Entries are now officially open for two significant industry awards ceremonies in 2026: the Wales Business Awards and the Business Travel People Awards. Both events aim to recognise and celebrate excellence within their respective sectors, encouraging businesses and individuals to showcase their achievements and contributions.
Key Takeaways
- Entries for the Wales Business Awards 2026 are open until February 27, 2026.
- The Business Travel People Awards 2026 have a nomination deadline of March 20, 2026.
- Both award ceremonies will feature new categories for 2026, expanding recognition opportunities.
Wales Business Awards 2026
Organised by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, the Wales Business Awards 2026 are set to honour the ambition, innovation, and impact of businesses across Wales. This flagship event in the Welsh business calendar recognises outstanding organisations driving growth and making a significant contribution to the Welsh economy.
The 2026 awards introduce new categories such as ‘Inclusive Employer of the Year’, ‘Start Up Business of the Year’, and ‘Wales Creative Impact Award’, alongside established awards for inclusion, creativity, innovation, manufacturing, and customer excellence. This ensures businesses at all stages of development can be acknowledged.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony on May 14, 2026, hosted by broadcaster Andrea Byrne at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff. The prestigious ‘Wales Business of the Year’ title will also be awarded. Entries are open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, including Chamber members and non-members.
Business Travel People Awards 2026
Now in its 15th year, the Business Travel People Awards celebrate the finest talent across all business travel sectors. These awards focus on recognising individuals and teams for their professionalism and business excellence, rather than the companies they represent.
For 2026, the awards introduce several new categories. The Sales and Marketing category has been split into ‘Sales Champion(s)’ and ‘Marketing Champion(s)’. A new ‘Travel Manager/Travel Team of the Year’ award has been added to recognise outstanding leadership and positive change. The ‘Industry Newcomer of the Year’ award returns, and the recipient of the ‘Industry Contribution Award’ will be selected by the Judging Panel without a submission.
Nominations, which can be made by line managers, colleagues, clients, or self-nominations, are open to individuals and teams globally. All nominations require supporting evidence, such as testimonials or videos, which contribute to one-third of the overall score. Finalists will be announced in late May, with the awards ceremony taking place on September 15, 2026, at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London.
Sources
- Entries open for Wales Business Awards 2026
| monmouthshirebeacon.co.uk, Monmouthshire Beacon. - Entries open for 2026 Business Travel People Awards, The Business Travel Magazine.
- Entries open for Wales Business Awards 2026, Barry and District News.
