City Centre Initiative and Derry Chamber launch North West Business Awards

The City Centre Initiative (CCI) and the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce have officially opened entries to the North West’s business community, following the launch of the North West Business Awards 2026.

The premier awards ceremony, which honours brilliance in business throughout the North West, will take place on Friday, 5^th June 2026, at the Best Western White Horse Hotel. Bank of Ireland returns as the headline sponsor for this prestigious event for the third consecutive year.

Celebrating Local Excellence

The North West Business Awards aim to celebrate the resilience, innovation, and creativity driving the local economy, shining a well-deserved spotlight on those who are making a significant impact. In a joint statement, Jim Roddy, City Centre Initiative (CCI), and Anna Doherty, representing the Londonderry Chamber, expressed their excitement for the upcoming event:

“We are delighted to launch the 2026 North West Business Awards officially and are eager to recognise the exceptional individuals and organisations who are the backbone of our regional economy. The North West has established itself as a dynamic and unique economic hub, making a meaningful contribution to the wider business landscape. Through these awards, we aim to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and excellence throughout all business sectors."

Celebrating North West Business Success

Speaking about the return of the Awards, Martin Doherty, Business Manager, Bank of Ireland UK commented: “Bank of Ireland are delighted to support the North West Business Awards, and with much to celebrate, I would encourage local businesses to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to showcase you and your team’s creativity, achievements and ambition.”

“Our first North West branch opened in 1825, and Bank of Ireland has been a key pillar of economic support for customers, business and local communities ever since. We have more than 200 years of experience in backing businesses, and we have expertise, knowledge, and experience that can help businesses unlock their potential. We’re here to help, ambitious for growth and ready to support businesses of all sizes and in all sectors right across Northern Ireland.”

Key Dates & How to Enter

The awards offer a vital platform for networking and recognition. Local businesses are encouraged to note the following timeline:

• Online entries for the Awards open now - https://cciderry-londonderry.com/north-west-business-awards/

• Six-Week Entry Window: Businesses can submit their applications via the CCI website from Monday 16^th February to Sunday 29^th March 2026.

• Friday 5^th June 2026: The Gala Awards Ceremony at the Best Western White Horse Hotel.

Awards Categories

• Creative Marketer of the Year

• Economic Impact Award

• Educational Collaborators Award

• Pub of the Year (public vote)

• Business Hero (public vote)

• Creative Industries Business of the Year

• Innovation & Technology Award

• Sustainability Champions of the Year

• Hotel of the Year

• Large Business of the Year

• NWRC Higher Level Apprentice of the Year Award (non-entry award)

• Restaurant of the Year

• Excellence In Retail Award

• Small Business of the Year

• Strabane BID Business of the Year (non-entry award)

• Young Business Person of the Year

• Brilliance In Business Award (non-entry award)

Entries can be submitted online via the City Centre Initiative website. For updates on categories, voting, and ticket sales, follow @NWBizAwards on Facebook and Instagram.

Further information on the North West Business Awards can be found on the Facebook and Instagram pages @NWBizAwards, or on the City Centre Initiative or Derry Chamber websites.

Photo Caption: Organisers and sponsors of the North West Business Awards launch the North West Business Awards for 2026. From left:: Jim Roddy, City Centre Initiative; Orlaith McEleney, NWRC; Michael Kelly, Strabane BID; Siobhan McCafferty, Alchemy; Alison Ballard, Allstate NI; Martin Doherty, Bank of Ireland; Carolann Doherty, DCSDC; Selina Horshi, Best Western White Horse Hotel; Anna Doherty, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.