2026 Awards
Award Categories
Ten categories celebrating every facet of high street excellence across the North East — from retail and hospitality to community impact and innovation.
Retailer of the Year
Recognising independent and chain retailers who deliver exceptional products, service, and shopping experiences on our high streets.
Key Criteria
Hospitality Hero
Celebrating cafés, restaurants, and pubs that go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike.
Key Criteria
Community Champion
Honouring individuals or organisations making an extraordinary difference to their local community and high street.
Key Criteria
Digital Innovator
Rewarding businesses using digital tools and technology to enhance their high street presence and customer experience.
Key Criteria
Sustainability Leader
Spotlighting businesses and individuals leading the way in sustainable practices on our high streets.
Key Criteria
Customer Experience Excellence
Celebrating businesses that consistently deliver outstanding customer experiences that keep people coming back.
Key Criteria
Rising Star
Recognising new businesses or emerging talent that have made an impressive impact on their local high street.
Key Criteria
Employer of the Year
Honouring businesses that invest in their people through training, wellbeing, and creating a great place to work.
Key Criteria
Independent Business of the Year
Celebrating the independent businesses that are the backbone of our high streets — the ones who bring character, choice, and heart to our towns.
Key Criteria
High Street of the Year
Recognising an entire high street that has shown outstanding community spirit, resilience, and collective effort to thrive.
Key Criteria
Know Someone Who Deserves Recognition?
Nominations are free and take just a few minutes. Help us celebrate the heroes of our high streets.
Nominate Your Hero Now