Halton Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce applications for the Halton Business Awards 2026 are now officially open.
Following another remarkable year, with a sold-out gala dinner welcoming over 500 guests in 2025, this year’s awards promise to be as big as last year.
The Halton Business Awards Gala Dinner will once again take place at the DCBL Stadium on Friday 12th June. The event will see Widnes and Runcorn based businesses, along with local Third Sector and Social Enterprise organisations, recognised and celebrated as the award winners are revealed on the night.
The Business Awards remain Halton’s most established and prestigious celebration of business success, providing local organisations with the opportunity to showcase their achievements, raise their profile and gain well-deserved recognition.
Halton Business Awards will once again shine a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of local businesses and entrepreneurs who contribute to the strength and vibrancy of the borough’s economy.
With a broad range of categories, the Awards ensure organisations of all sizes and sectors can take part. Returning categories include Commitment to the Community, Manufacturer of the Year, Start Up Business of the Year, Family Business of the Year and Innovative Business of the Year, following the continued success of this category.
For 2026, the Awards are also proud to introduce five new categories: Service Provider of the Year, the Excellence in Construction Award, the International Success Award, the Eco Excellence Award and Business Leader of the Year further reflecting the diversity and strength of Halton’s business community.
The Chamber is pleased to confirm that Direct Security Solutions Ltd will return as Main Sponsor for the 2026 Awards. Innovative Business of the Year will be sponsored by Sci-Tech Daresbury and STFC, while Liverpool John Lennon Airport will sponsor the Outstanding Customer Service Award and Halton Housing with also be back for 2026 along with Liverpool John Moore’s University, Redrow and Intergen Rocksavage.
All organisations are encouraged to enter multiple categories to increase their chances of being shortlisted. Being associated with the Halton Business Awards continues to support business growth, enhance reputation and open doors to new opportunities.
Rachael Owen, Chief Executive of Halton Chamber of Commerce, who organises the Awards, said: “These awards are highly regarded and much anticipated. The event brings our local business community together to celebrate achievement and recognise excellence, with many winners going on to gain further success at regional and national level. I would like to thank the businesses who continue to support the borough and everyone who contributes to making this Halton’s flagship business celebration.”
Speaking following their success at the 2025 Awards, Amnis Group Limited, winners of Family Business of the Year (less than 15 employees) and winners of Halton’s Outstanding Business of the Year 2025, Paul Dolan said “We were incredibly proud to be recognised at the Halton Business Awards 2025, winning not only the Family Business of the Year, which means so much to us, but also the top award, Outstanding Business of the Year! To receive this level of recognition from such a respected local organisation was a truly special moment for everyone at Amnis.
“The awards have had a hugely positive impact on our business. They have been a real morale booster for our team, reinforcing the hard work, dedication and shared values that drive us forward as a family business. Externally, the recognition has strengthened our credibility and helped raise our profile, sparking new conversations and opportunities with clients and partners alike.
“We proudly showcase the awards across our business, from our office main entrance and marketing materials to our digital platforms. They remain a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration, commitment and ambition.
“The Halton Business Awards celebrate the very best of the local business community, and we would wholeheartedly encourage others to get involved. The recognition, exposure, and sense of pride that come with these awards are truly invaluable.”
Rachael Owen went on to explain, “There is plenty of time to enter, and I would encourage every organisation to download an application form from the Halton Business Awards website and get involved.
“These awards are open to all businesses and are free to enter. It’s a great way of putting your organisation in front of potential customers, employees and supply partners, as well as a great night out with live entertainment, local VIPs, our resident magician and over 500 people celebrating organisational excellence.”
The deadline for applications is 2nd March 2026. Application forms are available on the Halton Business Awards website at https://haltonbusinessawards.co.uk/2026-awards/?utm_campaign=2026awards&utm_source=PR&utm_medium=Applications%20open or businesses can call 0333 358 3480 for further information.
The 2026 Halton Business Award categories are:
- Apprentice/Young Person of the Year
- BID Business of the Year
- Business Leader of the Year
- Commitment to the Community Award
- Eco Excellence Award
- Employer of the Year
- Excellence in Construction Award
- Family Business of the Year
- International Success Award
- Innovative Business of the Year
- Manufacturer of the Year
- Outstanding Customer Service Award
- Social Enterprise of the Year
- Service Provider of the Year
- Start-up Business of the Year