Glasgow’s business community is preparing for the 28th Glasgow Business Awards after the city’s Chamber of Commerce revealed this year’s finalists. Public voting has opened for Glasgow’s Favourite Business, while winners across a wide range of categories will be announced at an October ceremony celebrating enterprise, innovation and social impact.
Key takeaways
- Finalists have been announced across categories including technology, sustainability, workplace culture and entrepreneurship.
- The public vote for Glasgow’s Favourite Business features six recognisable city organisations.
- Winners will be revealed at a black-tie event on 1 October 2026.
- Lifetime Achievement and Most Outstanding Business honours will also be presented.
Public vote puts six Glasgow names in the spotlight
Glasgow’s Favourite Business is the only award decided entirely by public vote. Citizens Theatre, Paesano Pizza, Pure Roasters, Scottish Design Exchange, Tennent’s and Trespass are competing for the title, sponsored by Glasgow Times.
The award gives residents the opportunity to recognise the organisations they value most, whether through their contribution to the city’s culture, hospitality, retail, food and drink or wider economy. Voting opened on 11 August and will remain a central part of the awards countdown.
Broad shortlist reflects changing business priorities
The 2026 programme covers established employers, growing companies, entrepreneurs, community organisations and public-sector initiatives. Categories include Best Performing Large Business, Best Performing Small-Medium Business, Entrepreneur of the Year, Innovation in Business and Excellence in Communications.
Digital transformation and responsible growth are also prominent themes. Finalists are competing for awards for Best Use of Digital Technology, Green Champion, Net Zero Achievement and Sustainable Development, alongside recognition for Community Wealth Building and a Fair and Healthy Workplace.
Other categories focus on the next generation of Glasgow’s economy, including Inspiring Future Talent and Young Business Person of the Year. Finalists include organisations such as Allied Vehicles, Clyde Gateway, Glasgow Clyde College, Kibble, Homes for Good, Candid AI, Dear Green and Peel Ports Clydeport, as well as a wide range of smaller firms and individual entrepreneurs.
Ceremony will recognise long-term contribution
The winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central on Thursday 1 October 2026. Virgin Money is the awards’ main sponsor, with The Herald returning as media partner and a range of organisations supporting individual categories.
The evening will conclude with two of the programme’s most prestigious honours. The Most Outstanding Business title will be selected from the category winners, while the Lifetime Achievement Award will recognise an individual whose leadership has made a lasting contribution to Glasgow’s economy and business community. Both recipients will be announced at the event.
Chamber praises finalists’ contribution
Richard Muir, deputy chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said the shortlist demonstrated the depth and ambition of businesses across the city. He highlighted the contribution of both established employers and newer founders, particularly their investment in people, local communities and Glasgow’s wider economy.
The Chamber is encouraging people across Glasgow to take part in the public vote and follow announcements ahead of the October ceremony. The awards are now in their 28th year and remain a major annual platform for celebrating business achievement across the city.
Sources
- The Glasgow Business Awards unveils 2026 shortlist as public vote for Glasgow’s Favourite Business opens, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.
