Tendring4Growth Business Awards 2026
People's Choice Award: Voting is open!
The Tendring4Growth Business Awards 2026 People’s Choice Award is now open for voting, giving residents, customers, clients and supporters the chance to recognise the local businesses and individuals who make a real difference across the Tendring district.
All nominated businesses and individuals who provided consent to take part have been entered into the People’s Choice Award. This category is decided entirely by public vote, making it an opportunity for the community to show their appreciation for the businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations they value most.
Voters can select their three favourite nominees from the shortlist. Once voting closes, the nominee with the highest number of votes will be crowned the People’s Choice Award Winner, with the second highest vote recipient being named Runner-Up at the Tendring4Growth Business Awards ceremony on Thursday 8 October 2026 at the Princes Theatre.
The Tendring4Growth Business Awards will return on 8 October 2026 at the Princes Theatre, Clacton‑on‑Sea, celebrating the success, ambition and contribution of businesses across the Tendring district. This year we are very pleased to welcome back Colbea as our headline sponsor for the awards.
Now in their fifth year, the awards have become a highlight of the local business calendar, recognising the talent, creativity and resilience demonstrated by organisations and individuals operating in Tendring. From new start‑ups and micro‑businesses to established employers and community‑focused organisations, the awards showcase the breadth of enterprise helping to make Tendring a vibrant place to do business.
Nominations have now closed for the 2026 awards, and we would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit a nomination. The judging panel will now begin the process of reviewing entries and selecting this year’s finalists.
In the coming months, the public will also have the opportunity to get involved by voting for who they think should win the People’s Choice Award! Further details on how to vote will be announced soon.
Creative Excellence & Visitor Experience - Sponsored by Esign
This award celebrates businesses that bring creativity, culture and tourism to Tendring. It includes visitor attractions, creative industries and businesses delivering memorable customer or visitor experiences through originality and fresh thinking.
Judges will be looking for:
Excellence in Innovation - Sponsored by KAT Marketing
Recognising a business or individual that has embraced innovation to create positive change, whether through new products, services, processes or ways of working.
Judges will be looking for:
Health, Beauty & Wellbeing Champion
This award recognises businesses that help people feel healthier, happier and more confident, through high‑quality services and genuine care for clients and staff.
Judges will be looking for:
Micro‑Business of the Year - Sponsored by Black Rock Restaurant
Celebrating Tendring’s micro‑business community, including sole traders and businesses with five or fewer employees, across all sectors.
Judges will be looking for:
Outstanding Consultancy Services
This award recognises excellence within the professional and consultancy services sector, celebrating expertise, integrity and meaningful client relationships.
Judges will be looking for:
Outstanding Hospitality & Service - Sponsored by VGM Security Systems LTD
Celebrating hospitality, food and service‑led businesses that deliver exceptional customer experiences and play an active role in their local community.
Judges will be looking for:
People’s Choice Award - Sponsored by Surya Hotels
The Tendring4Growth Business Awards 2026 People’s Choice Award is now open for voting, giving residents, customers, clients and supporters the chance to recognise the local businesses and individuals who make a real difference across the Tendring district.
All nominated businesses and individuals who provided consent to take part have been entered into the People’s Choice Award. This category is decided entirely by public vote, making it an opportunity for the community to show their appreciation for the businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations they value most.
Voting closes: 11:59pm on Sunday 26 July 2026
Show your support and help celebrate the outstanding businesses and individuals that help make Tendring a great place to live, work and visit. Vote now and have your say!
Social Value Champion - Sponsored by ROSE Builders
Recognising a business that demonstrates strong social, environmental or economic value through its work, culture or community engagement.
Judges will be looking for:
Team of the Year - Sponsored by Pickering Group
Recognising a team that consistently delivers outstanding service while demonstrating strong values, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Judges will be looking for:
Tendring Business of the Year
This award will be selected exclusively from the shortlisted finalists and is not open to public nomination.
This prestigious award recognises a business that represents the very best of enterprise in Tendring.
Judges will consider:
Young Businessperson of the Year - Sponsored by Colchester Institute
Awarded to an individual aged 30 or under who is making an outstanding contribution to a Tendring‑based business.
Judges will be looking for: