Local businesses gathered at The Craiglands Hotel last night, Wednesday 8th October, for the highly anticipated launch of the Ilkley Business Awards 2026.
This year is a significant milestone, marking the 10th anniversary of the awards, which celebrate the best businesses operating across the LS29 area. The event unveiled a refreshed line-up of categories, promising an exciting and high-profile competition.
Julia Forrester of TaxAssist Accountants Ilkley, a committee member and one of the founders of the awards, highlighted the importance of this milestone year:
"Reaching our 10th anniversary is a massive achievement and a testament to the thriving business spirit in Ilkley. These awards have grown into a vital platform for local enterprises to gain recognition, attract talent, and showcase the best of what the LS29 area has to offer. We encourage every eligible business to get involved this year!"
The 2026 Awards will feature a focus on the continued evolution and diversity of the local economy. A key addition is the "Excellence in Care" award, specifically designed to recognise businesses in sectors providing outstanding care or support services.
A significant revision sees the "Best Café," "Leisure & Tourism," and other related categories combined into a new "Food, Drink & Entertainment Business" award.
Jos Mountcastle of JCM Website Design, also a member of the awards committee, explained the category changes:
"This new category combines tourism, leisure, and hospitality under one umbrella. It better reflects the dynamic nature of these sectors in our area and allows us to recognise businesses that offer truly outstanding customer experiences."
In addition, hospitality and retail enterprises can also compete alongside other consumer-facing businesses in the "Best B2C Business" category.
The 2026 Categories:
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Best Boss
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Best Rising Star
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Best New Business
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Best Hair & Beauty
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Best Professional Services Business
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Best Side Hustle Business
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Best Health & Wellbeing Business
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Best Food, Drink and Entertainment Business (New/Revised)
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Best Long Serving Staff Member
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Best Excellence in Care Business (New)
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Best B2C Business
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Best B2B Business
Enter now at ilkleybusinessawards.co.uk
Committee member Debra Hawkshaw from Bathe of Wharfedale outlined the rigorous judging process:
“Our awards are judged by a panel of independent experts selected for their diverse and extensive business experience. Crucially, we choose judges from outside the LS29 area to ensure completely unbiased evaluations based solely on the quality of the entries. Make sure your submission is detailed and compelling—it’s your chance to make a strong first impression!”
The launch event saw phenomenal interest in sponsorship opportunities. The committee is thrilled to have the continued commitment from Ilkley BID and Your Ilkley Radio on board once again as joint Headline Sponsors! Both organisations are incredible champions of local businesses, consistently providing support and resources to help them thrive, making them the perfect partners to help celebrate this milestone 10th anniversary.
Alex Cann from Your Ilkley spoke to the committee about the awards and how businesses can enter, tap below to listen!
Most category sponsorships were secured before the official launch due to high demand, but a number of other sponsorship packages are still available. Businesses interested in these opportunities, including prominent logo display during the awards dinner, are encouraged to contact the committee at hello@ilkleybusinessawards.co.uk.
Committee member Caz Stewart from Ideal Extraction emphasised the event's broader impact:
"The awards not only allow us to stage a fantastic celebration of local businesses but also provide a high-profile platform to promote all the fantastic enterprises in the LS29 area to a wider audience."
Businesses registered in the LS29 area, including Ilkley, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Addingham, and Menston, are eligible to enter. The online entry form is now live on the awards website and entries close at midnight Friday 9th January 2026.
Committee member David Waterhouse from Whitetop Productions expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event:
"We're excited to be launching these awards and look forward to the spectacular 10th anniversary ceremony, which takes place on Friday 6th March 2026 at the Craiglands Hotel."
Tickets for the black-tie awards dinner are priced at £59. To access the online entry form or to buy tickets, please visit the website: https://ilkleybusinessawards.co.uk
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