Cherwell Business Awards (CBAs)
The Cherwell Business Awards 2006
Celebrating remarkable local companies demonstrating exceptional achievements, innovation, and outstanding contributions to the local Cherwell economy, CBAs has officially launched its 2026 programme.
Now firmly established as one of the region’s most anticipated business events, the CBAs shines a spotlight on companies and individuals making a real impact within the local economy. Businesses of all sizes, from start-ups and growing SMEs to well-established organisations are encouraged to apply or nominate others for recognition.
The Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony will once again bring together the region’s business community for an evening of celebration, networking and recognition at The Chesterton Hotel on Friday 18 September.
For more information on how to nominate or apply, visit the Cherwell Business Awards.
2026 award categories and sponsors include
- Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Siemens Healthineers
- Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Whitley Stimpson
- Sustainable Business Award, sponsored by Banbury & District Chamber of Commerce
- Charity and Community Award, sponsored by Bicester Village
- Innovation Award, sponsored by Oxtec Developments
- New Business Award, sponsored by OJI Marketing
- Small Business Award, sponsored by Bicester Vision and Wednesday Business Club
- Large Business Award, sponsored by SE-Solicitors
- Town Centre Award – Sponsorship Available
In addition, the prestigious Norbar Overall Cherwell Winner will be selected from finalists across all categories.
Key dates for the Cherwell Business Awards 2026
- Nominations Open: Wednesday 11 March 2026
- Applications Open: Wednesday 11 March 2026
- Closing Date for Nominations: Friday 8 May 2026
- Closing Date for Applications: Friday 29 May 2026
- Judging Period: June 2026
- Sponsors’ Judging Meeting: Wednesday 15 July 2026
- Finalists Announced: Following the sponsors’ meeting
- Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony: Friday 18 September 2026 at The Chesterton Hotel
Headline sponsor Cherwell District Council
Councillor Lesley McLean, Deputy Leader of Cherwell District Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Property and Regeneration, said:
“We want to celebrate the dynamism, community spirit and hard work that characterise the best of the business community across north Oxfordshire. The Cherwell Business Awards include categories for charity bodies, new businesses, and to recognise innovation.
“We want to see as broad a range of businesses as possible in the running this year. To anyone considering entering, I would say that the process of entering is really rewarding, giving businesses large and small the chance to network, learn from their peers and get their names out there.”
The countdown is on to the Cherwell Business Awards!
There are awards for charity and community bodies, new businesses, and to recognise innovation.
We want to see a really broad a range of businesses in the running.
Look out for nominations opening soon. cherwellbusinessawards.co.uk #CBAs2026
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