Yorkshire Choice Awards Celebrates Finalists and Winners at Tenth Anniversary Event

Well, what a way to celebrate our tenth anniversary.

The Yorkshire Choice Awards 2026 marked a very special milestone this year, bringing together an incredible room full of nominees, finalists, winners, sponsors and guests for an evening dedicated to celebrating the people, businesses, charities and organisations making a real difference across Yorkshire.

It was a true honour to share the night with so many inspiring individuals. Every single nominee represented resilience, passion, kindness, creativity and dedication, which are the very reasons the Yorkshire Choice Awards exist. No matter the outcome, every nominee was worthy of recognition, and the evening was a powerful reminder of just how much good is happening across our county.

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

Winner of New Starter Business Of The Year 2026 - EmAble, York

In the New Starter Business category (sponsored by Levi Solicitors), finalists included Bingley Counselling Centre, Kitchen & Koffee and Uyare Restaurant, with Emable announced as the winner.

Winner of Independent Business Of The Year 2026 - McNally EV, Wakefield

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

Winner of Local Fundraiser of The Year 206 - Victoria Eams, Leeds

The Local Fundraiser of the Year Award (sponsored by Elegance UK) celebrated finalists Anthony Brimble, Freddie Cole and Marty Bishop, with Victoria Eams announced as the winner.

Winner of Rob Burrow Outstanding Courage Awards 2026 - Lucie Maguire, Kirkby Malzeard

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

Winner of Community Arts Award 2026 - Edshit, Halifax

The Community Arts category (sponsored by Ultra Live Production) recognised Bradford Belles, Leeds Musical Theatre Choir and Music Box Inspiring Voices as finalists, with EdShift taking home the award.

Winner of Yorkshire Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 - James Fawkes, Wakefield

In the Yorkshire Entrepreneur of the Year category (sponsored by Celtic Castles), finalists included Phil Harris, Michael Kiddle and Rachel Hill, with James Fawkes announced as the winner.

Winner of Charitable Business Of The Year - PJ Staffing, Leeds

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

Winner of Inspirational Individual Of The Year 2026 - Thalia Fili Toesland

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

Winner of Customer Service Award 2026 - Apollo 3D

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

Winner of Volunteer Of The Year 2026 - John Gibbons, Leeds

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

Winner of Kate Granger Outstanding Contribution Award 2026 - Yorkshire Ambulance Restart A Heart, Wakefield

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 named as the winner.

Winner of Charitable Excellence Award 2026 - Leeds Hospital Charity, Leeds

And finally, the Charitable Excellence Award (sponsored by PJ Staffing), finalists included Day One Trauma Support, Focus for Hope and Ruddi’s Retreat, 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 everyone who was nominated and supported along the way. Each story shared through the awards reflects the strength, generosity and spirit of Yorkshire, from businesses going the extra mile to volunteers, fundraisers, community groups and individuals creating lasting impact.

We were also proud to raise funds on the night for Candlelighters, a charity doing incredible work to support children with cancer and their families across Yorkshire. While we do not yet have the final total raised, early indications show that you all gave generously, and we are truly grateful for every donation made.

Whether you have been nominated, recognised as a finalist, or emerged as one of Yorkshire’s winners, our digital certificates are customised to showcase your individual achievements.

They serve as a timeless testament to your success and a proud reminder of your place in the Yorkshire Choice Awards story. Certificates are available to order, giving nominees, finalists and winners the opportunity to celebrate and share their recognition with clients, customers, colleagues, family and friends. Click here to order.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who joined us, supported the awards, shared their stories and helped make our tenth anniversary such a memorable occasion.