ENTRIES for the Somerset Business Awards 2026 are set to open next month – with a special launch event open to all to help companies, charities and more find out how they can take part.

People are being invited to find out more about the awards during the launch event, set for Wednesday, September 10, at Hestercombe House and Gardens’ Bampfylde Hall, near Taunton.

Organised annually by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, the headline sponsor of the awards is once again accountancy firm, Albert Goodman.

At the free launch, would-be entrants will get the chance to meet sponsors and judges and find out more about taking part – and what it can do for them.

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For 2026, the awards welcome a trio of new judges and sponsors, with 14 categories covering all sectors and sizes of business and charity.

The awards are free to enter and businesses do not need to be a member of the Somerset Chamber to take part.

David Crew, managing director of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Somerset Business Awards are a great way for businesses to raise their profile, engage their staff and celebrate their achievements.

“They enable firms to share their success stories and I am grateful for the sponsorship and support of so many of Somerset’s leading businesses who, like me, are keen to celebrate our incredible business community.”

Categories for the Somerset Business Awards 2026 are:

• Small Business of the Year sponsored Gather Technology Ltd
• Medium Business of the Year sponsored by Brown & Brown
• Large Business of the Year sponsored by UCS College Group
• Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year Award
• Best Use of Digital Technology Award sponsored by Westcotts
• Charity of the Year Award sponsored by Clarke Willmott
• Employer of the Year sponsored by Stephens Scown
• Investing in Somerset Award sponsored by Hinkley Point C
• Start-up of the Year Award sponsored by Battens Solicitors
• Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by University Centre Weston
• Environmental and Sustainability Award sponsored by Agratas
• Service Excellence Award sponsored by Porter Dodson
• Somerset Manufacturing and Engineering Award sponsored by Leonardo UK
• Business Resilience and Growth Award sponsored by Barclays

Organisations will have until November 21 to submit their entries via the Somerset Business Awards website – www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk.

To attend the launch event, people must book in advance via somerset-chamber.co.uk/events/view/somerset-business-awards-launch-2026.