The Oxfordshire Business Awards (OXBA) has unveiled the finalists for its 30th annual Awards Dinner, marking a significant milestone in recognising the county’s most outstanding businesses and individuals.
The shortlisted organisations span nine award categories and reflect the strength, innovation and resilience of Oxfordshire’s business community.
Winners will be announced at the OXBA Awards Dinner on Friday 12 June 2026, hosted at Oxford Brookes University within the John Henry Brookes Building. The evening will be hosted by Oxford United Club Ambassador and Engagement Officer Peter Rhoades-Brown.
This year’s ceremony carries particular significance as the OXBA celebrates its 30th anniversary. Over three decades, the Awards have become a cornerstone of the county’s business calendar, championing excellence across sectors and highlighting the organisations and individuals shaping Oxfordshire’s economic landscape.
Organisers say the 2026 event will not only spotlight this year’s finalists but also reflect on the Awards’ legacy of recognising ambition, innovation and leadership within the region. The evening will bring together finalists, sponsors and members of the wider business community for a night of celebration, networking and collaboration.
Heather Wood, Chair of the Oxfordshire Business Awards and Founder of Keep Me Fabulous, praised the quality of this year’s entries, describing the calibre of submissions as exceptionally high.
She noted that the diversity and strength of the finalists reflect the continued dynamism of the county’s business ecosystem. She also highlighted the importance of the milestone year, expressing anticipation for the announcement of winners in June.
The 2026 shortlist spans a wide range of sectors, from technology and innovation to hospitality, construction and charity. Categories include Innovation, New Business, Employer of the Year, SME of the Year, Technology Excellence, Charity & Community, Business Person of the Year, Large Business and Business of the Year.
Each category brings together organisations and individuals who have demonstrated significant achievement over the past year, with a focus on impact, growth and contribution to the wider Oxfordshire economy. Among the finalists are established firms, emerging startups and charitable organisations, reflecting the breadth of talent within the county.
The Awards Dinner is widely regarded as one of the most important dates in the regional business calendar, offering a platform to celebrate success while fostering connections across industries.
As the OXBA marks 30 years, the 2026 edition stands as both a reflection on past achievements and a celebration of the businesses shaping Oxfordshire’s future.
The Oxfordshire Business Awards 2026 shortlisted finalists
Innovation Award – Sponsored by The Oxford Science Park
Greencore Homes, Scancell and SpecialEffect
New Business Award – Sponsored by Enterprise Oxfordshire
Kickstand (Lotus Café), Tradecert and Tribela
Young Business Person of the Year Award – Sponsored by Mathews Comfort Financial Planning
Aaron Posey, Oxford Event Hire and Ben Thompson, Thompson & Terry Recruitment
Employer of the Year Award – Sponsored by Hays
Airbus Helicopters UK, Response Organisation and Valda Energy
Large Business Award – Sponsored by Howden
Bicester Motion, Greencore Homes and Thame Cars
SME of the Year Award – Sponsored by Oxfordshire Advanced Skills
Boardman Hawkins & Osborne LLP, Dr Cassie & Associates and JT Interiors
Technology Excellence Award – Sponsored by Gravita
After Cloud, U-Ploid Biotechnologies and Versantus
Charity & Community Award – Sponsored by Greatest Hits Radio
Style Acre, Sobell House Hospice and Home-Start Oxford
Business Person of the Year Award – Sponsored by Oxfordshire Business Awards
Darren Aston, Aston & James, Cathy Dunbabin, Opendoorz and Edgar Rayner, LTi Metaltech
Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Oxford Brookes University
To be announced on the night
