Banbury businesses and football club recognised at this year's Cherwell Business Awards

More than 200 local business leaders and guests attended the 14th Cherwell Business Awards at Bicester’s The Chesterton Hotel on Friday, September 18.

This year’s event was hosted by Banbury entertainer Aaron Williams and opened by Cherwell District Council leader Cllr Lesley McLean.

Speaking at the awards, Cllr McLean said: “It has been fantastic to see so many talented and hardworking businesses and individuals recognised at the awards this year.

“I’d love to extend my congratulations to all the winners and everyone who was shortlisted. Local businesses make an enormous contribution to our communities and economy, and it is wonderful to hear about great practices being shared and results being achieved."

Before the awards were presented, Darren Rea, Youth Chair and SEND Lead at Gosford All Blacks RFC, spoke to guests about the value and benefits of winning a Cherwell Business Award and the recognition it brings.

The awards began with the Becky Moyce Tribute Award, presented by Cherwell Business Awards chair Placi Espejo in memory of Ben Jackson, who died earlier this year following an illness. His daughter, Jenni Jackson, accepted the award on his behalf.

The winners of the Cherwell Business Awards 2026 were:

• Becky Moyce Tribute Award – Ben Jackson
• Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Siemens Healthineers – Robin Underwood, Hook Norton Brewery
• Business Person of the Year Award, sponsored by Whitley Stimpson – Carl Boswell, CS Boswell Independent Funeral Services
• Charity and Community Award, sponsored by Bicester Village – Banbury United in the Community
• New Business Award, sponsored by OJI Marketing Ltd – The Sense of Hearing
• Small Business Award, sponsored by Bicester Vision and Wednesday Business Club – Pea Green Physio Ltd
• Large Business Award, sponsored by SE-Solicitors – North South Wines
• Innovation Award, sponsored by Oxtec Developments – Greencore Homes
• Sustainable Business Award, sponsored by Banbury and District Chamber of Commerce – North South Wines
• Town Centre Award, sponsored by the Cherwell Business Awards – Bicester Friday Market
• Overall Winner Award, sponsored by Norbar Torque Tool – Greencore Homes

Guests also enjoyed a drinks reception, a two-course dinner, a game of heads and tails and live music from The CoverBuoys.

A spokesperson for the awards said: “The Cherwell Business Awards would like to congratulate all of the 2026 winners and finalists and thank Cherwell District Council as headline sponsor, the individual award sponsors, judges, partners and everyone who contributed to making the 14th annual awards a success.

“In a show of generosity and support, guests made donations on the evening in support of the Charity and Community Award finalists, with further donations continuing to come in following the event. Bicester Village, sponsor of the category, will match the total amount raised.

“The winning charity, Banbury United in the Community, will receive 50% of the final total, with finalists ACE Training and StarterMotor each receiving 25%.”

For more information about the awards, visit: https://cherwellbusinessawards.co.uk/

To get involved for next year’s event, contact the organisers by email at: [email protected]