The shortlist for the 2026 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank, has been unveiled.
A total of 100 entries across 18 highly competitive categories are included following a record level of entries to the awards
The announcement of the shortlist follows a rigorous judging process by a panel of 14 independent judges from the world of business, led by panel chairperson Clare Guinness, CEO of Belfast Chamber.
The Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, sponsored by Ulster Bank, will be held on Wednesday 25th March at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel where the winners will be announced during a gala ceremony.
Across the 18 award categories, the shortlist features a strong line‑up of organisations recognised for their innovation and commercial impact, including businesses as diverse as Juice Jar, Phoenix Energy, Duality Healthcare, Coca‑Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, Mackle Petfoods, Telefónica Tech, Musgrave Northern Ireland, Titanic Distillers and Brett Martin.
On the night, winners will also be crowned in two non-entry categories: Outstanding Business of the Year, sponsored by Ulster Bank, and Lifetime Achievement, sponsored by NatWest Cushon.
Mark Crimmins, regional managing director for corporate, commercial and business banking at headline sponsor Ulster Bank, said: “Congratulations to all those who have progressed to the next stage of the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank.
“The volume and calibre of entries this year made judging a challenging process, which is a real testament to the innovation and drive of businesses here.
“The standard was incredibly high, and entries were received from a number of different sectors, reflecting the strength and diversity of our local economy.
“At Ulster Bank, we are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Belfast Telegraph which is all about celebrating business success.
“Supporting enterprises of all sizes to scale and succeed remains our central focus, and we look forward to recognising the outstanding achievements of this year’s finalists at the gala event next month.”
Martin Breen, executive editor of Mediahuis in Northern Ireland, the parent company of the Belfast Telegraph, Sunday Life and Sunday World, said: “We are delighted to announce the shortlist in the 2026 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards.
“Congratulations to every business and businessperson who’s been shortlisted.
“We are delighted to continue to champion business in Northern Ireland through our awards, and thank you to Ulster Bank and all our sponsors for their continued support.
“We look forward to seeing everyone for a night of celebration on March 25.”
Clare Guinness, chair of the judging panel, said: “It was a pleasure to chair the judging panel for these awards once again.
“It was another year where the judging panel was seriously impressed by the innovation, dedication and outstanding performance demonstrated by Northern Ireland’s business community.
The full shortlist can be viewed on Belfast Telegraph Website
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