Ilkley Business Awards 2026 finalists announced!

Ilkley Business Awards have today announced the shortlist of finalists for this year’s glamourous awards ceremony in March.

Following a three month period were businesses and their teams where invited to enter and nominate in twelve categories, the wait is finally over! 

The distinguished panel of judges gathered at The Craiglands Hotel on Friday, 23 January, to assess a record number of entries.

A spokesperson for the IBA’s said:

“Firstly, we would like to thank our judges: Susanne Marchant, Head of Enterprise Programmes at University of Leeds Business School, Sarah Howsen from Skipton BID, David Spicer, from the University of Bradford and Richard Hayden, Managing Director at Madeby7.” 

After careful consideration, the judges have chosen the following businesses and individuals as finalists across the various categories:

Best Boss of the Year 2026

• Nicky Harris – The Driving Academy

• Phillip & Joseph Dawson – Joseph Bespoke Hairdressing

• Victoria Thompson – Norton & Townsend Bespoke Tailoring

Rising Star of the Year 2026

• Chevaughn Leering – Esscroft Private Nursery

• George Hammond – LFW Podiatry

• Grace Andrews – Home Instead Ilkley

 Best New Business of the Year 2026

• Moor Fruit & Veg

• Regent Dental

• The Little Calf

Best Hair & Beauty Business of the Year 2026

• Claire Wareham Hair Specialists

• Lexa Hair

• The Unique Barbers

Best Professional Services Business of the Year 2026

• Brooke Financial

• Kip McGrath Ilkley

• LCF Law

Best Side Hustle Business of the Year 2026

• Designer Travel by John Redding

• The Brewer at Number Nine

• The Paint Box Menston

Best Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year 2026

• A Tidy Mind Team

• Flow Osteopathy Clinic Ilkley

• YPC Health

Best Excellence in Care Business of the Year 2026

• Carers and Companions

• Esscroft Private Nursery

• Right at Home Ilkley

Best Long Serving Staff Member of the Year 2026

• Dom O’Sullivan – The Craiglands Hotel

• Jenny Chapman – Ashlands Veterinary Centre

• Jodie Pope – OnePay

• Stuart Baker – Lishman’s of Ilkley

Best Food, Drink & Entertainment Business of the Year 2026

• Ilkley Green Room

• The Ilkley Tap

• Martinez Wine

 Best B2C of the Year 2026

• Bathe of Wharfedale

• Full Circle Funerals Ilkley

• The Carriage

Best B2B of the Year 2026

• Ideal Extraction

• OnePay

• Readshaw Interiors 

The spokesperson added:

“The Ilkley Business Awards committee would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all the sponsors whose generous support makes this celebration of our vibrant local business community possible. 

“It’s going to be a very special night, celebrating 10 fabulous years of the Ilkley Business Awards!”

The successful winners will be announced at the glittering 10th Anniversary Ilkley Business Awards event, which takes place on the evening of Friday 6th March 2026 at The Craiglands Hotel, Ilkley.

All the remaining tickets have now been released, but the committee warns they are selling fast!  

Tickets are available from https://ilkleybusinessawards.co.uk/product/ilkley-business-awards-2026-tickets/ or email the committee at:  hello@ilkleybusinessawards.co.uk

2026 marks the 10th year of the awards that were first held at the King's Hall in Ilkley