Organisers of the Oxfordshire Business Awards (OXBA) have announced an extension to the entry deadline, giving companies across the county additional time to submit applications and showcase their achievements.
Following strong interest and requests from the local business community, the new closing date for entries and nominations to the Oxfordshire Business Awards 2026 is now Friday 06 March 2026.
The awards celebrate excellence, innovation and impact across a broad range of sectors, recognising organisations that drive economic growth and make a difference locally and beyond.
From start-ups and SMEs to established enterprises and community-focused organisations, OXBA highlights the strength and diversity of Oxfordshire’s business landscape.
OXBA Chair, Heather Wood said: “We have had a fantastic response so far. Extending the deadline ensures that businesses who may have needed a little more time to complete their applications can still take part. We want to make sure as many Oxfordshire businesses as possible have the opportunity to be recognised.”
Award categories for 2026
- Innovation Award – sponsored by The Oxford Science Park
- Charity & Community – sponsored by Greatest Hits Radio
- New Business – sponsored by Enterprise Oxfordshire
- SME of the Year – sponsored by Oxfordshire Advanced Skills
- Large Business – sponsored by Howden
- Employer of the Year – sponsored by Hays
- Technology Excellence – sponsored by Gravita
- Young Business Person of the Year – sponsored by Mathews Comfort Financial Planning
- Business Person of the Year
Shortlisted finalists will be announced at the end of April, with winners revealed at a prestigious awards dinner in June. The 2026 ceremony will mark 30 years of recognising, rewarding and promoting business excellence across Oxfordshire.
Read more: Oxfordshire Business Awards celebrates 30 years as entries open for awards
Businesses interested in entering are encouraged to review the criteria and submit their applications before the extended deadline of Friday 06 March 2026 via the official OXBA website.
The Oxfordshire Business Awards are proudly sponsored by Enterprise Oxfordshire, Gravita, Greatest Hits Radio, Hays, Howden, Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford, Mathews Comfort Financial Planning, Oxfordshire Advanced Skills, The Oxford Science Park, Right Here Creative That Event Company, Finders Keepers and Gather + Gather.
Together, the sponsors demonstrate a strong commitment to recognising and promoting excellence across the county.
