Business
No one knows your business better than you, that’s why we want you to tell us all about your and your team’s successes and achievement over the past year through a self-nomination!
With a wide range of categories open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, there are multiple opportunities for you and your team to gain the recognition you deserve.
Why should I submit a nomination?
Being shortlisted or winning an award can raise your business profile, strengthen your reputation, boost team morale, attract new customers, and open doors to future opportunities.
Whether you’ve driven growth, embraced innovation, supported your community, or achieved outstanding results, this is your chance to shine and celebrate your success with your colleagues, partners, and industry peers.
Nominations open on Wednesday 24th June 2026
Close: midnight, 18th September 2026
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Award categories include:
Click category to reveal
Newcomer (Start-up) of the Year (Sponsored by St Helens Council)
For new businesses (less than 2 years old) showing innovation, growth potential, and strong foundations.
2025 Winner – Catherine Jackman Art
Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by St Helens College)
Recognising a standout apprentice who has demonstrated exceptional commitment, progress, and impact within their role.
2025 Winner – Mia Goodall
Charity / CIC of the Year (Sponsored by Available)
Celebrating the achievements of local charities and Community Interest Companies making a significant social impact.
2025 Winner – Willowbrook Hospice
SME Business of the Year (Sponsored by Available)
For businesses with 249 or fewer employees that have demonstrated strong performance, growth and resilience.
2025 Winner – Huyton Asphalt & HA Civils
Digital, Creative & Technology Innovation of the Year (Sponsored by Elevate)
Recognising businesses driving innovation through creative design, digital content, or new products, services, or technologies.
2025 Winner – Huyton Asphalt & HA Civils
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award (Sponsored by Critical Business Solutions Ltd)
Honouring organisations that embed inclusive practices and promote equality across their workforce and wider community.
Community Impact Award (Sponsored by Available)
For businesses making a measurable difference in the local St Helens community through partnerships, charitable activity, or outreach programmes.
2025 Winner – Steve Caunce Limited
Employer of the Year (Sponsored by Acorn Motor Group)
Recognising businesses that provide an outstanding workplace culture, employee wellbeing, and staff development opportunities.
2025 Winner – Bold Vets
NEW FOR 2026 – Manufacturing & Construction Business of the Year (Sponsored by Available)
Recognising manufacturing and construction businesses that deliver quality, innovation, reliability while driving growth, efficiency and industry excellence.
NEW FOR 2026 – Sustainability & Environmental Impact Award (Sponsored by John F Hunt Regeneration)
Recognising businesses that lead in sustainability, reduce environmental impact, engage teams and supply chains, and inspire positive change.
St Helens Business of the Year (Sponsored by Headline Sponsor)
Recognising an outstanding business that has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, growth and overall contribution to the local economy.
2025 Winner – Mercury Hampton
Nominations Open 24th June 2026
*Please note this link will take you through to a Google form.
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2026 sponsors
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Ticket Information
Celebrate in style at our glamorous awards evening at The BrewDog Stadium on Friday 13th November 2026.
Taking place just once a year, and always a night to remember, the highly anticipated St.Helens Business Awards 2026 brings together St.Helens’ most successful businesses, influential leaders and inspiring community champions for an exclusive evening of celebration and recognition.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect, celebrate and share in the achievements of St.Helens’ finest.
Tickets – £60pp
🎤 A lively host to lead the night
🍸 Welcome arrival drink
🍽️ A delicious two-course dinner
🎶 Live music and entertainment
🤝 Networking with local business leaders and innovators
TICKETS ON SALE SOON
Whether you’re nominating your business, attending as a guest, or simply supporting the local business community, the St.Helens Business Awards 2026 is your chance to be part of something special.
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Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in supporting the business community and gaining visibility for your brand? Sponsorship packages are available. Contact [email protected] to find out how you can get involved.
HEADLINE SPONSOR – £3000 + VAT
- Headline sponsor status with company logo on all ‘Business Awards’ material leading up to the event, across the
- BrewDog Stadium website and all social media platforms
- Company logo on event website with link to home page?
- Acknowledgement in welcome speech
- A complimentary table of ten on the evening (with bar waitress service, drinks to be purchased separately)
- Presentation of the ‘Business of The Year’ Award, to the successful winner
- Full-page advert in the Events programme
- Branding on AV screens throughout the evening, alongside company logo on media wall Menu’s & Table Numbers?
- Headline Sponsor status with company logo in the post event publicity and any news releases, produced in relation to the event on all social media platforms
CATEGORY SPONSORSHIP – £1000 + VAT per category
- Award Category Sponsor status with company logo on all ‘Business Awards’ material leading up to the event, and all social media platforms
- Company logo on event website with link to home page
- Inclusion / credit in news releases produced in relation to the event
- Sponsorship of an award on the evening and the opportunity to present this award
- A branded page in the awards programme distributed at the event plus half page advert
- Presentation of the Individual Category Award, to the successful winner
- Branding on AV screens throughout the evening, alongside company logo on media wall
- Logo credit and branding on awards presentation materials on AV screens at the event
- Four complimentary tickets on the evening
- Inclusion / credit in news releases produced in relation to the event
- Category Award Sponsor status with company logo in the post event publicity and any news releases, produced in relation to the event on all social media platforms
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FAQS
Click each FAQ to reveal
Who is eligible to enter the St. Helens Business Awards?
To be eligible for entry into the St. Helens Business Awards 2026, businesses must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be based in or conduct significant business operations within the Borough of St. Helens.
- Provide goods or services to St. Helens Borough businesses or residents.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to the borough, such as supporting local charities, sponsoring community organisations, or actively contributing to the local economy.
How can I enter?
Nominations can be submitted through our website during the designated nomination period.
Nominations must be submitted online through the official BrewDog website via the St. Helens Business Awards page.
Applications must be made by a person who is authorised to act on behalf of the company. Nominations may also be submitted by an individual. Once a nomination has been received, the nominated business will be contacted and invited to proceed with a full application if they wish.
It is a simple process and we encourage everyone to nominate businesses or individuals they believe deserve recognition.
Nominations remain anonymous, and nominators are not required to provide their name when submitting a nomination.
The Awards are completely FREE to enter, and there is no limit to the number of categories you may enter, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each category.
How are the winners determined?
Winners are determined through an impartial judging process overseen by a panel of experienced professionals from across the local business and public sectors.
All judges are required to declare any conflicts of interest and will not participate in judging categories where a conflict exists.
Once applications close on 18 September 2026, all entries will be reviewed by our independent judging panel. Entries will be assessed based on:
- The strength of the application.
- Alignment with the award criteria.
- The supporting evidence provided.
A shortlist of finalists will be selected in each category and successful candidates will be notified and advised of the next steps.
Following the evaluation process, the judging panel will agree on a winner for each category. In the event of a tie, judges may request further information or conduct a final deliberation.
All decisions made by the judging panel are final.
