Nominations open for the Peterborough Telegraph Business Excellence Awards 2026

The awards recognise, reward and celebrate all the successful businesses and professional individuals in and around the city and are now in their 30th year.

With a range of categories to enter, from small and medium and large businesses to sustainable businesses, there are 13 awards up for grabs.

Nominations are being sought for 13 categories that showcase the endeavour and enterprise shown over key aspects of business life

We are seeking entries from a cross section of businesses who have shown exceptional growth, innovation or an outstanding contribution to the community in which they operate.

Our awards will also recognise individuals who are at the heart and soul of the companies in our community which play such an important part in our local economy.

With awards recognising entrepreneurship, those who have a real place in our community and of course our social enterprises, there really is so much to celebrate – so get your entries in!”

Nominations close on August 31 after which shortlisted businesses will be invited to an interview with members of the Judging Panel.

The final selection of shortlisted businesses post interview will be invited to attend a black tie gala awards on November 20 at the Holiday Inn West, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, for an evening of business networking, celebration and reward.

Chairman of the Judging Panel, Andrew Heeler said: “I am delighted to be taking over the mantle as chair of the Peterborough Telegraph Business Excellence Awards judging committee.

"Under its previous chair, Chris Collier, the awards have been recognised for maintaining a very high standard through the rigorous judging process by a panel of judges from leaders in the local business community.

"I look forward to continuing to work with them to maintain the excellent reputation of these awards.

He said: “The judging process means that we have confidence that the finalists in each category are truly representative of the best that the Peterborough business community has to offer.

"This is a very rewarding process for the businesses and their teams, and I would encourage all local businesses to enter what is undoubtedly going to be a very exciting year for the Peterborough Telegraph Business Awards.”

How to enter the PT business awards:

Nominations close on August 31 after which shortlisted businesses will be invited to an interview with members of the Judging Panel.

The final selection of shortlisted businesses post interview will be invited to attend a black tie gala awards on November 26 at the Holiday Inn West, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, for an evening of business networking, celebration and reward.

To enter visit www.peterboroughbusinessawards.co.uk and for more details contact Linda Pritchard on email at [email protected] or call 07837 308 942. For sponsorship opportunities linked to this event, please contact Linda Pritchard.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Paul Grinnell, business editor for The Peterborough Telegraph,said: “The Peterborough Telegraph would like to thank the sponsors for the 2026 Awards, without their generosity this fantastic celebration of business success would not be possible.”

• Inspire Education Group
• Peterborough City Council
• Pinnacle House/Wrest Park
• Princebuild
• Event Supporter: Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

Sponsorship opportunities are still available - please contact [email protected] for further details

Thank to our judges:

Andrew Heeler (Chairman)

Charlotte Horobin

Colleen Gostick

Fred Morton

Pep Cipriano

Steven Brown

Antony Gough

Here are the award categories:

Tourism, Retail and Hospitality Business of the Year: Open to any restaurant, hotel, café, pub, retail (including on-line), leisure facility, visitor attraction or similar business excelling in its field and driving positive economic impact for the area

Small Business of the Year:

Medium Business of the Year: This category is open to any business with a turnover up to £30 million.

Large Business of the Year: This category is open to any business with a turnover over £30 million.

Social Enterprise of the Year: This award is open to charities and social enterprises who can demonstrate significant commercial and social impact of their activities.

Employer of the Year: This award recognises the business that has shown pre-eminent commitment to the development and welfare of its people, by encouraging communication, creativity and proactivity throughout the organisation.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Open to those aged 40 and under. This award celebrates a business leader or entrepreneur who shows outstanding drive, commitment and results.

Business Person of the Year: This award celebrates a business leader or entrepreneur who shows outstanding drive, commitment and results

Digital & Technology Business of the Year: Open to SaaS companies, digital agencies, technology innovators who are excelling in their field.

Innovation of the Year (Product or Service): This award celebrates innovation; of products, services, business models or initiatives. If you are doing something different that is creating change or making a positive difference to your clients, customers or staff, then this award is for you.

Customer Service Award: This award will go to an organisation that can best demonstrate that it has the customer at the heart of the business.

Sustainability Award: This award will be presented to a business that puts sustainability and the environment at the heart of its business.

Business in the Community Award:

To recognise a company demonstrating a commitment to supporting their local community. This is for businesses who set aside time/money/resource to help their local communities as part of their CSR