26 May 2026
Entries are now open for the 28th annual Glasgow Business Awards, hosted by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Virgin Money. The awards celebrate the achievements, innovation and leadership of Glasgow’s business community over the past 12 months.
This year’s black-tie ceremony will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central on Thursday, 1 October 2026, bringing together leaders from across the city for one of the standout dates in Scotland’s business calendar. The Herald returns as media partner, alongside a strong line-up of category sponsors.
Businesses can enter 15 competitive recognising excellence in areas including innovation, digital technology, communications, sustainability, community wealth building and workplace culture.
The Glasgow Business Award for Most Outstanding Business, the most prestigious accolade of the evening, will be presented to one of the winners of the competitive categories on the night.
Individual achievement is recognised across two awards: Entrepreneur of the Year, which celebrates business founders making their mark on the city, while Young Business Person of the Year puts a spotlight on emerging talent coming through Glasgow's business community.
Glasgow's Favourite Business, sponsored by Glasgow Times and voted for by the public, will also return shortly, with a public shortlist revealed over the summer ahead of the final vote. Businesses can nominate themselves or another organisation.
The Glasgow Business Award for Lifetime Achievement closes the evening, paying tribute to business leaders who have shaped Glasgow's economy. Previous recipients include retired Edrington Chief Executive Ian Curle, Arnold Clark CEO Eddie Hawthorne, former SEC CEO Peter Duthie, and last year's winner, Professor Sir Jim McDonald GBE.
Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "Glasgow has a business community that consistently punches above its weight, and this awards programme exists to put that on record. Every year, the quality of entries reflects a city that is ambitious, creative and serious about its future.
In partnership with Virgin Money and our category sponsors we look forward to seeing who steps forward in 2026."
David Henderson, Head of Strategic Finance, West of Scotland, Virgin Money said: “We’re proud to continue and grow our partnership with the Glasgow Business Awards. Year on year, we’ve seen the ambition, creativity and confidence of Glasgow’s business community go from strength to strength, and these awards are a powerful way to recognise the organisations driving that progress.
As part of Nationwide Building Society, our commitment to Glasgow is only getting stronger, and we’re excited to play an even bigger role in supporting businesses to thrive in the years ahead. We look forward to celebrating the entrants this year and the continued success of the city’s vibrant business community
Entries and nominations for The Glasgow Business Awards 2026 are open now at: www.glasgowbusinessawards.com.
For the latest updates, search Glasgow Chamber of Commerce across social media.
The Glasgow Business Awards 2026 categories
The Glasgow Business Award for Best Performing Large Business
Sponsored by Virgin Money
The Glasgow Business Award for Best Performing Small-Medium Business
Sponsored by Beam Digital and Design
The Glasgow Business Award for Best Use of Digital Technology
Sponsored by Space Solutions
The Glasgow Business Award for Community Wealth Building
Sponsored by Glasgow City Council
The Glasgow Business Award for Entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsored by Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP
The Glasgow Business Award for Excellence in Communications
Sponsored by The Herald
The Glasgow Business Award for Fair and Healthy Workplace
Sponsored by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
The Glasgow Business Award for Family Business of the Year
Sponsored by ATG Entertainment
The Glasgow Business Award for Glasgow's Favourite Business
Sponsored by Glasgow Times
The Glasgow Business Award for Green Champion
Sponsored by ScottishPower
The Glasgow Business Award for Innovation in Business
The Glasgow Business Award for Inspiring Future Talent
Sponsored by KWC Global
The Glasgow Business Award for Net Zero Achievement
Sponsored by Glasgow City Council
The Glasgow Business Award for Sustainable Development
Sponsored by Scottish Water
The Glasgow Business Award for Young Business Person of the Year
Sponsored by City of Glasgow College
The Glasgow Business Award for Most Outstanding Business
The Glasgow Business Award for Lifetime Achievement
Sponsored by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
