Southport’s thriving business community has been celebrated at a brand-new awards event recognising some of the town’s leading companies, entrepreneurs and independents.
The inaugural Southport Business Awards 2026 took place at Victoria Park, with almost 250 guests attending a black-tie celebration in the Summer Pavilion Marquee at Southport Flower Show.
A total of 16 category winners were crowned during the evening, with Westcoast Workwear taking home the prestigious Business Of The Year title.
Alcedo Care was named Employer Of The Year, while Polanskys received the first-ever Judges’ Special Award.
The event brought together businesses from across Southport, giving local owners, professionals and entrepreneurs the chance to make new connections and celebrate the achievements of the town’s business community.
The Southport Business Awards were created to recognise local talent, innovation and growth while providing businesses with a platform to showcase their achievements and success stories.
Guests enjoyed a welcome drink and three-course meal from Divine Catering, alongside live entertainment from Flower Pot Men, comedians The Bread & Butter Company and pianist Aidan Gray of AG Piano.
The awards were created by Fiona McGregor, from social media marketing agency One Media Solutions, and Dan Charles, from the Seen In Southport podcast.
Through their work with businesses across the town, Fiona and Dan said guests appearing on the podcast had regularly asked for more opportunities to promote what they do, tell their stories and celebrate their successes.
That feedback helped inspire the creation of the Southport Business Awards, which were designed to give companies of all sizes and sectors the opportunity to put their achievements in the spotlight.
Businesses based in, or predominantly serving, Southport were invited to enter, including sole traders, independent retailers, family businesses, cafés, start-ups, tradespeople, creatives, professional firms, franchises and national brands.
Entry was free, with nominations assessed by a panel of five independent judges before the winners were revealed at the ceremony.
Each of the 16 winners will receive a prize package worth more than £800, including promotional opportunities, social media coverage, professional photographs and video, as well as a trophy.
The winners have also been invited to appear on the Seen In Southport podcast to share the stories behind their businesses and discuss what their awards mean to their teams.
Recordings are due to take place this month.
The full list of Southport Business Awards 2026 winners is:
Best Start-Up / New Business – Lancashire Handy Heroes
Recognising emerging local ventures showing promise and fresh ideas.
Best Beauty & Wellness Business – Massage Therapy Rooms
Celebrating salons, spas and fitness services promoting health and self-care in the community.
Best Trades / Home Services – Tower Heating
Recognising skilled professionals including plumbers, electricians, handypeople and gardeners.
Best Professional Services – Hodge Halsall
Celebrating accountants, consultants, legal firms and other professional businesses providing essential services.
Best Retail Business – Lucy Lous Boutique
Recognising shops offering exceptional products, from independent stores to boutiques.
Best Creative / Digital Business – CM Digital Collective
Celebrating designers, videographers, photographers, filmmakers, web designers, marketing agencies and other creative and digital businesses making a positive impact in Southport.
Best Customer Service (Professional) – Replica Print
Recognising businesses going above and beyond for customers through professional services and trades.
Best Customer Service (Hospitality) – Vintage Tea Room
Celebrating outstanding customer service within Southport’s hospitality industry.
Family Business Of The Year – Dressed To Be Blessed
Recognising family-owned and multi-generational businesses that embody local tradition and resilience.
Community Contribution Award – SPT Jam
Celebrating businesses making a positive difference through charity work, local events and community initiatives.
Best Food & Drink Establishment – Great Himalayas
Recognising standout cafés, restaurants and pubs delivering quality food and drink.
Best Hospitality Venue – The Ready Steady Chef
Celebrating venues delivering welcoming service and memorable visitor experiences.
Sustainable Business Award – Sally Bee Pre Loved
Recognising businesses embracing environmentally friendly practices and greener ways of working.
Employer Of The Year – Alcedo Care
Celebrating companies excelling in employee welfare, training and workplace culture.
Judges’ Special Award – Polanskys
Presented to the individual or business judges felt stood out among the nominations through outstanding dedication to Southport and its community.
Business Of The Year – Westcoast Workwear
Recognising the overall top-performing business based on its growth, impact and reputation within the Southport community.
Fiona McGregor from One Media Solutions commented:
“We’re still very much elated following the success of the very first Southport Business Awards. Congratulations to all the winners, finalists, and guests. And we’re very grateful to the judging panel for their expertise and support.
“We were thrilled and encouraged by the volume and quality of nominations we received for the inaugural year. It was an ambitious initiative, but the feedback we’ve received has been nothing short of incredible.
“Bringing 250 people together from all sectors of the Southport business community, connecting and collaborating, is exactly what we wanted to achieve. The awards and what they represent have captured the attention of the business community. The atmosphere on the night was electric, with businesses really supporting and lifting each other.
“It’s been a challenging few years for business and Southport overall, but everyone’s resilience, optimism, determination, and commitment to our wonderful town is inspiring and empowering. We are already planning an awards return for 2027, so watch this space.”
