Applications open on 13 August for 18 award categories celebrating the very best of Somerset business, as the Chamber’s flagship awards get their own refresh
Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its 2026 Business Awards, and this year’s edition arrives with a new look designed to match the ambition of the businesses it celebrates. Applications open next week, giving Somerset businesses of every size and sector the chance to be recognised for the work they do all year round.
A fresh chapter for a familiar celebration
Regular followers of the Chamber will have noticed a few changes over the past few years, from the Chamber itself evolving from Bridgwater Chamber to Sedgemoor Chamber, to this year’s rebrand of the Expo into Somerset Business Expo. The Business Awards are the next step in that same journey. Times are changing fast, and this refresh reflects a deliberate investment by the Chamber in making its flagship events reach further, so that the businesses being celebrated get the recognition, profile and reach they deserve.
At its heart, the mission of the Awards remains exactly the same: to shine a light on the achievements, resilience and innovation of businesses across Somerset, and to celebrate the people and organisations driving the local economy forward.
This year’s award categories
The 2026 Awards will celebrate excellence across 20 categories, covering businesses of every size and specialism:
- Small Business of the Year
- Medium Business of the Year
- Large Business of the Year
- Emerging Business of the Year
- Family Business of the Year
- Bridgwater Independent Business of the Year
- Employer of the Year
- Excellence Through Teamwork
- Skills, Training & Development
- Rising Star
- Sustainable Business of the Year
- Green Innovation & Environmental Impact
- Technology & Innovation
- Customer Service Excellence
- Community Impact
- Charity of the Year
- Marketing Campaign of the Year
- Building & Construction Excellence
- Food & Drink Excellence
- Accommodation Provider of the Year
Why it matters
For businesses across Sedgemoor and the wider Somerset area, the Awards are more than a trophy on the shelf. Being recognised, or even shortlisted, offers a genuine boost to profile and credibility, helping businesses stand out to customers, staff and partners, while celebrating the hard work that often goes unnoticed day to day. This is a genuine chance to be recognised among the very best of our incredible business community.
Key dates
Applications are open from Thursday 13 August to Thursday 17 September 2026.
Further information
Learn more and apply at: sedgemoorchamber.co.uk/business-awards/
