The very best of the North West business community were honoured at the North West Business Awards 2026, held on Friday 5^th June at the Best Western White Horse Hotel.

Organised by City Centre Initiative (CCI) in collaboration with the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, the prestigious event brought together leading businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators from across the region for an evening of celebration and recognition.

The awards highlighted the exceptional talent, resilience and ambition that define the North West economy, with winners spanning a diverse range of sectors including retail, hospitality, technology, creative industries and professional services.

Among the standout stories of the night was the strong showing by Derry Credit Union, which emerged as one of the evening’s most successful winners. The organisation secured both the Economic Impact Award, sponsored by City of Derry Airport, and Large Business of the Year, sponsored by Davy, underlining its significant contribution to the regional economy and its continued growth as a major employer and community-focused financial institution.

Another notable multiple winner was The AMP Growth Incubator, which not only shared the title of Small Business of the Year alongside Lo & Slo, but also saw its founder Jennifer Neff recognised individually with the Business Hero Award. The dual success reflects the organisation’s growing influence in supporting entrepreneurship and fostering business development across the North West.

The evening’s top accolade, Brilliance in Business, sponsored by Bank of Ireland, was awarded to Alchemy Technology Services. The honour recognises overall excellence and leadership, and marks Alchemy as a standout performer within the region’s business community, as well as a company continuing to make a significant impact on both a local and global stage.

In a joint statement, Jim Roddy, CEO of CCI, and Anna Doherty, CEO of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce said, “The North West Business Awards continue to showcase the exceptional strength, innovation and ambition within our business community. This year’s winners and finalists represent the very best of our region – organisations and individuals who are not only achieving commercial success but also making a meaningful contribution to our local economy and communities.

We are proud to celebrate their achievements and to recognise the drive and determination that underpins business success across the North West. We would like to extend our congratulations to all those recognised and thank everyone who supported and participated in making this year’s awards such a memorable occasion.”

AWARD WINNERS 2026

• Young Business Person of The Year (sponsored by Alchemy) – Eimear Morrison, Fujitsu
• Educational Collaborator Award (sponsored by Loganair) – Seagate
• Restaurant of The Year (sponsored by Dillon Bass) – Walled City Brewery
• Strabane BID Business of The Year – Medicare Main Street, Strabane
• Excellence in Retail (sponsored by Moran’s) – Cityman Menswear
• Guest Experience Award – The Ebrington Hotel
• Creative Industries Business of The Year – In Your Space Circus
• Economic Impact Award (sponsored by City of Derry Airport) – Derry Credit Union
• NWRC Higher Level Apprentice of The Year – Tiernan McKinney, AE Global
• Innovation & Technology Award (sponsored by Allstate NI) – Share Energy
• Pub of The Year (sponsored by Derry Journal) – The Happy Landing
• Sustainability Champions Award (sponsored by Derry City & Strabane District Council) – Nicholl Fuel Oils
• Creative Marketer of The Year (sponsored by BHP Security) – Kular Fashion
• Business Hero – Jennifer Neff, The AMP Growth Incubator
• Small Business of The Year (sponsored by Bauer Media NI) – The AMP Growth Incubator & Lo & Slo (Joint Winners)
• Large Business of The Year (sponsored by Davy) – Derry Credit Union
• Brilliance in Business (sponsored by Bank of Ireland) – Alchemy Technology Services