Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards 2026 shortlist revealed

Sep 29

4 min read

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber has revealed the shortlist for the 2026 Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards, following a record number of entries from businesses, charities and individuals across the region.

The annual awards will return to Magna on Friday 6th November 2026, bringing together hundreds of business leaders and professionals from across Barnsley, Rotherham and South Yorkshire to celebrate achievements from the past 12 months.

This year’s record number of entries highlights the breadth of businesses and organisations seeking recognition across the region, with the shortlisted finalists now selected following a rigorous judging process.

The 2026 awards will recognise achievement across 14 categories, covering areas including business growth, sustainability, customer service, people development, community impact and social value, alongside individual awards celebrating apprentices and business leaders. The overall Business of the Year will also be announced during the ceremony.

The awards ceremony will be hosted by Jess Robinson, the award-winning comedian, impressionist, actor and singer known for her work as the lead female voice on the reboot of Spitting Image, as a core performer on BBC Radio 4’s Dead Ringers and as a regular guest on Channel 4’s The Last Leg.

Jess, who has performed annually at the Edinburgh Fringe since 2014, will bring her distinctive humour and performance style to the ceremony as finalists, sponsors and guests come together to celebrate the region’s business community.

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said:

“The record number of entries this year is a real reflection of the strength and diversity of the business community across Barnsley, Rotherham and South Yorkshire.

“We know there is some fantastic work taking place across the region, and the quality and variety of this year’s entries has made the judging process particularly challenging. To reach the shortlist is a significant achievement and these businesses, charities and individuals should be proud of the work they have delivered over the past 12 months.

“The awards give us an opportunity to recognise success in all its different forms, from business growth and innovation to investment in people, customer service and making a positive contribution to our communities.

“We look forward to welcoming our finalists to Magna in November and celebrating their achievements with the wider business community.”

With the shortlist now announced, the finalists will prepare to come together at Magna on Friday 6th November for an evening of celebration, networking and recognition.

Tickets and tables for the 2026 Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards are now available via the Chamber website: www.brchamber.co.uk/event/barnsley-and-rotherham-business-awards-2026/

2026 Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards shortlist

The shortlist, presented in alphabetical order, is as follows:

Apprentice of the Year Award

Business Community Impact Award

Sponsored by Rotherham Together Partnership

BetterYou Ltd
Dwellings Doctors
Equans
Magna
TMG Mortgage Group

Business Growth Award

Business Person of the Year Award

Campaign of the Year Award

Sponsored by Rotherham Enterprise Agency Limited

250th St Leger Festival – Chapter II
Bridges to Work – Magna
Dementia Garden – Crossroads Care Charity
The Chelsea Garden Legacy Project – Rotherham Hospital & Community Charity part of Rotherham NHS Foundation
The Pride of Yorkshire – Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity

Charity of the Year Award

Commitment to People Development Award

Sponsored by Pathways to Work, Rotherham

Aspire Personalised Care Ltd
Equans
Gravitate Digital Group
IT Desk
Ridley & Hall Solicitors

Excellence in Customer Service Award

Large Business of the Year Award

Most Promising New Business Award

Small Business of the Year Award

Social Value Business of the Year Award

Sponsored by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

Equans
H W Martin
KCM Waste Management
O&P Construction Services
R H Fullwoods