Finalists revealed for Rochdale Business Awards 2026

Posted by on 14 Oct 2026

The finalists for the Rochdale Business Awards 2026 have been revealed, celebrating some of the borough’s outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs, employees and organisations.
Thirty four businesses and individuals have been named across 12 categories, recognising achievements ranging from business growth and customer service to sustainability, community engagement and the next generation of Rochdale talent.

The winners will be announced at the Rochdale Business Awards ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall on Friday 13 November, bringing together the local business community for an evening of celebration.

The Rochdale Business Awards 2026 finalists are:

Apprentice of the Year
• Ryan Ingham – Holroyd Precision Ltd
• Lynne McDermot – The Willows Dementia Hub
• Conor Weldon – Salt Separation Services

Business of the Year – Turnover over £5m
• First Bus
• Performance Doorset Solutions Ltd
• Wheeldon Brothers Waste Ltd

Business of the Year – Turnover £1m–£5m
• HY Education Solicitors
• Safe Asbestos Removal Ltd

Business of the Year – Turnover under £1m
• ALF Recruit
• Life Without Limits Gym (LWL Gym)
• TFD Sports Club Merchandise

Business Person of the Year
• John Byrne – Junction 21 Chauffeurs
• Ashley Dixon – Safe Asbestos Removal Ltd
• Danny Simpson – MID Digital Solutions Ltd

Community Engagement Award
• First Bus
• Safe Asbestos Removal Ltd
• The Oxford Pub

Employer of the Year
• Envair Technology
• Safe Asbestos Removal Ltd
• Salt Separation Services Ltd

Independent Hospitality or Retail Business of the Year
• Busy Beans Coffee
• TFD Sports Club Merchandise
• The Oxford Pub

New Business of the Year
• ALF Recruit
• Clay & Glaze Ltd
• Thrive Together Training Ltd

Outstanding Customer Service
• Busy Beans Coffee
• The Speech Therapy Centre Ltd
• Wills & Wishes Legal Limited

Sustainable Environmental Business of the Year
• BM Technologies
• Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
• Wheeldon Bros Waste Ltd

Young Entrepreneur
• Sandro Ballesteros – Graph X Studio
• Mollie Price – The Floating Canvas

Lindsay Noble Hurst, from the Rochdale Business Awards Steering Group, said
“Rochdale Business Awards have been shining a spotlight on the businesses and people making a positive contribution to Rochdale borough since 2011, and each year the quality of the entries just gets higher and higher.

“Being shortlisted for an award is a huge achievement and we’re delighted to see that the finalists represent a wide range of sectors, from manufacturing, professional services and transport to hospitality, healthcare and the creative industries.

We wish all the finalists the very best of luck ahead of the big night at Rochdale Town Hall on 13 November, an event that wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of our sponsors and partners.”