Businesses, community organisations and local champions across Newcastle-under-Lyme were celebrated at the LoveNUL Business Awards 2026 last week.

Organised by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and supported by headline sponsor Keele University, the fourth annual awards took place at St Giles Church on Friday 9 October.

The awards ceremony this year followed more than 500 nominations and around 4,000 public votes.

Winners were recognised across 13 categories, combining six public vote awards with seven judges' choice awards, alongside a special Lifetime Achievement Award.

Charlotte Pearce, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Manager, said: "Behind every nomination is someone who has noticed the care, hard work or kindness of a local business or individual.

"Reading those stories is one of the most rewarding parts of organising these awards and it was wonderful to bring 170 people together at St Giles to celebrate that contribution.

"From established family businesses to newer ventures and the people working quietly behind the scenes, our winners and finalists give us so much to be proud of."

The awards evening was hosted by Dan Townley of 6 Towns Radio, and showcased local talent through the businesses and people delivering its production, entertainment, food and drink.

Newcastle-under-Lyme BID explained that they wanted to bring the awards' message of supporting local into every part of the celebration.

Keele University's headline sponsorship also reflected a shared commitment to supporting the local economy.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Kevin Shakesheff's 'Shop Local' initiative encourages students, staff and the wider community to discover independent businesses and spend more locally.

Charlotte Pearce added: "We're incredibly grateful to Keele University, our headline sponsor and all our category sponsors for helping us bring this celebration to life.

"Professor Shakesheff's shop local initiative shares a message we champion throughout the year: choosing to spend locally helps sustain the businesses, jobs and experiences that make our town special.

"That commitment ran throughout the evening, with local people providing everything from production and performances to food and drink.

"We're proud to showcase the talent on our doorstep and hope guests will go on to support, book and recommend the businesses that helped make the night possible."

The LoveNUL Business Awards 2026 winners were:

• Beauty & Wellbeing Business of the Year: Funeral of Hearts Tattoo Studio
• Business Services of the Year: Limelight Marketing Communications Ltd
• Café & Coffee Shop of the Year: No. 21 Cafe and Sandwich Bar
• Hospitality Venue of the Year: Breeze Bowls
• Pub, Beer & Ale Venue of the Year: Mellards
• Retailer of the Year: Tony Price Butchers
• Customer Service of the Year: Kevin Lownds Funeral Services
• New Business of the Year: EM Beauty Clinic
• Market & Event Trader of the Year: Backyard Burgers
• Visitor Attraction of the Year: New Vic Theatre
• Community Connector: Castle Creatives
• Newcastle Ambassador of the Year: Elise Turner
• Unsung Hero of the Year: Newcastle Food Bank (Newcastle Central)
• Lifetime Achievement: Jim Worgan

The evening concluded with a special Lifetime Achievement Award for Jim Worgan, celebrating his lasting contribution to Newcastle-under-Lyme.

A local historian, who has also been awarded the Freedom of the Borough, Jim has helped preserve and share the town's heritage, alongside his involvement in Britain in Bloom and his commitment to the community.

Nigel Davies, Co-Chair of Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: "These awards show the breadth of talent and commitment we have in Newcastle. Our businesses provide personal service, create jobs and give people reasons to visit, while our community organisations and local champions make a difference to people's lives every day.

"Congratulations to all our winners and finalists. We hope the awards encourage people to discover somewhere new, revisit a favourite and continue supporting Newcastle's businesses throughout the year."

Newcastle-under-Lyme BID also thanked Keele University, all category sponsors, the judging panel, local suppliers and everyone who nominated or voted for helping to make the awards possible.