Categories

This award celebrates a company which has been trading for under 2 years, which has shown remarkable early achievement, strong entrepreneurial vision, and the potential for long‑term success. It recognises start‑ups that demonstrate standout innovation, clear market impact, and impressive growth momentum. Please provide:

• An overview of why the business launched and the gap in the market at that time
• Evidence of your business success and progress to date
• How your business/service/product compares to other start-ups, particularly those in your business sector
• Vision and plans for future growth

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. Applicants will need to demonstrate;

• An overview of your innovation
• The process implemented to research, develop and launch it
• The positive impact of your innovation; covering any or all of the following - business, team, clients, stakeholders, wider community.
• Future plans and how innovation plays a part in them

Recognising an organisation that demonstrates outstanding commitment to environmental responsibility, ethical practices, and long‑term sustainable growth. This category celebrates businesses that lead by example through impactful green initiatives, measurable carbon‑reduction efforts, and a clear dedication to social and environmental stewardship. Criteria includes:

• Ensuring your 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 a business that showcases the region’s trademark blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and industrial excellence. This category honours organisations that drive Yorkshire’s manufacturing strength through exceptional product quality, forward‑thinking process innovation, and a commitment to skills development and local economic growth. Applications should show:

• Growth and consistent commercial performance, increased market share and operational effectiveness
• Approach to training, team and future talent
• Approach to sustainability and positive impact on the environment.
• Any investment in R&D and the ROI it has generated

Harnessing digital transformation and cutting‑edge technology to drive meaningful progress. This category recognises organisations that deliver standout tech‑led solutions, embrace digital innovation, and use technology to enhance performance, customer experience, and long‑term growth. It honours companies pushing boundaries and shaping the digital future of their industry. Criteria includes:

• 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

This award is open to any restaurant, hotel, café, pub or bar. This category aims to celebrate and reward the hospitality businesses who are showing the highest levels of commitment and success in the Yorkshire region.  We are looking for an organisation in this sector that excels in their field. Criteria includes:

• Top achievements in the last 12 months
• Approach to customer experience and loyalty
• Involvement in the local community
• What makes you stand out from the crowd

Celebrating an organisation that places people at the heart of its success, demonstrating a genuine commitment to creating a healthy, supportive, and thriving workplace. This category recognises employers who champion wellbeing initiatives, foster positive workplace culture, and prioritise the physical and mental health. Please explain:

• What action you are taking to promote health and wellbeing in the workplace
• The positive impact implementing an employee health and wellbeing strategy has had on the company and how this will benefit future growth
• Ways your strategy is different to other companies in your field
• Testimonials from staff about their experience.

This award is for a business that employs two or more family members. It celebrates businesses where multiple generations work side by side, blending tradition with innovation to create sustainable success. Applicants will need to:

• Explain why the company represents a successful family business; how the family are involved and the benefits they bring to the success of the business
• Family values and how these have guided the development of the business
• Plans for growth, including product/service development, family representation, people development, and/or your commitment to the community
• Your future plans for the business, including how current and future generations will be involved

To recognise outstanding performance by a company with up to 10 employees who is excelling in their field. Entrants must demonstrate:

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

To recognise outstanding performance by a company with 11-50 employees who is excelling in their field. Entrants must demonstrate:

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

To recognise outstanding performance by a company with 51-250 employees who is excelling in their field. Entrants must demonstrate:

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

To recognise outstanding performance by a company with 251+ employees who is excelling in their field. Entrants must demonstrate:

• Evidence of clear strategy and vision, aligned with financial and/or team growth
• How you have overcome 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 for a business achieving exceptional success in international markets, demonstrating strong global ambition and commercial impact. Applicants should be excelling in export growth, showcasing market expansion, and delivering products or services that elevate the reputation of Yorkshire industry overseas. Applicants should demonstrate:

• How international trade has benefited the business 
• How new markets are identified and the strategies that have been implemented to penetrate them
• Evidence of positive sales, market share performance and customer feedback
• Expansion plans for the future.

This category celebrates businesses that have achieved significant advances in market position, strengthened organisational capability, and delivered measurable year‑on‑year growth while maintaining high standards of governance and performance. It honours companies that scale responsibly, adapt effectively to new opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to the economic vitality of their region. Criteria includes:

•  Evidence of entering new markets, sectors, or customer segments, showing strategic ambition and successful execution
• Investment in people, skills, and organisational culture to support growth
• Demonstrable year‑on‑year financial expansion over a defined period, supported by robust financial management

Recognising an organisation that demonstrates exceptional commitment to social responsibility, community support, and purpose‑driven impact. This category honours businesses that embed charitable values into their culture and operations, delivering meaningful contributions through philanthropy, community partnerships, and sustained social initiatives. Please include:

• Clear evidence that charitable activities have delivered measurable, positive outcomes for communities or causes
• Initiatives that encourage staff participation, volunteering, fundraising, or skills‑based support.
• Long‑term commitment, rather than one‑off contributions, demonstrating ongoing dedication to social responsibility.
• Effective partnerships with charities, community groups, or social enterprises that enhance reach and impact

This is a brand new category for 2026. The Young Leader of the Year award recognises an outstanding individual aged under 35 who has demonstrated exceptional leadership capability, professional maturity, and positive influence within their organisation or sector. It honours young professionals who are not only excelling today but are shaping the future of business leadership. Show evidence of:

• Influencing teams, projects, or organisational outcomes
• The ability to make informed, future‑focused decisions that contribute to long‑term success
• Introducing new ideas, approaches, or improvements that deliver measurable value
• A strong trajectory of development, learning, and increasing responsibility
• Inspiring others through integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence

This award celebrates a business leader (over 35) who shows outstanding drive, commitment and results. Leaders who not only deliver outstanding commercial results but also inspire people, shape culture, and set new standards for excellence in their field. 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