The Chichester & District Business Awards 2026 brought together businesses, charities and organisations from across the district to celebrate innovation, customer service, sustainability and business excellence. Held at Chichester Festival Theatre, the awards highlighted the remarkable contribution local businesses make to the area's economy and communities. The event attracted entries from a wide range of sectors, showcasing the strength, creativity and resilience of businesses across the district.
The awards were supported by a number of partners and sponsors, including The Great Sussex Way, which sponsored the Tourism, Hospitality or Retail Business of the Year Award. The Great Sussex Way continues to champion and support local businesses, tourism partners and organisations that help make the Chichester district a thriving place to work, visit and invest in.
Award Winners
Best Customer Service Initiative
Winner: CareYourWay Chichester
Highly commended: Continue Arcades Chichester, Guardian Angel Carers Chichester, House of Hearing Chichester, Q Hair and Beauty.
Professional Services Business of the Year
Winner: The Neurodiversity Academy
Highly commended: Cathedral Wealth Management.
Sustainable Business of the Year
Winner: Secret Linen Store
Highly commended: Vintro Vintage and Retro.
Start Up / New Business of the Year
Winner: Zephyr Group
Highly commended: Fernleigh.
Small Independent Business of the Year
Winner: Red Card
Highly commended: Maggie & Belle, Vintro Vintage and Retro, Wilson Design Associates.
Medium Independent Business of the Year
Winner: Comics, Games and Coffee
Highly commended: The Modern Calligraphy Company.
Large Independent Business of the Year
Winner: Q Hair and Beauty
Highly commended: Blue Spire Limited.
Innovation Project of the Year
Winner: Fandango Digital
Highly commended: Chichester Urban Winery (The Ghost At The Feast).
Charity of the Year
Winner: Sage House
Highly commended: St Wilfrid's Hospice, UKHarvest.
Sustainable Champion of the Year
Winner: Lucy Ferre
Tourism, Hospitality or Retail Business of the Year
Joint Winners: Fernleigh and Rocking Horse
Highly commended: La Fish.
Chichester Business Awards 2026: Winner of Tourism, Hospitality or Retail Business of the Year. Joint winners Fernleigh and Rocking Horse have been recognised with the Tourism, Hospitality or Retail Business of the Year award, presented by Danielle Dunfield, CEO of The Great Sussex Way
Congratulations to the Winners
This year's winners represent a diverse mix of businesses and organisations that are making a positive impact across the Chichester district. From start-ups and independent retailers to charities and sustainability leaders, each winner demonstrated exceptional commitment, innovation and dedication within their sector. Their achievements reflect the strength of the local business community and the important role it plays in supporting economic growth and community wellbeing.
Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone who entered, attended, sponsored and supported the Chichester & District Business Awards 2026. Congratulations to all winners and highly commended businesses for their outstanding achievements.
Special thanks go to the event organisers, judges, sponsors and partners for helping to recognise and celebrate the businesses and organisations that continue to make the Chichester district such a vibrant and successful place to live, work and visit.
