BUSINESSES, charities and entrepreneurs from across Tameside are being invited to put themselves forward for this year’s Pride of Tameside Business Awards.
And this year’s event promises to be an even bigger celebration of the borough’s business community.
The annual awards, organised by Tameside Council through Tameside Means Business, recognise organisations and individuals making a difference while giving businesses of all sizes the chance to raise their profile and celebrate their achievements.
The awards are open to everyone, from start-ups and independent retailers to established manufacturers, charities and construction firms.
This year features several new categories alongside returning favourites. Businesses can enter more than one category, with all entries free of charge.
The 2026 categories are:
- Business of the Year
- Young Businessperson of the Year
- Start Up of the Year
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Creative Business of the Year
- Manufacturing/Engineering Business of the Year
- Construction/Property Business of the Year
- Childcare/Social Care Business of the Year
- Tech/Digital Business of the Year
- Social Enterprise/Charity/CIC of the Year
- Green Impact Business of the Year
- Innovation Project of the Year
- Retail, Hospitality and eCommerce of the Year
A panel of judges made up of Tameside business leaders will decide this year’s winners.
They include Lynn Kerfoot MBE, managing director and joint owner of Newland Conveyors; Jackie Moores, principal and chief executive of Tameside College; Paul Westwell, managing partner at Bromleys Solicitors LLP; and Candice Bannister, founder and co-owner of Candy’s Cupcakes.
Several sponsors have already signed up to support the awards, including headline sponsor GM Business Growth Hub. Other partners include Visual Architects, Brand 12, The Power of Resilience, AC Group, World Heat, Red Rock, Bennett Staff and Bromleys Solicitors.
Businesses interested in entering are encouraged to provide detailed, authentic applications that explain their journey and achievements.
Organisers have also advised entrants to be cautious when using artificial intelligence to help prepare submissions.
They said: “Applications which have used AI will not be automatically rejected, but we advise you to use AI with caution.
“AI supported applications will not be reflective of your voice and do not tell the unique story of your organisation. Being too generic in content is likely to disadvantage your application and your application may be similar to other applications using AI.
“Use AI mindfully: only use AI where it will clearly help you apply or significantly improve the quality of your application.”
Businesses can submit entries in multiple categories, with shortlisted applicants due to be notified in early September.
Further information, category criteria and entry forms are available at www.prideoftamesideawards.co.uk.
Businesses interested in sponsoring an award can also email tamesidemeansbusiness@tameside.gov.uk for details of sponsorship opportunities.