NATIONAL BUSINESS HERO AWARDS

Date: 25th June 2026
Location & time : The Lowry Hotel Manchester, 7.00pm-12.30am
Dress Code: Smart/Glamourous cocktail attire

Key Dates:

• Award Nominations are open for the North West Business Hero Awards 2026 from 1st February 2026
• Voting/Judging starts 30th April 2026
• The ceremony, where the winners will be announced takes place on 25th June 2026 at The Lowery Hotel in Manchester!

Date: 4th February 2027
Location & Time: New Dock Leeds, 7.00pm-12.00am: VIP After-Show Party from 12.00am (invite only)
Dress Code: Black-tie & Glamourous cocktail attire

Key Dates:

Award Nominations are open for the Yorkshire Business Hero Awards 2027 from 20 July 2026
Voting/Judging starts: 28 September 2026
The Ceremony, where the winners will be announced takes place on 4th February 2027 at New Dock  Leeds.

Date: 29th April 2027
Location: Grand Hotel Gosforth Park, Newcastle 7.00pm -12.30am
Dress Code: Smart/Glamourous cocktail attire

Key Dates:

• Award Nominations are open for the North East Business Hero Awards 2027 from 28th September  2026
• Voting/Judging starts 1st December 2026, the ceremony, where the winners will be announced takes place on 29th April 2027 at Grand Hotel Gosforth Park in Newcastle

Date: 22nd October 2025
Location: Hilton Liverpool City Hotel, 7.00pm -12.30am
Dress Code: Smart/Glamourous cocktail attire

Key Dates:

• Award Nominations are open for the Merseyside Business Hero Awards 2025 from March 2026
•  Voting/Judging starts May 2026
• The ceremony, where the winners will be announced takes place on 22nd October 2025 at Hilton Liverpool City Hotel in Liverpool

Date: 2026 TBC
Location: 2026 TBC
Dress Code: Smart/Glamourous cocktail attire

Key Dates:

• Award Nominations are open for the West Midlands Business Hero Awards 2026 from 31st May 2026
• Voting/Judging starts on 1st July 2026
  The ceremony, where the winners will be announced takes place in Birmingham TBC

This award celebrates an outstanding businesswoman who is recognised as a true role model within her industry and local business community.

The winner will be someone who leads with purpose, ambition and integrity; a woman who has achieved success in her field while inspiring others through her journey, leadership and impact. This award recognises a businesswoman who champions people, supports others, creates opportunities, mentors the next generation and uses her platform to encourage inclusivity, diversity and positive change.

This is for a woman who is not only succeeding in business, but helping to shape a more inclusive and inspiring future for others.

This category is open for nominations. Finalists and the winner will be selected by the FB Ambassadors and event partners based on leadership, influence, business impact, resilience and contribution to the local business community.

This award celebrates an outstanding businessman who is admired for his leadership, achievements and positive contribution to the local business community.

The winner will be someone who leads with vision, integrity and purpose; a man who has built success while supporting others, creating opportunity and setting a strong example within his industry. This award recognises a business leader who mentors, motivates, gives back, invests in people and actively champions diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity.

This is for a man who is not only achieving success, but inspiring others to believe, grow and lead.

This category is open for nominations. Finalists and the winner will be selected by the FB Ambassadors and event partners based on leadership, influence, business impact, resilience and contribution to the local business community.

This award celebrates an inspiring female rising star who is already making her mark in business.

The winner will be a young professional or emerging leader who shows ambition, confidence, talent and a clear commitment to growth. She may be progressing quickly in her career, building a business, leading projects, supporting others or bringing fresh ideas and energy to her industry.

This award recognises future leadership, positive attitude, professional promise and the ability to inspire others through courage, commitment and potential. It also celebrates emerging leaders who value inclusivity, champion diversity and use their voice to help create workplaces and communities where others can thrive.

This award celebrates an inspiring male rising star who is building a strong reputation as a future leader in business.

The winner will be a young professional or emerging leader who demonstrates ambition, dedication, talent and a positive influence within his workplace, industry or community. He may be progressing in his career, leading with confidence, supporting others, driving new ideas or showing exceptional promise.

This award recognises future leadership, personal growth, professional excellence and the potential to make a lasting impact. It also celebrates emerging leaders who support inclusion, respect diversity and help create positive environments where people feel valued and encouraged.

This award celebrates a legal business that is recognised not only for professional excellence, but for being a brilliant place to work.

