Remarkable. Unique. Strong.
That is how we would describe Knowsley.
Our business community embodies these qualities through its ambition, innovation, and collaborative spirit.
Together, businesses across the borough are driving investment, creating opportunities, and helping to shape a vibrant and prosperous future for Knowsley.
Why enter?
ATTRACT NEW BUSINESS
GAIN INDEPENDENT RECOGNITION
BUILD YOUR BRAND
RAISE YOUR PROFILE
The Knowsley Business Awards 2026 celebrate the individuals, businesses, investors, partners, and developers that are making an outstanding contribution to the borough’s success. Following the success of the 2025 awards, which welcomed more than 800 guests from across the North West and beyond, the 2026 ceremony promises to be another landmark event. The awards provide an opportunity to highlight what makes your business exceptional. They offer a platform to highlight your achievements, recognise the dedication of your team, and demonstrate the positive impact your business has made.
Taking part can:
- Enhance your reputation and credibility.
- Raise your profile among customers, partners, and stakeholders.
- Provide valuable independent recognition of your achievements.
- Boost employee pride, engagement, and morale.
- Create new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and growth.
Whether you are an established business, a growing enterprise, or an inspiring individual, entering the Knowsley Business Awards is your chance to gain recognition among the borough’s leading success stories.
WHO SHOULD ENTER/ELIGIBILITY
Nominations are invited from businesses and individuals based in Knowsley.
The following categories are also open to developers, investors, partners, individuals, and businesses based outside the borough where they can demonstrate a significant and measurable contribution to Knowsley:
- Contractor of the Year
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Making a Difference
- Deal or Investment of the Year
- Development of the Year
- United in Diversity
For the Rising Star Apprentice Award and Outstanding Employee Award, either:
- The employing business must be based in Knowsley; or
- The nominated individual must be a Knowsley resident.
Applications may be submitted either as a self-nomination or by a third party. If you are nominating someone else, please ensure that you have obtained their consent before submitting the nomination form. Any additional information required can be provided by the nominee following submission.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND FILMING
All information provided within applications will remain confidential and will not be disclosed beyond the judges.
A short promotional film will be produced for each shortlisted entrant and shown during the Knowsley Business Awards 2026 ceremony. By submitting an entry, nominees agree to participate in filming as part of the awards process.
Filming is expected to take place between September and October 2026.
Following the ceremony, shortlisted businesses may request copies of their individual film for promotional use.
HOW TO ENTER
Entry is free.
Simply select the category or categories most relevant to your business (up to a maximum of three categories), complete the relevant nomination form(s) and submit them by email to:
businessawards@knowsley.gov.uk
When completing your nomination, provide clear evidence to support your application. Wherever possible, include:
- Measurable results and outcomes
- Examples of achievements and innovation
- Evidence of business impact and performance
- Examples of Environmental, Social, and Governance, social value, and community impact activity
Where relevant, explain how your initiatives support the ambitions of the Knowsley 2030 Strategy through partnership working, community engagement and investment in the borough, helping to make Knowsley a great place for people to live, work, invest, and thrive now and in the future.
New for 2026
As part of your nomination, you may submit an optional video of up to 60 seconds in length.
The video does not need to be professionally produced; a simple recording captured on a smartphone is perfectly acceptable. The purpose of the video is to provide additional context and help bring your nomination to life.
Photographs may also be submitted in support of your application (maximum of five images).
All shortlisted businesses will be filmed by Knowsley Council ahead of the awards ceremony.
For an informal discussion about your nomination or guidance on selecting the most appropriate categories, please contact the Business Growth Team on 0151 477 4000.
SHORTLISTING
Independent judges will assess the shortlist based on the information provided within the written submission and any optional supporting video.
Entrants should ensure that all information is accurate, relevant, and supported by evidence where possible. Strong applications will clearly demonstrate impact, innovation, and achievement.
Successful applicants will be notified in late September 2026.
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