categories

View our Award Categories for 2026 below. There are various categories for all sectors, shapes and sizes of businesses and organisations to enter. Most categories require entrants to have commenced trading before May 2024. Rising Star is solely for new businesses which started from then onwards.

NB! Categories with an AVAILABLE graphic have not yet been secured for 2026 and are available to sponsor. Click here to view all the Sponsorship Opportunities for PBA26 and the excellent benefits and inclusions they offer.

If your business would like to support us and be part of Pendle Business Awards 2026, please contact us here.

Apprentice of the Year

The winner of this award will be a Pendle based apprentice who has, over the past year, shown a keen commitment to personal and professional development, risen to new challenges and made a positive difference to their organisation.

FAMILY BUSINESS AWARD

The winner of this award will be the most successful and sustainable family owned business. Open to businesses where 2+ family members work within the business and more than one generation has previously contributed to building the business.

GREEN BUSINESS AWARD

The winner of this award will be a Pendle based organisation that best demonstrates their commitment to adopting environmentally sustainable practices and minimising their carbon and community impact. Open to all eco-friendly organisations.

HOSPITALITY & TOURISM AWARD

The winner of this award will be a Pendle based hospitality business, accommodation provider or attraction associated with the tourism/leisure sector which best champions Pendle as a visitor destination while also providing an excellent customer experience.

INNOVATION AWARD

The winner of this award will be a Pendle based organisation which has developed an innovative product, service or initiative that has addressed an industry challenge, is commercially viable and has positively impacted the business, customers or industry.

LARGE BUSINESS AWARD

The winner of this award will be the most successful and sustainable large business operating in the Pendle region. This award is open to all businesses with a turnover of £3m or over.

MEDIUM BUSINESS AWARD

The winner of this award will be the most successful and sustainable medium business operating in the Pendle region. This award is open to all businesses with a turnover of between £1m-£3m.

Micro Business Award

The winner of this award will be the most successful and sustainable micro business operating in the Pendle region. This award is open to all businesses with a turnover of less than £100k.

Not For Profit Award

This award will celebrate the fantastic third sector organisations we have in the borough of Pendle. It is open to all not-for-profits, charities and social enterprises working hard to support and make a difference in their Pendle communities.

Retailer Award

The winner of this award will be the most successful and sustainable independent retailer based in Pendle. Open to all businesses who operate from physical retail outlet(s) and those who sell directly to the consumer online.

Rising Star Award

The winner of this award will be a new business which is already showing a strong track record of growth and success. Open to all businesses which began trading from May 2024 onwards.

Small Business Award

The winner of this award will be the most successful and sustainable small business operating in the Pendle region. This award is open to all businesses with a turnover of between £100k and £1m.

Social Responsibility Award

The winner of this award will be the Pendle based organisation that has, over the past number of years, best demonstrated a keen and continued commitment to making a difference in their communities.

Workforce Development Award

The winner of this award will be a Pendle based organisation that is continually investing in the personal and professional development of their workforce.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The recipient of this special award will be a business leader who has made a long term commitment and outstanding contribution to Pendle. This award is not open for sponsorship and may not feature every year.

PBA26 WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY 2 JULY AT THE FENCE GATE

meet our pba sponsors

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors, listed below for supporting the awards. Pendle Borough Council will again be our Headline Sponsor for 2026.

There are many opportunities for organisations to be part of PBA26 bringing excellent benefits and inclusions. Please click the button below to view or download our Sponsorship Brochure for 2026.

VIEW THE PBA26 SPONSORSHIP BROCHURE