The deadline is fast approaching to enter the Somerset Business Awards 2026 – the 21st anniversary of the awards! Companies, charities and organisations have until midday on Friday, November 21, to take part.
Categories this year include a Business Resilience and Growth Award to recognise businesses which, despite the soaring costs of doing business, have reinvented their offering to go from strength-to-strength.
There is also an Environmental and Sustainability Award, together with awards for Large Business of the Year and an Investing in Somerset Award for organisations and businesses which are committed to supporting the county through things such as community work or local supply chains. 
The awards, which are organised annually by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, honour the very best of the county’s businesses, from small start-ups to large-scale employers and from engineering pioneers to high-flying apprentices
They are free to enter and businesses do not need to be a member of the Chamber to take part. Once again, leading accountancy firm Albert Goodman is the headline sponsor, with the awards culminating in a gala final on March 26 next year.
David Crew (pictured, bottom right), Managing Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “There are 14 categories which cover all sectors and sizes of businesses and charities. Taking part is a great way to raise your profile, engage your staff and celebrate your achievements.”
Mike Cahill (pictured, top right), a Partner at Albert Goodman, added: “The Somerset Business Awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the drive, innovation and success of businesses across the county.
“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.”
- Awards this year are: Small Business of the Year sponsored Gather Technology Ltd
- Medium Business of the Year sponsored by Brown & Brown
- Large Business of the Year sponsored by UCS College Group
- Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year Award
- Best Use of Digital Technology Award sponsored by Westcotts
- Charity of the Year Award sponsored by Clarke Willmott
- Employer of the Year sponsored by Stephens Scown
- Investing in Somerset Award sponsored by Hinkley Point C
- Start-up of the Year Award sponsored by Battens Solicitors
- Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by University Centre Weston
- Environmental and Sustainability Award sponsored by Agratas
- Service Excellence Award sponsored by Porter Dodson
- Manufacturing and Engineering Award sponsored by CNC Recruitment
- Business Resilience and Growth Award sponsored by Barclays
The Somerset Business Awards 2026 media sponsors are Newsquest and the Somerset County Gazette Series and Global.
All entries must be submitted via the Somerset Business Awards website at www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk.