Categories

This award recognises a dynamic contribution a company has made to the local community by supporting local charities, initiatives or other community events. This category is not open to charities, CICs or community focused organisations. Entrants will: 

• Explain the company’s strategic mission to engage with the local community and why this was important to the business
• What the strategy involves and how this is implemented
• The positive impact the strategy has on the community; people, places, purpose
• How the business works with the community in relation to employee engagement, marketing, training and support.

This award celebrates a business leader or entrepreneur who shows outstanding drive, commitment and results. Applicants should demonstrate how the individual excels in the following areas:

• Enterprising qualities and sound management practices
• Approach to sustainable growth and commercial acumen 
• Entrepreneurial skills and inspiration to others
• Leadership skills and ability to bring their team into their vision and future plans

To recognise outstanding performance by a company with a workforce of 1-249 staff who is excelling in their field. Entrants must demonstrate:

• Evidence of clear strategy and vision, aligned with financial growth and/or team
• How you have overcoming challenges and turned difficult situations around
• Excellence in your field and commitment to customer service
• Investment in training and performance
• Innovative or effective marketing

This category is aimed at independent businesses in the Harrogate region. This could be a privately owned business, a sole proprietorship or a business owned by a very small group of individuals. Entrants will need to:

• Explain the ethos and background of the independent business, including its profitability and the unique selling points which make it a success
• Outline the difference the business has made in its sector and how it has overcome any challenges 
• Detail any future projections or plans for the business

This award will be presented to the organisation that can demonstrate the most significant contribution to improving the district’s offering as a tourism destination over the past couple of years and is open to any organisation connected to hospitality or tourism. Applications for this category should include:

• Overview of your business and top achievements in the last 12 months
• Approach to team, staff retention and training
• Approach to customer experience and loyalty
• Involvement in the local community
• Tangible evidence of your specific contribution to tourism in Harrogate and District

This award will be presented to a business that puts sustainability and the environment at the heart of its business. Describe your company’s commitment to:

• Ensuring its environmental impact is kept to an absolute minimum, for example through recycling, carbon offset, water conservation or sustainable energy schemes.
• Sustainability achievements in the last 12 months
• How you are helping to drive wider progress in the green economy
• Demonstrate your business growth and financial success whilst delivering social and environmental benefit.

Celebrating businesses located in a  rural community, small town, village or hamlet. Applicants will need to demonstrate:

• How your business is making a positive difference to your area; creating jobs, economic growth and/or innovation
• How your business compares to urban businesses in the same sector/industry
• Your approach to customer experience and retention, employee engagement and attracting new talent
• Your top achievements in the last 12 months and plans for the next 5 years

Open to SaaS companies, digital agencies, technology innovators who are excelling in their field. Please provide evidence of the following;

• Overview of your product or service, USP and markets you operate in
• Key achievements in your business directly related to the technology or digital product or service
• How you ensure you are competitive and continually leading in your field
• How you ensure your staff and customers remain engaged with your product or service

Open to any retail, leisure facility, or similar business excelling in its field and driving positive economic impact for the area. Applications should demonstrate:

• An overview of your business and top achievements in the last 12 months
• Approach to team, staff retention and training
• Approach to customer experience and loyalty
• Involvement in the local community

This category is open to any hospitality business including cafe’s, bars, pubs, hotels, restaurants and event venues. This category aims to celebrate and reward the hospitality businesses who are showing the highest levels of commitment and success in the Harrogate district and surrounding areas. Entries will summarise:

• Overview of your business and top achievements in the last 12 months
• Approach to team, staff retention and training
• Approach to customer experience and loyalty
• Involvement in the local community

This is a brand new category for 2026 and recognises a standout event in the Harrogate district. Judges will look for events that engage communities, support local businesses, and offer an exceptional visitor experience. This could include agricultural or horticultural shows, food or music festivals, home of fashion events. Entry guidelines include:

• Outline the purpose and scale of your event.
• Explain how it supports the local community.
• Showcase visitor engagement, impact, and unique elements.
• Provide data on attendance, media reach, and feedback.
• Highlight sustainability efforts, local business involvement, or industry recognition.

This is a brand new category for 2026 and recognises an outstanding restaurant, bistro or dining venue in Harrogate that consistently delivers exceptional dining experiences and has earned the support and admiration of its customers. The top 6-8 entries that we receive will be sent to a public vote to determine our 2026 winner. When entering please consider:

• Venues must have been trading for a minimum of 6 months
• Show a high level of food quality and consistency
• Value for money and strong customer feedback
• Excellent customer service and a welcoming atmosphere
• Contribution to the local area (e.g. sourcing locally, supporting events, community involvement)