The Yorkshire, Humberside and North East Family Business Awards are proud to recognise the businesses and organisations whose continued support helps shine a spotlight on the achievements of family enterprises across the regions.
Behind every successful awards celebration is a network of people and organisations who share a belief in the importance of recognising business achievement.
For the 2026 Yorkshire, Humberside and North East Family Business Awards, that support comes from an impressive group of sponsors and partners who understand the unique opportunities, responsibilities and challenges faced by family-owned businesses.
From providing judging expertise and sponsoring award categories to helping create an unforgettable evening of celebration, these partnerships play an essential role in bringing the awards to life.
Mills & Reeve Announced as Headline Sponsor
The Family Business Community is delighted to welcome Mills & Reeve as headline sponsor of the 2026 awards.
Bringing together expertise in private wealth and business law, Mills & Reeve works extensively with owner-managed and family-owned businesses across a wide range of sectors.
Its experience of supporting family enterprises makes the firm a natural partner for an event dedicated to recognising the people, values and achievements that define the family business community.
Through this partnership, the awards will continue to provide a platform for sharing the stories of family businesses and celebrating their contribution to the regions in which they operate.
From navigating succession and ownership to planning for future growth, family businesses face a distinctive set of considerations. Having partners who understand these complexities reinforces the wider purpose of the awards: championing family enterprises and helping their achievements receive the recognition they deserve.
Building Relationships That Last
The awards are also fortunate to benefit from the continued commitment of long-standing supporters, including AAB, Rathbones, Candid HR and net*.
Their ongoing involvement reflects the strong relationships that have developed around the awards and a shared appreciation of the important role family businesses play in their communities.
Each organisation brings its own expertise and perspective, contributing to an event that celebrates family businesses of different sizes, sectors and generations.
For the organisers, these enduring partnerships are particularly valued, helping the awards grow while maintaining the welcoming, personal and supportive atmosphere that has become such an important part of their identity.
Recognising Support from Across the Business Community
The 2026 awards are also supported by MEPS International and Traditum, bringing additional experience and enthusiasm to the event.
MEPS International, a previous winner at the Family Business Awards, brings a particularly valuable perspective, having experienced first-hand what it means to receive recognition as part of the family business community.
The involvement of previous winners reflects the lasting connections that can develop through the awards, with businesses continuing to engage with and support the community beyond their own awards experience.
Together, the sponsors represent a broad network of organisations with experience of working alongside family enterprises and an understanding of the values, relationships and long-term thinking that often shape their success.
More Than Sponsorship
Supporting the Family Business Awards is about more than having a company name associated with an event.
Sponsors contribute their time, knowledge and experience, including participating in the judging process, supporting activities and presenting awards to successful businesses.
Their involvement helps create opportunities for family businesses to share their stories, build meaningful relationships and gain recognition for achievements that might otherwise go unnoticed.
For many partners, the awards also offer a valuable opportunity to connect with the family business sector and better understand the people and businesses that contribute so much to regional economic and community life.
Emma Harvey, Managing Director of Candid HR and a returning judge and sponsor, has previously highlighted the quality of applications and the pride family businesses take in their heritage and communities.
“Being involved in the Family Business Awards, both as a sponsor and a judge, is a fantastic opportunity to support and celebrate businesses that contribute so much to our region.
“What really stands out is the pride these businesses take in their family heritage, their people and the communities around them. There’s also a real sense of ambition and forward thinking, with families working hard to create something meaningful for future generations. It’s a privilege to play a part in recognising their achievements.”
– Emma Harvey, Managing Director, Candid HR
Thank You to Our 2026 Partners
The Family Business Community would like to extend its sincere thanks to every sponsor and partner supporting the 2026 Yorkshire, Humberside and North East Family Business Awards.
Their commitment, expertise and enthusiasm are invaluable in helping the awards continue to grow and reach more family businesses across the regions.
As the awards prepare to welcome finalists and guests to The Majestic Hotel & Spa in Harrogate on 13 November, the support of these organisations will once again help make the evening a memorable celebration of family business achievement.
Become Part of the Celebration
With sponsorship opportunities still available for 2026, organisations that share a passion for supporting family businesses are invited to get involved.
Becoming a partner offers an opportunity to connect with the family business community, support regional enterprise and contribute to an event dedicated to celebrating the people and values behind successful family businesses.
To find out more about sponsorship opportunities, download our sponsorship pack here or contact the awards team.
