Private Business Awards launch for 2026
Private Business Awards launch for 2026
- Nominations are now officially open for the Private Business Awards 2026
- Sponsored by BDO, the awards serve to celebrate the UK’s mid-sized businesses that are driving UK economic growth
The Private Business Awards 2026, sponsored by BDO, have officially launched, with nominations now open to private or PE-backed businesses in the UK with a turnover of over £10m.
The second year of the awards programme, which serves to celebrate the businesses that drive UK economic growth, aims to recognise the very best of private business in the UK. It also recognises the people behind these companies. Last year's inaugural awards saw winners such as Totalmobile, Flagstone Group and Cycle Pharma.
The Private Business Awards is divided into 11 awards: Tech Business of the Year ; VC or PE- Backed Business of the Year ; Social Impact of the Year; Scale Up of the Year; Digital Transformation of the Year; Female Business Leader of the Year; CFO of the Year; CEO of the Year; Growth Business of the Year; Family Business of the Year; and Private Business of the Year.
Mark Sykes, Head of Consulting at BDO, commented: “We have long championed ambitious private companies that are the backbone of the UK economy. These businesses employ 27 million people and generate £4.5 trillion in annual turnover – they are the engine that will drive our economic growth at a scale that merits significant recognition.
“At a time of economic uncertainty, we are seeing genuinely impressive leadership and performance across the private sector. These awards shine a light on the innovation, resilience and successes that too often go unnoticed.
We are now inviting nominations from these businesses, offering an opportunity for their achievements to be recognised and celebrated.”
Nominations can be made by individuals from both within or outside the eligible company by Friday 20 March 2026. A shortlist will be announced in June, with finalists selected by an independent judging panel. Winners will be announced at the Private Business Awards Gala Dinner at The Savoy Hotel in London on Thursday 10 September 2026.
To learn more about the Private Business Awards 2026 eligibility criteria, or to nominate an individual or a business, visit https://www.privatebusinessawards.co.uk/#about
ENDS
Note to editors
BDO UK operates in 17 offices across the UK, employing 8,000 people. It has UK revenues of £1bn.
It provides Audit, Tax, Deals, and Consulting, Risk & Outsourcing services predominantly to the entrepreneurial, ambitious and growing mid-sized businesses that are driving growth in the UK economy. BDO calls this segment of the market the UK’s economic engine.
BDO LLP is the UK member firm of the BDO international network.
BDO’s global network
The BDO global network provides business advisory services in 169 countries and territories, with 95,000 people working out of 870 offices worldwide. It has revenues of US$11bn.
About the Awards
The Private Business Awards, established in 2025, aim to provide long-overdue recognition for private companies that demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation, and contribution to the UK economy. Unlike public companies, private businesses often lack platforms to showcase their achievements despite their crucial economic role.
The original idea for the Awards came from Ford Sinclair, a family-run event management company, with over 40 years' experience in delivering high profile live events.
Contact
Emma Williams
Petal &Co
Emma@petal.co
07711693915
Press office
Media@bdo.co.uk
www.bdo.co.uk
For further information on attending the awards, contact jo.thomas@ford-sinclair.co.uk