The Cherwell Business Awards (CBAs), a prestigious annual event celebrating business excellence in the Cherwell District, is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 edition.
Published: Thursday, 23rd July 2026
hese remarkable finalists have demonstrated exceptional achievements, innovation, and outstanding contributions to the local Cherwell economy.
The CBAs recognises the hard work, dedication, and success of businesses across nine categories, along with the Overall Winner Award. The finalists were meticulously chosen by a distinguished panel of judges, consisting of industry experts and influential business leaders representing our esteemed category sponsors.
The selection process involved a thorough and multi-stage evaluation, including detailed review of written applications, in-depth interviews with shortlisted organisations where applicable, and a final collective judging meeting to agree the official list of finalists.
The finalists for the Cherwell Business Awards 2026 are:
Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Siemens Healthineers
- Aleks Stoyce, SS Auto Tech
- Rachael O’Mara, E P Barrus
- Robin Underwood, Hook Norton Brewery
Business Person of the Year Award, sponsored by Whitley Stimpson
- Carl Boswell, CS Boswell Independent Funeral Services
- Gemma Newman, Newman Event Services
- Kevin Baker, Amazing Lofts (Storage Solutions) Ltd
Charity and Community Award, sponsored by Bicester Village
- ACE Training Ltd
- Banbury United in the Community
- StarterMotor
New Business Award, sponsored by OJI Marketing Ltd
- Intake Talent
- Middle Aston Pet Supplies
- The Sense of Hearing
Small Business awards, sponsored by Biester Vision and Wednesday Business Club
- Evolution Reptiles
- Logicom Hub Ltd
- Pea Green Physio Ltd
Large Business Award, sponsored by SE-Solicitors
- Hook Norton Brewery
- Live Wire Event Solutions Ltd
- North South Wines
Innovation Award, sponsored by Oxtec Developments
- FitnessGenes
- Greencore Homes
- Oxartis Ltd
Sustainable Business award, sponsored by Banbury and District Chamber of Commerce
- Beyond Carbon Associates
- North South Wines
- Tugo Food Ltd
Town Centre Award, sponsored by CBAs
- Bicester Friday Market
- Lone Wolf Comedy Club
- Stanley’s Sweets and Treats Ltd
Councillor Lesley McLean, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “The Cherwell Business Awards continue to showcase the very best of our local business community. The standard of entries this year has been exceptionally high, and the finalists announced represent organisations that are driving innovation, creating jobs, and making a real difference to our district’s economy.”
Norbar Torque Tools is sponsor of the Overall Winner Award 2026 and will be judging from the shortlisted finalists. The Cherwell District Council, since 2017 has been the Headline Sponsor, pledging its support for the awards and encouraging the success of Cherwell’s local economy.
The winners of each category will be unveiled at the highly anticipated Cherwell Business Awards Gala Dinner, taking place on Friday 18 September 2026 at The Chesterton Hotel in Bicester.
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
For more information visit the Cherwell Business Awards website.