The winner will be a legal employer that champions its people, invests in training and development, supports career progression and creates a positive, inclusive workplace culture. This award recognises firms that value their teams, encourage wellbeing, support flexible working, develop future leaders and champion diversity, equality and inclusion across their business and wider community.

This is for a legal employer that leads with people, purpose, professional pride and a genuine commitment to creating opportunity for all.

This award celebrates a financial, funding or lending business that is making a positive impact through its people, culture and contribution to the business community.

The winner will be an employer that supports its team, invests in development, encourages progression and creates a workplace where people feel valued, respected and empowered. This award recognises businesses that combine commercial success with strong values, responsible leadership, excellent service and a commitment to diversity, inclusion and helping people and businesses thrive.

This is for a financial or lending employer that is trusted, people-focused and making a meaningful difference.

This award celebrates an accountancy firm that is leading the way as an employer, adviser and positive force in the local business community.

The winner will be a firm that invests in its people, develops talent, supports trainees and future leaders and creates a strong, inclusive and rewarding workplace culture. This award recognises accountancy employers that go beyond numbers, supporting clients, championing their teams, encouraging progression and promoting diversity, equality and opportunity within the profession.

This is for an accountancy employer that combines expertise with people-first leadership and a commitment to inclusion.

This award celebrates an outstanding team that demonstrates exceptional collaboration, commitment and impact.

The winning team will be one that works brilliantly together, supports each other and delivers excellence for their business, clients, customers or community. This award recognises teams with strong values, positive energy, resilience, innovation and a shared commitment to success.

It also celebrates teams that embrace diversity, create an inclusive culture and show what can be achieved when people with different talents, experiences and perspectives come together.

This is for a team that represents the very best of workplace culture, collective achievement and business pride.

This award celebrates an exceptional independent business with heart, ambition and impact.

The winner will be an independent business that has built a strong reputation through passion, creativity, customer service, resilience and community connection. This award recognises businesses that bring something special to their region, whether through innovation, personality, growth, values, service or the people behind the brand.

It also celebrates independent businesses that welcome people, champion inclusivity, respect diversity and create a positive impact for their customers, team and local community.

This is for an independent business that is not only successful, but loved, respected and making its mark.

This award celebrates a business, individual or organisation using their platform to create positive change.

The winner will be someone who champions diversity, inclusion, equality, opportunity, charity, community engagement or social impact. This award recognises those who go beyond business success to support others, break down barriers, create access, raise awareness and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

This is for a true community hero, someone leading with purpose, compassion and action, whilst helping to create a more inclusive and equal future.

This award celebrates a hospitality business, venue, hotel, restaurant, bar or hospitality leader delivering exceptional service, experience and impact.

The winner will be recognised for creating memorable experiences, championing customer care, supporting their team and contributing to the vibrancy of the local economy. This award celebrates hospitality businesses/leaders that bring people together, represent their region with pride and lead with excellence, warmth, creativity and professionalism.

It also recognises hospitality businesses and leaders that create welcoming spaces, champion inclusivity, celebrate diversity and make every guest, team member and community feel valued.

This is for a hospitality hero that creates experiences people remember.

This award recognises a property and construction sector employer that has demonstrated excellence in creating a workplace where people can succeed and thrive.

Through outstanding employment practices, investment in talent and a commitment to employee development, wellbeing, inclusion and workplace culture, the winner will have set a benchmark for attracting, supporting and retaining a high-performing workforce.

This award celebrates a business within the property, construction, development, built environment or real estate sector that is not only delivering success, but also investing in its people and helping to shape a stronger future for the industry.

FB Regional Icon Award

The FB Regional Icon Award is one of the highest and most prestigious honours presented by FB in Yorkshire, the North East, the North West and Merseyside.

Reserved for a truly exceptional individual, this award recognises a visionary leader of outstanding calibre whose influence, achievements and contribution have made an extraordinary and lasting impact upon their industry, regional economy and wider community.

A powerful example of integrity, courage, resilience and excellence, our Regional Icon has broken boundaries, opened doors and created opportunities for others. Through inspirational leadership and a commitment to mentoring the next generation, they have helped shape the future while creating a remarkable legacy of their own.

This is more than recognition of professional success. It is a celebration of exceptional character, meaningful influence and a lifetime of contribution.

An outstanding leader. An influential changemaker. A true Regional Icon whose legacy deserves to be honoured and held in the highest esteem.