2026 Awards Season
The Merton Best Business Awards 2026 are back – shining a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of businesses across the London Borough of Merton. Now in their 14th year, the Awards recognise innovation, growth, and community impact, offering a platform for local entrepreneurs, SMEs, and established companies to gain the recognition they deserve. With categories spanning a range of industries and a judging panel of experienced business leaders, MBBA 2026 is set to be the most exciting year yet. Whether you’re entering for the first time or returning to defend your title, this is your opportunity to showcase your success and join a vibrant community of award-winning businesses.
Entries close on Monday 29th June 2026.
BEST NEW BUSINESS
The Best New Business award is for organisations that launched within the past two years that have successfully built momentum, demonstrated early impact and shown a clear vision for the future.
BEST START-UP/ MICROBUSINESS
Recognising organisations with fewer than five employees that have shown resilience, strong foundations and clear potential for future growth. This category is well suited to sole traders and microbusinesses and show innovation, ambition and grassroots enterprise.
BEST SME BUSINESS
The Best SME Business award recognises organisations with fewer than 50 employees that demonstrate strong performance, effective leadership and a clear commitment to long-term success in Merton.
BEST IN CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
This category is ideal for organisations connected to marketing, media, design, digital technologies, creative arts or performance.
BEST USE OF INNOVATION
The Best Use of Innovation award celebrates organisations that embrace change, challenge convention and use innovation to improve performance, customer experience or impact.
BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY
Honouring businesses that have effectively leveraged digital tools, automation, AI, or other technological solutions to enhance operations, improve customer experience, or drive business efficiency.
BEST IN HOSPITALITY & RETAIL
This award recognises businesses delivering outstanding quality, service and customer experience across hospitality and retail sectors. This category suits organisations that have strong consumer-facing brands and a demonstrable successful footprint in the borough.
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
This award is open to employees at any level and in any sector, celebrating the people who drive culture, performance and positive change from within. Entrants can nominate themselves or nominate a colleague.
BEST COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Best Community Impact award celebrates businesses that use their influence, resources and values to make a positive difference for people and place on Merton. This category is particularly relevant for organisations with a strong local footprint or workforce or a demonstrable commitment to inclusive growth in the borough.
BEST CHARITY, SOCIAL ENTERPRISE OR CIC
This award recognises charities, social enterprises or CICs that demonstrate strong leadership, sustainability and measurable impact for people and place.
BEST IN CONSTRUCTION & TRADES
The Best in Construction and Trades award recognises businesses delivering high standards of workmanship, professionalism and contribution to the local economy. Entrants can be B2C or B2B.
BEST SPORT, HEALTH & WELLBEING BUSINESS
Recognising businesses that promote health, fitness, and overall wellbeing. This award celebrates sports clubs, gyms, personal trainers, wellness centres, and retailers that inspire active lifestyles and contribute to both physical and mental health within the community.
BEST ENVIRONMENTALLY OR SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
This award celebrates organisations that demonstrate strong environmental stewardship, good governance and positive social impact within Merton. This category is particularly relevant for organisations with demonstrable ESG or sustainability commitments, strong social value priorities, or public sector or civic responsibilities.
EMPLOYMENT CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
Honouring organisations that excel in supporting, developing, and valuing their employees. This may involve offering apprenticeships, implementing positive initiatives to promote an inclusive workforce and recruitment practices, or actively addressing skill shortages within key sectors.
MERTON’S BEST BUSINESS
A prestigious public-voted award recognising the most outstanding business in Merton. This award celebrates a company that exemplifies excellence across all areas including customer service, leadership, community engagement, and overall contribution to the local economy.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
The People’s Choice Award celebrates the businesses that are truly loved by their customers and communities. It recognises organisations that have built trust, loyalty and strong relationships with the people they serve.
Unlike other awards, this category is decided entirely by a public vote. It gives residents, customers and supporters the chance to have their say and celebrate the businesses that make a real difference to their everyday lives.
Entries for this award will open once all category awards are closed.
Get Involved
If you would like to know more about the 2026 Awards, how you can get involved as a sponsor and the benefits that this can bring your business, please get in touch.
2025 Highlights
Merton’s best were celebrated at a dazzling awards ceremony at a brand new venue: the New Wimbledon Theatre.