Hosted by Mallusk Enterprise Park, with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council as title sponsor, the awards will celebrate people, businesses and organisations helping the borough thrive.
Entries open on Thursday 23rd April 2026 and close on Monday 1st June 2026 at 5pm, with finalists due to be announced on Thursday 11th June 2026. Winners will be revealed at a black-tie gala awards evening on Thursday 1st October 2026 at the Dunadry Hotel, hosted by comedian Neil Delamere.
The ANBAs have been created to celebrate business success across a wide range of sectors and sizes, from start-ups and independent retailers to manufacturers, hospitality businesses, transport firms and established family businesses.
Entering the awards gives businesses the chance to raise their profile and gain recognition from independent judges. It is also an opportunity to reward their team and build credibility across the wider business community.
There are 14 award categories, with the headline Business of the Year award selected from the category winners and presented as the final award of the evening. It will recognise the business that has shown the strongest overall excellence, leadership and impact across the local business community.
Other categories include Rising Star – Young Business Person Award, Excellence in Manufacturing, Excellence in Customer Service, Business Start Up of the Year, Business Growth Award and Outstanding Independent Retailer. The full list of categories and entry details can be found at www.anbawards.com
Organisers are encouraging businesses not only to enter themselves, but also to put forward a business, colleague or organisation they believe deserves recognition.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said;
We are proud to support the launch of the inaugural Antrim & Newtownabbey Business Awards, which will shine a spotlight on the talent, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that exists right across our borough. Our local businesses are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and shaping a vibrant place to live and work. These awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise their achievements and celebrate the positive impact they make every day. I would encourage businesses of all sizes and sectors to get involved, share their success stories and take this opportunity to gain the recognition they deserve.
Emma Garrett, Chief Executive at Mallusk Enterprise Park Ltd, said:
Antrim and Newtownabbey is home to a hugely diverse and ambitious business community, and these awards are about giving that success the recognition it deserves. We want to hear from businesses of all sizes and from every sector. Whether you are a start-up finding your feet, a long-established employer, or a business leader making a real impact, this is your opportunity to be recognised.
Mallusk Enterprise Park, which is hosting the awards, is a long-established local enterprise agency and social enterprise supporting people to start and grow businesses. It provides workspace, meeting and conference facilities, mentoring, advice and training for entrepreneurs and growing businesses across the borough.
The awards also offer businesses the opportunity to align themselves with one of the area’s newest and most high-profile celebrations of business success. A limited number of category sponsorship opportunities are still available, and businesses interested in supporting the awards are encouraged to get in touch.
To find out more, view the full list of categories or submit an entry, visit the ANBAs website: www.anbawards.com