The Cherwell Business Awards (CBAs) has officially launched its 2026 programme, with nominations and applications now open following a successful launch event held at the iconic Hook Norton Brewery.
Published: Thursday, 12th March 2026
The event brought together sponsors, prospective applicants and members of the local business community to mark the start of another exciting year for the awards, which celebrate the achievements, innovation and resilience of businesses across the Cherwell district.
The evening was hosted by Placi Espejo, Chair of the CBAs. Speakers included: Cllr Lesley McLean, Deputy Leader of Cherwell District Council and Headline Sponsor; Paddy Patterson, CBA Director, who introduced the award categories and sponsors for 2026; and Sarah Jaycock, Director of High Spec Composites and a member of the CBA committee.
Sarah also provided an overview of the nomination and application process while sharing her own experience of the awards and the journey of High Spec Composites. Darren Rea from Gosford All Blacks also spoke, highlighting the value and impact of winning the 2025 Charity and Community Award.
The historic Hook Norton Brewery, with its Victorian tower brewery and long-standing reputation for independent enterprise, provided a fitting backdrop for the launch. The venue reflects the strong heritage of business and entrepreneurship in the region – values that the CBAs continues to champion each year. James Clarke, Managing Director of the family-owned Hook Norton Brewery, rounded off the evening with a fascinating insight into the brewery’s story, followed by an enjoyable tasting session that showcased the craft, passion and innovation behind Hooky ales, a perfect celebration of business acumen and creativity in action.
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 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 are:
- 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
As headline sponsor, 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 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.
For more information on how to nominate or apply, visit the Cherwell Business Awards website: cherwellbusinessawards.co.uk