University of York Announces Winners of the 2026 Enterprise Awards
Posted on Friday 5 June 2026
Hosted at the historic Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, the awards ceremony brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, social enterprises, and changemakers to celebrate the people and organisations driving economic growth, social impact, and regional resilience.
Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Partnerships and Engagement at the University of York, highlighted the significance of the awards:
“The Enterprise Awards are a celebration of the ambition, creativity, and commitment that define our region’s business community. From high-growth companies to organisations creating lasting social impact, these awards recognise the people and businesses making a real difference across York and North Yorkshire. We are proud to work alongside partners and enterprises that continue to strengthen our regional economy and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.”
2026 Enterprise Award Winners
Outstanding Business Growth Award
Sponsored by Barclays Eagle Labs
Winner: Up Your Grade, a Harrogate-based tutoring agency connecting families with qualified teachers and examiners for GCSE and A Level support, was recognised for exceptional business growth, innovation, and measurable impact in education.
Transformational Leader Award
Sponsored by the Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York
Winner: Matt Harper-Hardcastle, Next Door But One, who was recognised for inspirational leadership and his contribution to creating meaningful social and cultural impact through theatre and community engagement.
Social Impact Award
Sponsored by LNER
Winner: Night-Light Theatre CIC, was celebrated for its outstanding social impact and commitment to improving wellbeing and accessibility through the arts.
One to Watch Award
Sponsored by NatWest Accelerator
Winner: The Innate Coach, which helps leaders build compassionate and confident workplace cultures through psychology-based coaching and mentoring was acknowledged as an exciting emerging business showing strong potential, innovation, and entrepreneurial promise.
Inclusive Workplace Award
Sponsored by RTC North
Winner: York Inspirational Kids, which supports families of disabled and autistic children was recognised for creating an inclusive and supportive environment through practices and initiatives that champion accessibility and opportunity for all.
Purpose Driving Profit Award
Sponsored by Nestlé
Winner: Clement Leadership Development, a York-based consultancy supporting councils, NHS organisations, and universities to strengthen leadership capability received the Purpose Driving Profit Award for successfully combining commercial success with a strong commitment to social value and positive impact.
Matt Harper-Hardcastle, Artistic Director of Next Door But One, said:
"If my leadership is inspiring people, then I’ll be happy forever. I’m incredibly proud to lead such an amazing team whose work is having a huge impact on the communities we work with every day. This award is really a reflection of their passion, creativity and commitment. Thank you to the University of York for this recognition, and for championing the organisations and individuals who are working to create positive change across our region."
The Enterprise Awards recognise the innovation, leadership, and resilience that continue to drive enterprise across the region. This year’s winners exemplify growth, inclusion, creativity, and purpose, reflecting the collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial ambition that define York and North Yorkshire’s business community.
The University of York remains committed to supporting enterprise and entrepreneurship as drivers of economic growth and social impact. Enterprise Works champions the power of enterprise to create positive change and continues to foster a connected, inclusive, and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem across the region.