Yorkshire Choice Awards Celebrates Finalists and Winners at Tenth Anniversary Event

The Yorkshire Choice Awards marked a very special milestone this year, celebrating its tenth anniversary with an unforgettable evening dedicated to the people, businesses, charities and organisations making a real difference across the county.

The 2026 event brought together an inspiring room of nominees, finalists, winners, sponsors and guests, all united by a shared sense of pride in Yorkshire and its remarkable communities. It was an evening filled with celebration, emotion and recognition, shining a spotlight on individuals and organisations whose stories reflect resilience, passion, kindness, creativity and dedication.

Every nominee represented the very heart of what the Yorkshire Choice Awards stand for. No matter the final result, each person and organisation recognised on the night was worthy of celebration. The event served as a powerful reminder of just how much good is happening across Yorkshire, often quietly, consistently and with extraordinary impact.

Throughout the evening, finalists and winners were announced across a wide range of categories, each one highlighting a different part of Yorkshire’s community spirit, entrepreneurial energy and charitable heart.

In the New Starter Business of the Year category, sponsored by Levi Solicitors, finalists included Bingley Counselling Centre, Kitchen & Koffee and Uyare Restaurant, with EmAble from York announced as the winner.

The Independent Business of the Year category, sponsored by Wetherby Whaler, celebrated Apollo Cloud, Auto Electrical and Earnshaw Estates as finalists, with McNally EV from Wakefield named as the winner.

The Local Fundraiser of the Year Award, sponsored by Elegance UK, recognised the efforts of Anthony Brimble, Freddie Cole and Marty Bishop, with Victoria Eams from Leeds announced as the winner.

The Rob Burrow Outstanding Courage Award, sponsored by NH Construction, honoured finalists Claire Throssell MBE, Jacqui Drake and Noah Butterfield, with Lucie Maguire from Kirkby Malzeard named as the winner.

In the Community Arts category, sponsored by Ultra Live Production, Bradford Belles, Leeds Musical Theatre Choir and Music Box Inspiring Voices were celebrated as finalists, with EdShift from Halifax taking home the award.

The Yorkshire Entrepreneur of the Year category, sponsored by Celtic Castles, recognised finalists Phil Harris, Michael Kiddle and Rachel Hill, with 

James Fawkes from Wakefield announced as the winner.

In the Charitable Business Award, sponsored by Banks Group, finalists included Friendly West Yorkshire Superhero, Moneyweb and The Female Decorators, with PJ Staffing from Leeds taking home the award.

The Inspirational Individual of the Year Award celebrated finalists Tracy Fletcher, Lee Wisdom and Vicky Robaya, with Thalia Fili Toseland named as the winner.

The Customer Service Award recognised Cameron Beaumont, The Pet Vet and The Spine Guy as finalists, with Apollo 3D announced as the winner.

The Volunteer of the Year Award celebrated the dedication of Adam Stewart, Mark Hancocks and Helen Brewster, with John Gibbons from Leeds taking home the award.

For the Kate Granger Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by headline sponsor Franks Accountants, finalists included Dr Barbara Guinn, Louise Prashad and Yasmin Javed, with the Yorkshire Ambulance Restart a Heart Team from Wakefield named as the winner.

Finally, the Charitable Excellence Award, sponsored by PJ Staffing, recognised Day One Trauma Support, Focus for Hope and Ruddi’s Retreat as finalists, with Leeds Hospitals Charity announced as the winner.

As the winner of this special category, Leeds Hospitals Charity will also become the Yorkshire Choice Awards’ chosen charity for 2027, continuing the awards’ commitment to supporting meaningful causes across the county.

The evening was a celebration not only of those who won, but of every person, business and organisation nominated along the way. Each story shared through the awards reflected the strength, generosity and spirit of Yorkshire, from businesses going the extra mile to volunteers, fundraisers, community groups and individuals creating lasting change.

Funds were also raised on the night for Candlelighters, a charity providing vital support to children with cancer and their families across Yorkshire. While the final total is yet to be confirmed, early indications show that guests gave generously, helping to support the charity’s important work.

The tenth anniversary event was a proud and memorable occasion for the Yorkshire Choice Awards, made possible by everyone who attended, supported the awards, shared their stories and helped celebrate the very best of Yorkshire.