Search for the best in the business continues with the Portsmouth Business Awards 2026 - how to enter

The awards recognise, reward and celebrate all the successful businesses and professional individuals in and around the city and are now in their 26th year. With a whole range of categories to enter from start-up businesses to sustainable businesses, there are a whole cross section of awards which companies can put themselves forward for.

Editor Kelly Brown said: “We have had a great response so far and lots of entries - but there is still plenty of time to get yours in!

“We are seeking entries from a cross section of businesses who have shown exceptional growth, innovation or an outstanding contribution to the community in which they operate.

“But our awards also recognise individuals who are at the heart and soul of the companies in our community which play such an important part in our local economy, not to mention as employers to our local residents.

“With awards recognising entrepreneurs, those who have a real place in our community and of course our keen apprentices there really is so much to celebrate – so get your entries in!”

Watch the video highlights of last year’s awards embedded in this story

Nominations close on January 19 after which shortlisted businesses will be invited to attend a glittering black tie gala awards at the Portsmouth Guildhall on February 27 hosted by Morning Show Presenter Mark Collins at Nation Radio for an evening of business networking, celebration and reward.

And this year to coincide with Portsmouth celebrating 100 years of being a city we have added in a special Portsmouth 100 Centenary Award to celebrating businesses that have had a lasting, positive impact on the city's social and economic well-being during the last century.

Kelly said: “We know we have so many fantastic businesses which have been around for generations and are just part of the fabric of our city. Many of these are small, family-run businesses which we would be lost without. So it is great to have the opportunity to celebrate them.”

We have also introduced two other new categories - Independent Retailer of the Year and Hospitality Business of the Year - in another boost for the awards and the local business community which has even more opportunity to shine.

To enter visit www.portsmouthbusinessexcellence.co.uk and for more details contact Linda Pritchard on email at [email protected] or call 07837 308 942.

Categories

• Small Business of the Year - sponsored by Portsmouth City Council. This award recognises outstanding performance by a company which has a workforce of nine or fewer and been operating for two years or more
• Medium Business of the Year - sponsored by Gunwharf Quays. This award will recognise outstanding performance by a company having a workforce of 49 or fewer
• Large Business of the Year. This category recognises outstanding performance by a company having a workforce of 50 or more.
• Start-up Business of the Year. This award is open to start-up businesses operating for under two years and have gone from 0 to to 100mph
• Cultural or Leisure Business of the Year. To celebrate a business in the cultural/leisure sector which is enhancing the quality of life in the Portsmouth area that has adapted to the changing marketplace
• Visitor Attraction/ Event of the Year - sponsored by Wightlink. This award celebrates the outstanding contribution of a local attraction or event in drawing visitors to the area
• Community Business of the Year. This award recognises a dynamic contribution a company has made to the local community by supporting local charities, initiatives or other community events
• Manufacturing/ Engineering Business of the Year. This award recognises a business that can demonstrate an efficient and innovative approach to manufacturing or engineering by adapting to the changing marketplace
• Employer of the Year. This award recognises the businesses that have shown commitment to the development and welfare of its people
• Sustainable Business of the Year. This award will be presented to a business that puts sustainability and the environment at the heart of its business
• Hospitality Business of the Year. This award is open to any restaurant, hotel, café, pub or bar. This category aims to celebrate and reward the hospitality businesses who are showing the highest levels of commitment and success in the region
• Global Business of the Year - sponsored by Radweb. This award celebrates UK companies expanding or launching operations oversea
• Apprentice/Trainee of the Year. This award will recognise any apprentice or trainee who has gone that extra mile and exceeded the expectations of their trainer or mentor.
• Entrepreneur of the Year. This award celebrates an imaginative and creative business leader or entrepreneur who shows outstanding drive, commitment and results
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year. This category recognises the success of a young entrepreneur, aged between 16 and 24. Their business can be in any sector but entrants must demonstrate that they have made a difference. This could be within their sector, for the community, for the environment or any other area of business
• Best Independent Business of the Year. This award celebrates independent retailers who bring character, creativity and community spirit to our town centres, high streets, district centres and neighbourhood shopping areas
• Inclusive Employer of the Year - sponsored by Shaping Portsmouth. This award celebrates organisations that go above and beyond to provide employment opportunities for people from marginalised groups, including those with Special Educational Needs, care leavers, and individuals who have experienced homelessness.
• Outstanding Contribution to Business. To celebrate someone who has made a real difference to business and the economy in the Portsmouth area. Although nominations are welcomed, the winner is picked by the core judging panel who consider personal success, success within the person's business (if applicable) as well as success and influence within the wider economy.
• Overall Business of the Year. The winner of this category is chosen by the Core Panel from the winners of the other categories open for nomination
• Portsmouth 100 Centenary Award. Celebrating businesses that have had a lasting, positive impact on the city's social and economic well-being during the last century

Event supporters this year are The Guildhall Trust and Peta, with Fair Ways our charity partner.