The Yorkshire, Humberside and North East Family Business Awards are preparing for a spectacular evening of celebration as the 2026 ceremony returns to the stunning Majestic Hotel & Spa in Harrogate on Friday 13 November.

With around 300 guests expected, the 2026 awards promise an unforgettable evening of recognition, entertainment and connection, bringing together family businesses from across Yorkshire, Humberside and the North East for the first time.

Organised by The Family Business Community, the awards have become known for their welcoming atmosphere, creativity and genuine celebration of the people and families behind the businesses.

And this year, there is even more reason to celebrate.

A Special Return to The Majestic

The Majestic Hotel & Spa in Harrogate holds a special place in the history of the awards, having first welcomed the event in 2023.

With its grand architecture, beautiful surroundings and impressive event spaces, the hotel provides a fitting backdrop for an evening dedicated to celebrating outstanding family businesses.

Returning to The Majestic is particularly meaningful for the organisers, who are looking forward to recreating the atmosphere and memorable moments that made the previous ceremony so special.

The 2026 event also marks an exciting new chapter, as the awards welcome businesses from the North East alongside those from Yorkshire and Humberside, bringing an even wider family business community together under one roof.

More Than Just an Awards Ceremony

Forget everything you might expect from a traditional corporate awards evening.

The Family Business Awards have developed a reputation for combining meaningful recognition with an atmosphere that is warm, supportive and full of personality.

While the achievements being celebrated are serious, the evening itself is designed to be fun, engaging and memorable.

From the drinks reception and three-course dinner to the awards presentations, entertainment and afterparty, guests can look forward to an evening that offers plenty of opportunities to celebrate, connect and enjoy themselves.

At the heart of the event is a shared appreciation of family business values, recognising not only commercial success but also the relationships, commitment and passion that make family enterprises so special.

The awards also feature unique trophies created by artists, providing winners with something distinctive to commemorate their achievements.

Familiar Faces and Unforgettable Entertainment

Returning to host the awards ceremony is much-loved food writer and broadcaster Nigel Barden, whose warmth, humour and enthusiasm have made him a popular part of previous celebrations.

He will be joined by The Family Business Community co-founders Sue Howorth and Dave Clarkson, who will welcome guests and help set the tone for the evening.

Another much-anticipated return is talented violinist Lauren Charlotte, whose distinctive style of performance has become a memorable feature of the awards.

Lauren’s captivating performances have previously enthralled finalists and guests, bringing an extra element of creativity, energy and excitement to the celebrations.

Her return promises another special moment in an evening filled with entertainment and surprises.

Celebrating the Very Best of Family Business

With an impressive range of finalists representing businesses of different sizes, sectors and generations, the 2026 ceremony will shine a spotlight on the extraordinary contribution family businesses make to their communities and regional economies.

Sue Howorth, Co-founder and Director of The Family Business Community, commented:

“The quality of this year’s entries has been exceptional, making the judges’ decisions particularly challenging. Every finalist should feel incredibly proud of what they have achieved. We’re looking forward to bringing family businesses from across Yorkshire, Humberside and the North East together to celebrate their achievements and the people behind them.”

The ceremony will provide a moment for finalists to reflect on their journeys, recognise the hard work of their teams and celebrate alongside the family members, colleagues and supporters who have helped them along the way.

And, of course, there will be plenty of anticipation as the winners are revealed on stage through the opening of the traditional golden envelopes.

An Evening to Remember

Guests are invited to embrace the occasion with a black-tie, dress-to-impress dress code, adding to the sense of celebration.

The evening will begin with a drinks reception at 6pm, followed by a welcome from Sue Howorth and Dave Clarkson, opening entertainment and a three-course dinner.

At 9.15pm, Nigel Barden will take to the stage to host the much-anticipated awards ceremony, before guests continue the celebrations at the afterparty in Frederick’s Lounge.

With outstanding family businesses to celebrate, familiar faces returning and an exciting new regional chapter beginning, the 2026 Yorkshire, Humberside and North East Family Business Awards promise to be a night to remember.

To join the celebration you can purchase tickets here: Ceremony Tickets