The 2026 Ilkley Business Awards
This year marks a major milestone for the Ilkley Business Awards – our 10th anniversary! Over the past decade, we’ve had the immense privilege of celebrating the ambition, creativity, and resilience of Ilkley’s vibrant business community. What began as a simple idea to recognise local talent has grown into a much-anticipated annual event, proudly showcasing the very best our town has to offer.
To celebrate this special anniversary, we are showcasing a refined and exciting line up of categories! We’ve introduced a brand new award, Excellence In Care, and have combined previous categories to form the powerful Food, Drink & Entertainment award. In total, we have 12 exciting categories designed to recognise the diverse talent and dedication within our business community.
Nine of these awards are open for direct entry from businesses, allowing you to highlight your unique strengths and successes.
We also have three special awards dedicated to individuals who deserve recognition for their outstanding efforts. These are nomination-based, allowing you to champion those who inspire you and go above and beyond.
Here are the 12 categories:
Best Boss
Sponsored by LCF Law
This award celebrates an outstanding boss or line manager who inspires and leads their team with excellence.
Rising Star
Sponsored by Ideal Extraction
Do you have an outstanding new employee? Or perhaps a budding entrepreneur in your company?
Best Long Service Staff Member
Sponsored by Right at Home
This award celebrates an exceptional staff member who has demonstrated unwavering loyalty and commitment to their business and is open to any individual who has been an employee of the same LS29 business for a minimum of ten consecutive years.
New Business
Sponsored by Elite Accountancy
This award celebrates the success and innovation of our community’s newest enterprises. It is open to any business with a physical presence or registered address in the LS29 postcode area that has been trading or was registered on or after 1st August 2024.
Hair & Beauty
Sponsorship available
This award celebrates the exceptional skill and creativity of businesses and individuals in the hair and beauty industry. It is open to any hair or beauty business in the LS29 postcode area, including salons, individual practitioners, and manufacturers within the sector.
Professional Services
Sponsored by Ashlands Veterinary Centre
This award celebrates excellence in providing professional services. It is open to any business with a trading address in the LS29 postcode area that offers services such as accounting, legal advice, property services, or similar.
Side Hustle
Sponsored by Elliot Rose
This award celebrates the passion and entrepreneurial spirit of individuals who are running a successful venture alongside their main source of income. It is open to any person or group running a “side hustle” that is a genuine business, not just a hobby, and is based in the LS29 postcode area.
Health & Wellbeing
Sponsored by James Hall Coaching
This award celebrates the businesses that prioritise the physical and mental well-being of the LS29 community. It is open to any business in the health and wellness sector, including gyms, fitness studios (e.g., Pilates, yoga), and providers of services like physiotherapy, podiatry, massage therapy, or homeopathic remedies. This award also includes care homes, nursing homes, and community centres that promote a healthy and supportive environment.
Best Food, Drink & Entertainment
Sponsored by One Tivoli Place
This award celebrates the vibrant businesses that make our community a great place to visit and enjoy. It is open to any business in the hospitality, entertainment, leisure, or tourism sectors that is based in the LS29 postcode area.
Excellence in Care
Sponsorship available
This award celebrates the exceptional dedication and compassion of businesses and individuals in the care sector. It is open to any organisation or person providing care services, including childcare, domiciliary care, elderly care, and support for those with disabilities.
Best B2C Business
Sponsored by Esscroft Private Nursery
This award is open to businesses in the hospitality sector, retail, restaurants, pubs, bars, and any other business that serves the public directly.
B2B Business
Sponsorship available
This award is open to businesses that offer software or IT support, accountancy, market research, business management, design, or marketing services. To be eligible for this award, your business must primarily serve other businesses rather than individual consumers.
The 2026 awards are open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, including franchises and chains that are proud to be part of the LS29 business community. Show us what makes your business stand out!
