Businesses, charities and other organisations are being invited to find out more about the county’s biggest and most prestigious awards at the official launch of the Somerset Business Awards 2026.
Entries open next month for the Somerset Business Awards 2026 which celebrate the best of Somerset’s business community and voluntary sector.
Organised annually by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, leading accountancy firm, Albert Goodman, is returning as the headline sponsor for the 16th consecutive year!
Michael Cahill (left), Partner at headline awards’ sponsor Albert Goodman and Chamber MD, David Crew, at the launch of last year’s Somerset Business Awards.
The awards will officially open on Wednesday, September 10, with a special event in Bampfylde Hall at Hestercombe House and Gardens, near Taunton, where would-be entrants will be able to meet sponsors and judges and find out more about the awards.
There is no charge to attend the launch event but people must register in advance via the Somerset Chamber of Commerce website.
This year, the awards welcome a trio of new judges and sponsors with 14 categories covering all sectors and sizes of business and charity. The awards are free to enter and businesses do not need to be a member of Somerset Chamber to take part.
Categories include the Business Resilience and Growth Award to recognise businesses which have reinvented their offering to go from strength-to-strength, a Business of the Year awards, plus awards for Charity of the Year, Service Excellence, Environmental and Sustainability, Apprentice of the Year and Start-up of the Year.
Organisations will have until November 21 to submit their entries via the Somerset Business Awards website at www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk, while full details about the launch event can be found on the event listings on Somerset Chamber of Commerce’s website at https://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk/.
David Crew, Managing Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Somerset Business Awards are a great way for businesses to raise their profile, engage their staff and celebrate their achievements.
“They enable firms to share their success stories and I am grateful for the sponsorship and support of so many of Somerset’s leading businesses who, like me, are keen to celebrate our incredible business community.”
Awards this year are:
The awards are also supported by media sponsors Global and the Somerset County Gazette Series.
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