The Wakefield Business Awards are back for 2026 — bigger, bolder, and ready to welcome more of our district’s incredible business community than ever before. As we move into our fifth year, we’re thrilled to announce that this year’s awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 12 November 2026 at WX, Wakefield.
This new venue marks the start of an exciting chapter for the awards, reflecting the phenomenal growth of the event. What began as a small celebration of local enterprise has quickly become one of the biggest business nights in the Wakefield calendar. In 2026, we expect to host around 500 guests, bringing together organisations of every size and sector to shine a spotlight on the very best in Wakefield business success.
A Growing Celebration of Wakefield Excellence
The Wakefield Business Awards continue to evolve each year, and our 2026 event is shaping up to be the most ambitious yet. This week WBA co-creators, Claire Sutherley DL, Managing Director of We Are Wakefield Ltd and Louise Turner Founder of Wordsmiths Unlimited and Awards Writers, to finalise the categories for the year ahead.
2026 will see two exciting new additions to our awards lineup:
- Wakefield Manufacturer of the Year — celebrating the outstanding manufacturing businesses powering growth, innovation, and employment across our district.
- Outstanding Contribution to the Wakefield District — a special honour awarded directly by the Wakefield Business Awards to an individual whose exceptional work has made a profound impact on our region.
These new categories will sit alongside our established honours, creating an even richer platform to showcase the diverse talent, creativity, and resilience of the Wakefield business community.
Why Enter the Wakefield Business Awards?
Whether you’re a long-established business or an emerging organisation making waves, entering the Wakefield Business Awards offers powerful benefits:
Recognition & Credibility
Winning — or even being shortlisted — boosts your reputation and validates your achievements in a credible, independent way.
Networking & Visibility
The awards night brings together hundreds of influential business leaders, offering unparalleled networking opportunities.
Marketing Exposure
From PR and social media reach to increased brand awareness, the awards help your organisation get noticed for all the right reasons.
Team Motivation
Submitting an entry is a great way to highlight your team’s hard work, celebrate success, and build pride internally.
Growth Opportunities
Awards can strengthen bids, support funding applications, and attract new clients or partnerships.
If you’ve never entered before, 2026 is the perfect time to step into the spotlight.
Entries Open in May — Stay Connected
Entries for the Wakefield Business Awards 2026 officially open in May. Keep a close eye on our social media channels for updates, announcements, and category details:
You can also explore the Wakefield Business Awards website to explore the categories, understand the entry process, and get a feel for what to expect on awards night.
See You at WX on 12 November!
We can’t wait to celebrate with you at our brand-new venue, WX, on 12 November 2026. It promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with celebration, inspiration, and recognition for the outstanding businesses that make Wakefield shine. Ticket sales will open in September.
Save the date, start planning your entry, and get ready for our biggest year yet.
