Harrogate Business Awards 2026: Category spotlight
The Harrogate Business Awards 2026 celebrate the businesses, people and organisations helping the district thrive.
With 11 categories to choose from, including two new awards for 2026, we’re profiling each category to highlight what the judges are looking for and encourage businesses to enter before the deadline on Wednesday, August 12.
Best SME Company
The Best SME Company Award recognises outstanding businesses with a workforce of between one and 249 employees that are excelling in their field.
This category celebrates SMEs that combine commercial success with a clear vision for the future, demonstrating resilience, innovation and a commitment to delivering exceptional products and services.
Whether you're an established family business or an ambitious growing company, this award recognises the vital role SMEs play in driving the Harrogate district's economy.
Judges will be looking for businesses that can demonstrate a clear strategy and vision, supported by financial growth and/or team development.
Entries should also show how the business has overcome challenges, adapted to changing circumstances and turned difficult situations into opportunities for success.
Businesses should highlight their commitment to excellence in their sector and outstanding customer service, alongside the ways they invest in training and developing their people.
Judges will also be looking for examples of innovative or effective marketing that has helped strengthen the business and support its continued growth.
Could your business be recognised as the Harrogate district's Best SME Company?
Tourism Award
The Tourism Award recognises the organisations making the greatest contribution to enhancing the Harrogate district as a visitor destination.
Open to any organisation connected to hospitality or tourism, this category celebrates the businesses, attractions and venues that are helping showcase everything the district has to offer while creating outstanding experiences for visitors.
Judges will be looking for organisations that can demonstrate their key achievements over the past 12 months, alongside a strong commitment to customer experience and building lasting loyalty.
Entries should also show how the business invests in its people through training, development and staff retention.
Applications should highlight involvement in the local community and provide tangible evidence of the organisation's contribution to strengthening tourism across Harrogate and the surrounding district.
Whether you're welcoming overnight guests, creating unforgettable visitor experiences or promoting the area as a destination, this award celebrates those helping the district thrive.
Could your business or organisation be recognised for its contribution to tourism in the Harrogate district?
Entries for the Harrogate Business Awards 2026 close on Wednesday, August 12.
Find out more and enter at: