Express & Star Business Awards 2026 are now open for entries - here's how you can get involved

Now in their 15th year, the awards shine a spotlight on the region’s many successful companies and those steering them forwards. Here's everything you need to know:

When and where are the awards?

Entries are now open and judging will take place in the spring ahead of a glittering awards evening at The Halls Wolverhampton on Thursday June 4 when the winners will be crowned.

The black tie event, with drinks reception and three-course dinner, will be hosted by radio personality Dicky Dodd and will see finalists, esteemed sponsors and prominent figures from the business and civic world gather for an unforgettable evening of celebration, networking and recognition.

How many entries were there last year?

Last year’s event attracted 133 nominations and saw John Joseph Donovan of JJX Logistics in Kingswinford win the Business Person of the Year award. Walsave Credit Union in Walsall was named Business of the Year and Bilston manufacturing firm Bowers & Jones was named Small Business of the Year after an incredibly tough judging process.

How can I enter my business for the awards?

Entries are now open online at expressandstarbusinessawards.co.uk for 13 separate categories, each seeking to recognise the industry leaders in their respective fields.

Initial judging will take place in April, with the finalists selected by our team of independent judges - who will be announced shortly.

Will it cost anything to enter?

No! Entry is free - it is a chance to put your business in lights at no cost to you.

What are the categories?

The full list of categories are as follows:

Apprentice of the Year - sponsored by Dudley College of Technology

This award will recognise any apprentice or trainee who has gone that extra mile and exceeded the expectations of their trainer or mentor.

Business of the Year

Open to all sectors of business, the judges will be looking for an outstanding organisation, whose track record sets them apart from the rest. The blue ribbon award will go to the company with an impressive turnover that has delivered a topflight performance across every part of their business and sets the standard within their industry – the very best in the region. 

Business Person of the Year

This is an individual award that singles out business owners, entrepreneurs and senior management for their leadership contribution and for having a substantial impact on their business. 

Business in the Community

This category recognises businesses demonstrating a commitment to supporting their local community. Judges will be looking for evidence of companies adopting policies and a company culture to support the local community. 

Employee Wellness Excellence Award

This category recognises businesses that have made a significant commitment to supporting employee health and wellbeing.

Family Business of the Year - sponsored by Crowe

This award is for a business that employs two or more family members and has achieved success in its field or industry.

Growth & Innovation Award

Open to any business with a minimum turnover of £5 million and which has achieved impressive growth over the last three years. Judges will be looking for an inspirational story that will encourage others and be able to motivate other companies to maximise opportunities for growth.  

Large Business of the Year

The award recognises outstanding performance by a company with a workforce of 200+ staff which is excelling in its field. 

Manufacturing Champion - sponsored by Safran Group

This award recognises a business that can demonstrate an efficient and innovative approach to manufacturing. Judges will be looking for growth and consistent commercial performance, increased market share and operational effectiveness.

Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Business

Open to any retail, restaurant, hotel, café, pub, leisure facility, visitor attraction or similar business excelling in its field and driving positive economic impact for the area. 

Small to Medium Sized Business of the Year

If your business employs between 10 and 200 people and is outstanding in a number of ways, this could be the category for you. Judges will be looking for businesses who have a clear strategy and vision, aligned with financial and/or team growth, who have overcome challenges and turned difficult situations around and provided excellence in their field.

Sustainability Award

This award will be presented to a business that puts sustainability and the environment at the heart of its business. Judges will be looking for businesses which ensure their environmental impact is kept to an absolute minimum, for example through recycling, carbon offset, water conservation or sustainable energy schemes.

Young Business of the Year - sponsored by Gough

This award is open to any business which has been operating for five years and under. Judges will be hoping to see an overview of why the business launched and the gap in the market at that time, along with your future plans and vision.

When is the deadline for entries?

The deadline for submissions is April 3.

The finalists will be announced in the Express and Star after initial judging has taken place, and site visits will then be made to our shortlisted entrants to determine the 2026 winners.

The campaign delivers unrivalled marketing impact for businesses, putting brands in front of thousands of engaged readers from the Newspaper of the Year and its fast-growing website. It’s a chance to shine under the brightest spotlight available.

Are there sponsosrhip opportunities?

Yes. You will see from the categories that sponsors have already come forward. Sponsors get their name associated with the region's premier awards and get the chance to be part of the judging. 

We are also grateful to associate sponsors. This year the trophies and drinks reception will be sponsored by Gough Group, with SV Contracts sponsoring the programme.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a category can find out more by emailing Bal Sanghera at b.sanghera@expressandstar.co.uk or call 07852 149749.