NATIONAL BUSINESS HERO AWARDS

NATIONAL BUSINESS HERO AWARDS

The National Business Hero Awards are The People’s Choice Awards for local business communities, celebrating the individuals, teams and businesses who are admired, respected and recognised for their leadership, success, culture, contribution and positive impact.

Celebrated live at FB Fashion Ball in each city, these prestigious awards shine a spotlight on the people behind business success: the role models, rising stars, inspiring employers, future leaders and community champions who are helping to shape the future of their region.

These awards are not just about titles, turnover or industry status. They are about people, purpose and impact. They celebrate those who lead with integrity, champion diversity, inclusion and equality, invest in their teams and work culture, create opportunity, support the next generation and use their success to make a meaningful difference.

Powered by the local business community and exclusive event partners, the National Business Hero Awards are more than an awards platform they are a movement created to honour the business heroes who inspire others, drive positive change and deserve to be seen.

Your Vote Matters!
Nominating and voting for your Business Hero is quick, easy and completely free.

This is your chance to celebrate excellence, elevate the people and businesses making a difference across your region and show your appreciation for those who inspire, lead, support others and create impact for good.

Follow the simple steps below to make your voice heard and be part of honouring the very best of your local business community.

 

  • North West - Manchester

    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!

  • Yorkshire - Leeds

    Date: 23rd April 2026
    Location & Time: First Direct Bank Arena Leeds, 7.00pm-12.00am: VIP After-Show Party 1.30am (invite only)
    Dress Code: Black-tie & Glamourous cocktail attire

    Key Dates:

    Award Nominations are open for the Yorkshire Business Hero Awards 2026 from 1st October 2025
    Voting/Judging starts: 31st March 2026
    The Ceremony, where the winners will be announced takes place on 23rd April 2026 at First Direct Bank Arena  Leeds.

  • North East - Newcastle

    Date: 21st May 2026
    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 2026 from 12th  January  2026
    • Voting/Judging starts 1st April 2026, the ceremony, where the winners will be announced takes place on 21st May 2026 at Grand Hotel Gosforth Park in Newcastle

  • Merseyside - Liverpool

    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

  • West Midlands - Birmingham

    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

The Awards Process

  • The National Business Hero Awards are The People’s Choice Awards, nominated and voted for by the local business community.
  • You can nominate yourself, a colleague, client, peer, team or business.
  • Nominations are reviewed after the closing date.
  • A shortlist is created based on nominations received, community support and how well the nominee represents the values of the Business Hero Awards.
  • These awards celebrate leadership, success, workplace culture, inclusivity, diversity, support for others and positive community impact.
  • Public voting then opens, giving the local business community the chance to support their chosen Business Hero.
  • Winners are selected through a combination of public votes and review by the appointed FB Ambassadors.
  • Winners are announced live at FB Fashion Ball in each city.
  • Award categories may differ slightly in each region.

Award Categories

  • Inspirational Businesswoman of the Year

    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 whilst 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.

  • Inspirational Businessman of the Year

    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 whilst 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.

  • Emerging Female Leader of the Year

    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.

  • Emerging Male Leader of the Year

    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.

  • Legal Employer of the Year

    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.

  • Financial/Lending Employer of the Year

    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.

  • Accountancy Employer of the Year

    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.

  • Team of Excellence Award

    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.

  • Independent Business of the Year

    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.

  • Community Impact & Diversity Award

    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.

  • Outstanding Hospitality Award

    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.

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