The winners of the 14th annual Cherwell Business Awards were announced at the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at The Chesterton Hotel on Friday 18 September 2026, attended by more than 200 guests.
Published: Thursday, 24th September 2026
With Cherwell District Council as headline sponsor, the evening was hosted by Aaron Williams and celebrated the achievements of businesses, individuals and charitable organisations across Cherwell.
Councillor Lesley McLean, Leader of Cherwell District Council, opened the awards with a welcome speech, followed by Darren Rea, Youth Chair and SEND Lead at Gosford All Blacks RFC, who spoke about the value and benefits of winning an award and the recognition it brings. Gosford All Blacks RFC were the 2025 winners of the Charity and Community Award.
The awards then began with the presentation of the Becky Moyce Tribute Award, presented by Placi Espejo, Chair of the Cherwell Business Awards, in memory of Ben Jackson, who sadly lost his battle with illness earlier this year. Ben’s daughter, Jenni Jackson, accepted the award on his behalf.
Ben was a much-valued member of the Oxfordshire business community and made a lasting contribution through his work supporting business owners, training and public speaking. He described himself as the “Satnav for business owners”, helping people find the direction they needed.
A founding member of Bicester Vision, former President of Bicester Chamber of Commerce and a founding member of Wednesday Business Club, Ben was widely respected for his kindness, support, wit, humility and professionalism. His contribution to the local business community will be remembered for many years to come.
This year’s finalists represented nine award categories, reflecting the breadth and diversity of Cherwell’s business community. Over the past 14 years, the awards have provided a platform to recognise achievement and give winners an opportunity to build on their success.
Cherwell Business Awards 2026 Winners
| Becky Moyce Tribute Award Ben Jackson |
Charity and Community Award Sponsored by Bicester Village Winner: Banbury United in the Community |
Apprentice of the Year Award Sponsored by Siemens Healthineers Winner: Robin Underwood, Hook Norton Brewery |
New Business Award Sponsored by OJI Marketing Ltd Winner: The Sense of Hearing |
Sustainable Business Award Sponsored by Banbury and District Chamber of Commerce Winner: North South Wines |
| Business Person of the Year Award Sponsored by Whitley Stimpson Winner: Carl Boswell, CS Boswell Independent Funeral Services |
Small Business Award Sponsored by Bicester Vision and Wednesday Business Club Winner: Pea Green Physio Ltd |
Large Business Award Sponsored by SE-Solicitors Winner: North South Wines |
Innovation Award Sponsored by Oxtec Developments Winner: Greencore Homes |
Town Centre Award Sponsored by the Cherwell Business Awards Winner: Bicester Friday Market |
Overall Winner Award
Sponsored by Norbar
Winner: Greencore Homes
The evening included a drinks reception, two-course dinner, a game of Heads and Tails and live music from The CoverBuoys.
Councillor Lesley McLean, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said:“It has been fantastic to see so many talented and hardworking businesses and individuals recognised at the awards this year. I’d love to extend my congratulations to all the winners and everyone who was shortlisted. Local businesses make an enormous contribution to our communities and economy, and it is wonderful to hear about great practices being shared and results being achieved.”
The Cherwell Business Awards would like to congratulate all of the 2026 winners and finalists and thank Cherwell District Council as headline sponsor, the individual award sponsors, judges, partners and everyone who contributed to making the 14th annual awards a success.
In a show of generosity and support, guests made donations on the evening in support of the Charity and Community Award finalists, with further donations continuing to come in following the event. Bicester Village, sponsor of the category, will match the total amount raised. The winning charity, Banbury United in the Community, will receive 50% of the final total, with finalists Ace Training and StarterMotor each receiving 25%. The final amount raised will be confirmed shortly.
The awards team is now preparing for Cherwell Business Awards 2027. If you would like to be involved in next year’s event, please contact Placi Espejo or Marie Parkinson by email at admin@cherwellbusinessawards.co.uk.