New Award Categories For Goole And Howdenshire Business Excellence Awards

Right, let's talk about something brilliant happening locally. If there’s a business in Goole or Howdenshire that’s been doing great things, now is its moment to shine. The 15th annual Goole and Howdenshire Business Excellence Awards are officially on the horizon, getting ready to celebrate the amazing achievements of companies in the area. The volunteer organising committee has announced that entries open on 1st November 2025 for the big 2026 event. And this year, they’ve added a couple of exciting new categories into the mix, making it an even bigger celebration of local business success.

So, what's new for the 2026 business awards?

For the upcoming 2026 awards, the team behind the event decided it was time to freshen things up. They've introduced two brand-new award categories designed to recognise different kinds of success. It’s all about making sure every type of achievement gets its moment in the spotlight. The new additions are the Pioneering Business Award and the much-anticipated Unsung Hero Award. One is for the forward-thinkers changing the game, and the other is for the quiet superstars who make everything tick.

The Pioneering Business Award is all about innovation. Think of a local company that's doing things differently, coming up with clever ideas, or leading the way in its industry. This award is for the businesses with real ambition, the ones that aren't afraid to try something new to grow and succeed. Then there’s the Unsung Hero Award. Every workplace has one – that person who goes the extra mile without ever looking for praise. They're the glue that holds a team together, and their quiet dedication often makes a massive difference to the success of a business or the wider community. This award is a chance to finally give them the public recognition they truly deserve.

The chair of the organising committee, local businessman Garrey Haase, explained the thinking behind the new additions. He said:

“Each year, we like to keep the awards fresh and relevant by reviewing our categories — and this year is no exception. The committee felt it was important to shine a spotlight on some of the area’s most pioneering businesses, celebrating their innovation, ambition, and drive for success. We also wanted to recognise the Unsung Heroes — those incredible individuals who may not always get the recognition they deserve, but whose dedication makes a real difference to their business or community.”

A complete rundown of the award categories

With the two new additions, there are now 13 fantastic categories for local companies to get their entries into. There really is an award for every kind of business, from the brand-new start-ups to the well-established local favourites. An independent judging panel has the tricky job of choosing the winners, ensuring the whole process is fair and focused on genuine achievements. This celebration of local talent is a cornerstone of the Goole and Howdenshire business community.

Here’s what’s up for grabs at the Business Excellence Awards:

• Long-standing Business of the Year: For any business that was around before 1st January 2016.
• Family Business of the Year: Celebrating businesses run by generations of the same family.
• New Business of the Year Award: For the new kids on the block, launched on or after 1st January 2024.
• Small Business of the Year Award: For companies with a team of ten people or fewer.
• Large Business of the Year Award: For businesses that employ more than ten people.
• Hugh Walton Contribution to the Community Award: This one is for businesses that show amazing support for the local area.
• Charity of the Year Award: Recognising non-profit organisations making a real difference.
• Environmentally Friendly Business of the Year Award: For companies working hard to be green and protect our planet.
• Marketing Excellence Award: Celebrating clever and effective marketing campaigns.
• Self Employed/Micro Business of the Year Award: An award for the one-person bands and freelancers.
• Team of the Year Award: For incredible teams that work together to achieve great things.
• Pioneering Business of the Year Award: A new award for businesses driving progress through innovation.
• Unsung Hero Award: The other new award, recognising an individual's outstanding dedication.

Why it's a brilliant idea to enter

Putting your business forward for an award might seem like a bit of extra work, but the payoff can be huge. It's a fantastic way to boost team morale and give everyone a well-deserved pat on the back. Plus, winning an award is a brilliant way to show customers how great your company is. The whole process is about celebrating hard work and success, something every local business deserves.

Garrey Haase, the committee chair, had some encouraging words for anyone thinking about applying. He added:

“We know there are so many inspiring, successful businesses across Goole, Howden, and the surrounding villages, and we want to hear their stories! This is your chance to showcase your achievements and be celebrated for your hard work. The entry form is quick and easy to complete — so why not take a few minutes to tell us your story? We’d love to celebrate your success!”

Think about it. Whether it's the Family Business of the Year or the Contribution to the Community Award, there's a category that fits. This is a real chance to reflect on your business achievements and get recognised for your team's dedication.

How to get involved in the celebration

Getting your entries in is straightforward. The process officially kicks off on 1st November 2025. Businesses can head over to the Goole Business Awards website to find the form and all the details. But don't leave it too late! All entries have to be submitted by midnight on 31st January 2026. This gives everyone plenty of time to pull their application together and show the judges what makes their business special.

After the deadline, the judging panel will review every application carefully. The winners will be announced at the grand 2026 Goole & Howdenshire Business Excellence Awards Dinner. It's happening on Friday, 10th April 2026, at Goole Academy. The dinner is always a massive highlight in the local business calendar – a night filled with excitement, networking, and a proper celebration of everything that makes the local business scene so vibrant.