Jubilation as Portsmouth Business Awards 2026 winners revealed
The best and brightest businesses and entrepreneurs from across Portsmouth came together to celebrate their achievements at the annual News Business Excellence Awards.
Portsmouth Guildhall played host to the prestigious gala black tie dinner and ceremony on Friday, February 27, where the winners of 20 awards were announced, including Southsea Food Festival who won Best Overall Business of the Year.
It was an evening that showcased the strength and variety of the businesses in the area with a number of incredible nominees across different sectors and industries, serving global markets as well as local communities.
Mark Waldron, editor in chief of The News, said: “It was a fantastic evening celebrating the best of business in the Portsmouth area. Not only is it a special night but it is a special year as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of these awards and the 100th anniversary of Portsmouth as a city.
“Throughout those 100 years The News has been at the centre of the community and one of the things we take pride in is the support we give to local businesses.
“As we have shifted through time - from a city heavily reliant on the dockyard and shipbuilding through to today’s modern, diversified sectors - we have been there every step of the way to support and promote local businesses, sharing stories of success, growth and investment.”
While the ceremony celebrated businesses who have achieved great success over the past year, it was also a chance to honour someone that has made a profound contribution to the city over the years.
This year, Patricia Shufflebottom, 91, received the Outstanding Contribution to Business award. The current director of Clarence Pier became involved in its running during her teenage years when her father Billy Manning started to transform it into an entertainment hub following the Second World War.
In Portsmouth’s 100th year as a city, it was fitting to honour an incredible woman who has dedicated her life to one its main attractions that has stood the test of time.
Patricia said: “We have provided many happy days for families in Portsmouth and I hope we continue to do so for many years. We now have a fourth generation coming through so hopefully we will be here for a long time to come.
“If everyone continues to bring their families to Clarence Pier, that is all I can ask.”
Full list of winners from The News Business Excellence Awards 2026
- Start-up Business of the Year: PortsMed
- Manufacturing/ Engineering Business of the Year: Southbourne Rubber
- Global Business of the Year (sponsored by radweb): PortaSauna
- Apprentice/Trainee of the Year (sponsored by HTC Apprenticeship College): Sorrell Atlee
- Independent Retailer of the Year: Blossom Boutique
- Sustainable Business of the Year: Eco Drift
- Community Business of the Year: The Parenting Network
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Luca Frederick
- Visitor Attraction/ Event of the Year (sponsored by Wightlink Ferries): Southsea Food Festival
- Hospitality Business of the Year: Ashby's Accommodation
- Cultural or Leisure Business of the Year: Portsmouth Creates
- Inclusive Employer of the Year (sponsored by Shaping Portsmouth): Comserv (UK) Ltd
- Employer of the Year: Carrington West
- Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Ashby’s Accommodation): Jade Arnell, Slater Scotney
- Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Portsmouth City Council): Casemates Studio & Cafe
- Medium Business of the Year (sponsored by Gunwharf Quays): Hampshire Flag Company
- Large Business of the Year: Horizon Leisure Trust
- Portsmouth 100 Centenary Award: Airbus Space & Defence
- Overall Business of the Year: Southsea Food Festival
- Outstanding Contribution to Business: Patricia Shufflebottom