THE best of business in Somerset is set to be recognised next month – with the finalists now announced.

Those who have made the final shortlists for honours at the Somerset Business Awards 2026, sponsored by Albert Goodman, have been revealed by organisers, Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

They will now proceed to the glittering awards night, at the Bath & West Showground, on March 26, hosted by BBC Points West business correspondent, Dve Harvey, for the 21st awards event.

The shortlist comes after a judging process which saw sponsors travel to all corners of the county to meet the teams behind the shortlisted entries before making their final decisions on shortlisted entries.

Finalists come from across Somerset, including Yeovil, Weston-super-Mare, Cheddar, Langport, Glastonbury, Bridgwater, Taunton, Watchet, Roadwater, Wellington, Chilthorne Dormer, Ilminster, Minehead, Bruton, Shepton Mallet, Bradford-on-Tone, Highbridge, Somerton and Wincanton.

David Crew, managing director at the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “Despite some really challenging trading conditions, it’s been incredibly encouraging to see so many fantastic applications from business and charities from across the county – they are doing some great work and we are honoured to be able to highlight that through these awards.

“The finalists have come from across the county, representing a wide range of sectors and industries and we are looking forward to celebrating their achievements at the final on March 26.”

Mike Cahill, a partner at main sponsor Albert Goodman, added: “As main sponsors, we’ve seen first-hand the real benefits of taking part — from raising a company’s profile and building credibility, to motivating teams and creating exciting new opportunities.

“Somerset has such a vibrant business community, and these awards are a wonderful chance to showcase that and be recognised for all the hard work that goes into running a successful business.”

The Somerset Business Awards 2026 finalists are:

Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year Award:
AJ Wakely & Sons, Yeovil
Datel Services Ltd, Weston-super-Mare
Polyvine Ltd, Cheddar

Small Business of the Year (turnover up to £0.5 million) sponsored by Gather Technology Ltd:
Dowlas Property Group, Cheddar
The FutureStrong Partnership CIC, Weston-super-Mare
The Kiln Café, Langport

Medium Business of the Year (turnover up to £5 million) sponsored by Brown & Brown:
Chrysalis Courses, Bridgwater
First Class Comms Ltd, Weston
The Sleek Easy Clean, Glastonbury

Large Business of the Year (turnover over £5 million) sponsored by UCS College Group:
Berry & Escott, Bridgwater
Diverse Fine Foods, Taunton
Stantec, Taunton

Best Use of Digital Technology Award sponsored by Westcotts:
FHOSS, Weston-super-Mare
Lanier South West, Cheddar
Snugs Custom-Fit Ltd, Watchet

Charity of the Year Award sponsored by Clarke Willmott:
Arc, Taunton
Weston Hospicecare
Youth Adventure Trust

Employer of the Year sponsored by Stephens Scown:
Calleva Limited, Bridgwater
Optimus Education Limited, Taunton
Singer Instruments, Roadwater

Investing in Somerset Award sponsored by Hinkley Point C:
Imagine the Possibilities, Taunton
Reminiscence Learning, Wellington
School in a Bag, Chilthorne Dormer

Start-up of the Year Award sponsored by Battens Solicitors:
Be Laser & Skin Clinic, Taunton
The FutureStrong Partnership CIC, Weston-super-Mare
West Country Cabs Ltd, Ilminster

Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by University Centre Weston:
Boon Brown, Yeovil – Sydney Winter
Garador, Yeovil – Ben Parkin
Talking Stick Digital, Bridgwater – Chloe Pavey

Environmental and Sustainability Award sponsored by Agratas:
Channel Events, Minehead
Mill on the Brue Outdoor Education Centre, Bruton
SG Eyecare, Wincanton

Service Excellence Award sponsored by Porter Dodson:
Haskins Furniture, Shepton Mallet
Lendology, Bradford-on-Tone
Nest GI, Weston-super-Mare

Manufacturing and Engineering Award sponsored by CNC Recruitment:
Bates Product Design, Highbridge
Needles and Pins Aerospace, Somerton
Polyvine Ltd, Cheddar

Business Resilience and Growth Award sponsored by Barclays:
CL Drylining Ltd, Bridgwater
Haskins Furniture, Shepton Mallet
Wrencon, Taunton

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