The 12th Cardiff Business Awards are open for entries.
The Cardiff Business Awards return on November 13 2026 at the city's Holland House Hotel for an evening recognising the ambition, innovation, and achievements driving Cardiff's thriving business community.
The Awards have grown into one of the capital's most prestigious business events, celebrating the companies, entrepreneurs, and leaders making a lasting impact across the city and beyond. From ambitious start-ups and scale-ups to established organisations leading transformation within their industries, the awards recognise the businesses shaping the future of Cardiff.
Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Chris Weaver, said:
“This year's Cardiff Business Awards are once again a celebration of the ambition, resilience and success that continue to drive our city forward.
“As one of the largest and most established city business awards programmes in the UK, the Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the outstanding achievements of businesses and entrepreneurs who make such a significant contribution to Cardiff's economy and communities.
“Cardiff's success as a capital city is built on strong partnerships between the public and private sectors. Working together, we have created an environment that supports growth, attracts investment, encourages innovation and helps support businesses of all sizes . From start-ups and growing SMEs to major employers and international investors, our business community is at the heart of Cardiff's continued development and prosperity and we should celebrate this through the Cardiff Business Awards.
“I look forward to meeting this year's finalists and celebrating the excellence, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that exists across our business community.”
Go.Compare is the awards' returning headline sponsor.
Lee Griffin, Executive Vice-President of Go.Compare, said:
“Cardiff is an incredibly important city for Go.Compare, and continuing our support of the Cardiff Business Awards for a second year reflects our long-term commitment to the local business community.
“As a Cardiff-based business and back-of-the-shirt sponsors of the WRU, supporting local talent and giving back to the community that has supported us over the years is hugely important to us.
” The Cardiff Business Awards provide a fantastic platform to celebrate the very best of the city's business landscape. Cardiff is home to some of the UK's leading financial, fintech and professional services firms, while also nurturing an exciting pipeline of innovative start-ups.”
Liz Brookes, Director of the Cardiff Business Awards and Grapevine Event Management, said:
“The awards have always been about recognising success in all its forms. Whether it's a new business making an impact, a company expanding into new markets, or a team overcoming challenges and continuing to grow, these stories deserve to be celebrated.
“We are also delighted to welcome back Go.Compare as headline sponsor for 2026. Their continued support means a great deal and reflects their commitment to the Cardiff business community and the success of businesses across the region.
“What makes the Cardiff Business Awards so special is the atmosphere in the room on the night. It's a chance for people to come together, celebrate achievements, reconnect with familiar faces, and look ahead to what's next for Cardiff business.”
The Cardiff Business Awards 2026 categories will cover a broad spectrum of industries, ensuring that all aspects of the business community are represented and celebrated.
The full list of categories available to enter are:
- Construction Business of the Year
- Creative Business of the Year
- Digital Business of the Year
- Employer of the Year
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Family Business of the Year
- Financial and Professional Service Business of the Year
- Green Business of the Year
- Innovation Business of the Year
- International Business of the Year
- Leisure, Hospitality Business of the Year
- Manufacturing Business of the Year
- Retail Business of the Year
- SME of the Year
- Start-Up Business of the Year
- Technology Business of the Year
- Third Sector Organisation of the Year
- Young Business Person of the Year
Each finalist will be considered for the overall Cardiff Business of the Year 2026 Award. Entries are now open and can be submitted via the Cardiff Business Awards website.
Closing date for entries is Friday September 11.
Landsec, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Premier Asset Finance and Meet in Cardiff are returning category sponsors.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information on becoming a sponsor of the 2026 Cardiff Business Awards visit the website for details.
