The finalists have been announced for this year’s Somerset Business Awards 2026, after a rigorous judging process which saw sponsors travelling to all corners of the county to meet the teams behind the shortlisted entries.
The judges (pictured) spent hours visiting the shortlisted businesses, charities and organisations before making their final decisions.
The awards are run annually by Somerset Chamber of Commerce and the 2026 finalists come from Yeovil, Weston-super-Mare, Cheddar, Langport, Glastonbury, Bridgwater, Taunton, Watchet, Roadwater, Wellington, Chilthorne Dormer, Ilminster, Minehead, Bruton, Shepton Mallet, Bradford-on-Tone, Highbridge, Somerton and Wincanton. 
This year is the 21st anniversary of the awards, which are again supported by main sponsor Albert Goodman. The grand final will be hosted by BBC Points West Business Correspondent, Dave Harvey, and will be held at the Bath & West Showground on Thursday, March 26.
David Crew, Managing Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, thanked everyone who had entered the awards and said the most hotly contested categories had included Service Excellence, Small Business of the Year and Investing in Somerset.
He said: “Despite some really challenging trading conditions, it’s been incredibly encouraging to see so many fantastic applications from business and charities from across the county – they are doing some great work and we are honoured to be able to highlight that through these awards.
“The finalists have come from across the county, representing a wide range of sectors and industries and we are looking forward to celebrating their achievements at the final on March 26.”
Mike Cahill, a Partner at Albert Goodman, said: “As main sponsors, we’ve seen first-hand the real benefits of taking part — from raising a company’s profile and building credibility, to motivating teams and creating exciting new opportunities.
“Somerset has such a vibrant business community, and these awards are a wonderful chance to showcase that and be recognised for all the hard work that goes into running a successful business.”
The finalists are (in alphabetical order):
Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year Award
A J Wakely & Sons, Yeovil
Datel Services Ltd, Weston-super-Mare
Polyvine Ltd, Cheddar
Small Business of the Year (turnover up to £0.5 million) sponsored by Gather Technology Ltd
Dowlas Property Group, Cheddar
The FutureStrong Partnership CIC, Weston-super-Mare
The Kiln Café, Langport
Medium Business of the Year (turnover up to £5 million) sponsored by Brown & Brown
Chrysalis Courses, Bridgwater
First Class Comms Ltd, Weston
The Sleek Easy Clean, Glastonbury
Large Business of the Year (turnover over £5 million) sponsored by UCS College Group
Berry & Escott, Bridgwater
Diverse Fine Foods, Taunton
Stantec, Taunton
Best Use of Digital Technology Award sponsored by Westcotts
FHOSS, Weston-super-Mare
Lanier South West, Cheddar
Snugs Custom-Fit Ltd, Watchet
Charity of the Year Award sponsored by Clarke Willmott
Arc, Taunton
Weston Hospicecare
Youth Adventure Trust
Employer of the Year sponsored by Stephens Scown
Calleva Limited, Bridgwater
Optimus Education Limited, Taunton
Singer Instruments, Roadwater
Investing in Somerset Award sponsored by Hinkley Point C
Imagine the Possibilities, Taunton
Reminiscence Learning, Wellington
School in a Bag, Chilthorne Dormer
Start-up of the Year Award sponsored by Battens Solicitors
Be Laser & Skin Clinic, Taunton
The FutureStrong Partnership CIC, Weston-super-Mare
West Country Cabs Ltd, Ilminster
Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by University Centre Weston
Boon Brown, Yeovil – Sydney Winter
Garador, Yeovil – Ben Parkin
Talking Stick Digital, Bridgwater – Chloe Pavey
Environmental and Sustainability Award sponsored by Agratas
Channel Events, Minehead
Mill on the Brue Outdoor Education Centre, Bruton
SG Eyecare, Wincanton
Service Excellence Award sponsored by Porter Dodson
Haskins Furniture, Shepton Mallet
Lendology, Bradford-on-Tone
Nest GI, Weston-super-Mare
Manufacturing and Engineering Award sponsored by CNC Recruitment
Bates Product Design, Highbridge
Needles and Pins Aerospace, Somerton
Polyvine Ltd, Cheddar
Business Resilience and Growth Award sponsored by Barclays
CL Drylining Ltd, Bridgwater
Haskins Furniture, Shepton Mallet
Wrencon, Taunton
The Somerset Business Awards 2025 media sponsors are Newsquest and the Somerset County Gazette Series and Global.
More information is available on the website at www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk.