The Bedfordshire SME Business Awards are back for 2026, with the programme set to officially launch next week on 15 January at Central Bedfordshire College in Dunstable.
The awards recognise the achievements of small and medium-sized businesses across Bedfordshire, offering companies a platform to raise their profile, celebrate success and connect with the wider business community. The launch event will confirm this year’s award categories, key dates and how businesses can enter, sponsor or get involved.
Justin Richardson, chief executive of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, said the awards play an important role in highlighting the strength of the county’s business base.
“These awards are an opportunity to showcase just how innovative, resilient and community-minded Bedfordshire’s SMEs truly are,” said Justin. “Every year we see businesses using the awards to raise their profile, build confidence and open up new opportunities.
“Being shortlisted or named a finalist is a real achievement, and I would encourage businesses of all sizes to attend the launch, explore the categories and put themselves forward for 2026.”
The 2025 awards attracted entries from a wide range of sectors, with winners spanning professional services, hospitality, consumer brands, manufacturing and agriculture. Organisers say that diversity reflects the breadth of Bedfordshire’s SME economy and will remain a key focus for the 2026 programme.
Attendees at the January launch will also have the chance to meet sponsors and network with other local business owners and decision-makers.
A further event, the Awards Masterclass, will take place on 5 February at Wrest Park. The session will provide practical guidance on writing a strong entry and maximising the business benefits of being shortlisted or winning, with insight from the awards director, judges and previous winners.
Early-bird tickets for the awards final are available now, with standard pricing applying later in the programme.
The launch event is hosted and supported by gold sponsor The Bedford College Group, while the masterclass is hosted and supported by gold sponsor Wrest Park Business Centre.
For the diary:
SME Bedfordshire Business Awards 2026 Launch
15 January 2026, 9.30am–11.15am
Central Bedfordshire College, Dunstable
SME Bedfordshire Business Awards Masterclass
5 February 2026, 9.30am–11am
Wrest Park
