Skipton BID is excited to announce that this year’s Business Awards finalists have been officially selected after more than 1,200 nominations.

The judges sat down together last week to review all of the longlisted businesses to assess their entries and evidence to reach a list of finalists.

Each of the judges said it was a challenge to narrow down a competitive line-up in every category, with strong contenders in every bracket.

The annual awards are organised by Skipton Business Improvement District (BID) to celebrate the local brilliant business network, with entries received from across the town.

Sarah Howsen, Skipton BID Manager, said: “The judges said every category in this year’s awards included tough competition. In fact, they said it was the most difficult year yet…

“We were pleased with the high quality of entries, showing how passionate our local business community is about the Business Awards.

“Each finalist has been contacted – and we can’t wait to celebrate with you all at the ceremony in October!”

Skipton’s Shining Star, highlighting those that make an outstanding contribution to the town’s community, features Dean Majors, Gillian Seed, Skipton Step Into Action and Share Skipton as finalists.

Rebecca Rennolds, Roots and Velvet Beauty Studio have been named as finalists in Hairy & Beauty Business of the Year, while Spirit of Pilates, Hello World Hypnobirthing and Balanced Life Physio will be looking to take home the Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year prize.

The Business Service Award has SBC Studio, Coffee Care and Howcrofts Funeral Services as finalists. Meanwhile, Best Evening Entertainment Venue includes Sound Bar, Elsworth at the Mill and The Mess Room.

R.S.H Artisan Markets, Pennine Cruisers and Skipton Hotel are all finalists for the Leisure and Tourism award.

The Boathouse, Nightshade and Hustle are all contenders for Pub or Bar of the Year, while Efendy, Phoebe’s and Le Caveau will look to be crowned Restaurant of the Year.

The Art and Culture award features Craven Arts House, Workshops in Yorkshire and Skipton Town Hall as finalists, while Best New Business includes Olive Lounge Travel, Pitra Waterfront and Pixel Games.

Finalists in the Retailer of the Year category include Dogsbody and Friends, Out of the Ordinary and Victoria Coleman, with Bean Loved, Coopers Café and Caffé Capo in a bid to win Coffee Shop of the Year.

The full list of finalists can be viewed on the Skipton BID website.

Skipton BID would also like to offer thanks to all of the sponsors of the 2026 Skipton Business Awards.

Sarah Howsen added: “We really couldn’t do it without the support of our sponsors every year, so a huge thank you goes out to them.”

To view the full list of sponsors, visit the BID website here.