The black-tie event, organised by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will once again celebrate the achievements, innovation and success of Sheffield's business community. 

This year's ceremony will be hosted by Shaun Williamson who will guide guests through an evening celebrating the 17 award winners before the celebrations continue with live music and DJs. Fondly remembered as Barry Evens in Eastenders, Shaun has since appeared in Extras, Life’s Too Short, The Secret Policeman’s Ball, Chicago and as part of the BBC's Fairy Tales anthology in Rapunzel. 

Building on last year's sell-out event, the Sheffield Business Awards have received a record number of applications across the refreshed award categories for 2026, reflecting the strength, diversity and ambition of Sheffield's business community. 

Louisa Harrison-Walker, OBE, Chief Executive of Sheffield Chamber, said: 

“We are delighted that the Sheffield Business Awards are back for their 25th year, and there is no better testament to the importance of these awards than the sheer volume of applications we received - making SBA2026 the most applied-for awards programme we have ever seen. 

“A huge thank you goes to our independent judging panel, who have done a marvellous job reviewing the outstanding entries and selecting the winners across our 15 award categories. 

“The evening is shaping up to be a truly unforgettable celebration. With our celebrity host and a return to The Octagon, we look forward to bringing Sheffield's business community together to celebrate the incredible achievements of organisations and?individuals?across the region over the past 12 months.” 

An independent judging panel, made up of more than 50 leading industry experts and business leaders from across the city, rigorously evaluated all 199 applications to determine this year's shortlist. 

This shortlist is: 

The Sheffield Inspires Award, sponsored by Marketing Sheffield 

• SBD Apparel Ltd 
• Sheffield Beer Week 
• Sky House Co 

High-Impact Leader of the Year 

• Beth Crackles, Sheffield Hospitals Charity 
• Jamie Toyne, Herd Consulting Limited 
• Tom Lawson, The Psalter & The Ladybower 

The Rising Star Award, sponsored by The Sheffield College 

• Eleasha Yarde, OM Makeup Artistry & Beauty 
• Jamie Boardman, Services Design Associates (SDA) 
• Maisie O’Reilly-Doherty, Robertson Group 

The Environmental Impact Award 

• Arden Winch & Co Ltd 
• Nature Based Blades (Sheffield United Community Foundation) 
• Zest 

Social Value and Community Impact Award, sponsored by Aviva 

• Ammi’s Kitchen Sheffield 
• SADACCA (Sheffield and District African Caribbean Community Association) 
• Sheffield Futures 

Customer Excellence Award 

• Play Padel Group Ltd 
• Tribepad Ltd 
• Wayv. 

Inclusion in Action Award 

• Aviva Launchpad Recruitment Pathway 
• Rhophalia 
• Zawadi 

People and Skills Development Award, sponsored by Opportunity Sheffield 

• Herd Consulting Limited 
• Nota Bene Consulting Ltd 
• Powertherm Contract Services Ltd 

Start-Up Organisation of the Year, sponsored by Business Sheffield 

• Gus Wellness Ltd 
• The Psalter 
• Venture Community 

Growth Through Investment Award 

• Cheese Riot Limited 
• Gus Wellness Ltd 
• Play Padel Group Ltd 

The International Trade Award 

• Cares Laboratory 
• Chesterfield Special Cylinders 
• HotHouse Beauty 

SME Organisation of the Year, sponsored by Special Melted Products 

• Magnomatics Ltd 
• Sheffield United Community Foundation 
• The Dynamic Therapy Group (formerly Let’s Verbalise) 

Large Organisation of the Year, sponsored by Ogilvie 

• Pricecheck Brand Partners 
• Special Melted Products Ltd 
• Westfield Contributory Health Scheme Ltd 

The Leading Through Innovation Award, sponsored by Wake Smith Solicitors 

• Cybpass 
• The Curve Consulting 
• VetRelieve Ltd 

The Collaboration Excellence Award, sponsored by The University of Sheffield 

• Play Padel Group Ltd with Wake Smith Solicitors, Mercia, FW Capital, Castle Square Corporate Finance 
• Turn it Purple 2026 – Weston Park Cancer Charity 
• Volunteer to Career – Voluntary Action Sheffield, Opportunity Sheffield, Aviva UK, Firvale Community Hub, Manor & Castle Development Trust, SOAR and Zest 

The Sheffield Chamber President's Special Recognition Award also returns this year, sponsored by New Eva Development. New Chamber President, Jerry Cheung, will recognise an organisation, project or individual that has made an outstanding contribution to Sheffield. 

Also returning for 2026, following its successful debut last year, is the People's Choice Award, sponsored by Sheffield United Community Foundation. Guests at the ceremony will vote to crown an overall 'Winner of Winners' from the category champions. 

Sheffield Business Awards are sponsored by New Era Development, Sheffield United Community Foundation, The University of Sheffield, Wake Smith Solicitors, Ogilvie Fleet, Special Melted Products, Business Sheffield, Opportunity Sheffield, The Sheffield College, Aviva and Marketing Sheffield. 

Tickets for the Sheffield Business Awards 2026 go on sale on Wednesday 5th August. To secure your place at Sheffield's biggest celebration of business, visit https://sheffieldbusinessawards.org.uk/