Mid Ulster District Council’s Business and Environment Awards 2026 aims to recognise businesses, groups and individuals who make a valuable contribution to the economy and the environment.
These awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the contributions of businesses, organisations and individuals across Mid Ulster who are driving positive change. They will showcase exceptional performance across a range of categories supporting economic growth and environmental responsibility.
The winners will be announced at Mid Ulster District Council’s Business and Environment Awards 2026 on 19 February 2026 in Burnavon Arts & Cultural Centre, Burn Road, Cookstown.
Nominating is easy
To nominate, just complete the form at the nominate now link below. Please read the guidance notes prior to submitting your online nomination.
Nominations Opening Soon
Nominations must be received by 12 noon on the 15 January 2026 in order to be considered for the Business and Environment Awards 2026 applications after this date WILL NOT be accepted.
Please note: The Assessment Panel can only score on information provided in the nomination form so it is important that you read the guidance notes and complete each section, supplying as much information as possible to enable the assessment panel to award an appropriate score.
The decision of the assessment panel is final.
Return of nominations
If you are unable to submit an online nomination, you can request to submit a hard copy nomination. Hard copy nominations WILL NOT be accepted unless you have obtained prior permission. For more details on the Business and Environment Awards or to request a hard copy nomination form contact:
Name: Emma Hughes
Email Address: Emma.Hughes@midulstercouncil.org
Tel number: 03000 132 132 Extension: 24607
The categories are:
Best Small Business Award
This award celebrates an outstanding small business that demonstrates innovation, and resilience, while making a meaningful impact within its sector, customers and the economy.
Entrants should demonstrate the following:
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Financial Performance & Stability: Showing effective financial planning, budgeting, and sustainable growth.
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Innovation & Flexibility: Demonstrating innovative products/services, use of technology, and problem-solving approaches.
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Customer Experience: Highlighting a strong presence, and customer loyalty.
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
Best Medium Business Award
This award celebrates an outstanding medium business that demonstrates innovation, and resilience, while making a meaningful impact within its sector, customers and the economy. Entrants should demonstrate the following:-
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Financial Performance & Stability: Showing effective financial planning, budgeting, and sustainable growth.
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Innovation & Flexibility: Demonstrating innovative, use of technology, and creative solutions to challenges.
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Customer Experience: Having a strong brand presence and customer base.
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Organisational Development: Being an inclusive workplace, encouraging staff growth, and positive leadership.
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Community Engagement & Impact: Highlighting a contribution to job creation and local community initiatives.
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Digital Innovation: Implementing effective use of digital tools or platforms for business growth.
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
Best Large Business Award
This award celebrates a large business that demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovation, and sustained growth. The organisation should make a significant contribution to its sector, workforce, and wider society, driving economic progress both within Mid Ulster and beyond. Entrants should demonstrate the following:-
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Innovation & Flexibility: Demonstrating innovative products/services, strategic use of technology, and adaptability in a changing market.
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Customer Experience & Market Performance: Identified as having a significant brand presence, strong customer loyalty, and collaborate with local businesses or industry leaders.
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Organisational Development & Culture: Promoting a positive, inclusive workplace culture, encourage staff development, and strong leadership.
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Community Engagement & Impact: Actively contributing to job creation and local community initiatives.
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Digital Innovation: Being a leader in digital innovation, using advanced tools and platforms to drive efficiency, growth, and customer experience.
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Industry Leadership: Contributing to setting industry standards, collaborating with industry bodies or government, manage large multi-site operations, and demonstrating a long-term strategic vision.
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
Best Independent Retailer / Service Award
This award celebrates independent retailers and service businesses that provide exceptional and vital services to their local community. These businesses will offer unique and memorable customer experiences while demonstrating a strong commitment to their local area. Entrants should demonstrate the following:-
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Contribution to local retail or service excellence
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Unique product offerings, services, or in-store/venue experiences
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Evidence of technological innovation within the business.
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Provides a valuable role to their local community.
Apprentice of the Year Award
This award celebrates an outstanding apprentice who demonstrates exceptional, commitment, initiative, and contribution to their role. The winner will show strong potential for future career progression and the ability to work effectively both independently and within a team. Entrants should demonstrate the following:-
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Outstanding Achievements: Notable accomplishments in the workplace or training programme.
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Personal qualities: A well-rounded individual showing initiative, resilience, and professionalism.
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Teamwork: Effective collaboration and contribution to team success.
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Commitment to development: Dedication to learning, growth, and career progression.
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Innovation and initiative: Creative thinking and proactive contributions in the workplace.
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
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Apprentice who has completed or is nearing completion of their apprenticeship at time of nomination.
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Must be nominated by their employer or training provider.
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Undertaking an apprenticeship with a Mid Ulster employer.
Employer of Choice Award
This award celebrates an organisation that prioritises the wellbeing, development, and satisfaction of employees. It recognises inclusive and supportive workplaces where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to reach their full potential. Entrants should demonstrate the following:-Risi
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Inclusive and encouraging leadership: demonstrated commitment to listening, supporting, and empowering staff at all levels.
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Positive workplace culture: evidence of a respectful, collaborative, and motivating environment; uphold the principles of partnership working and promote a sense of shared responsibility among employees and the organisation
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Company commitment to employee development: evidence of investment in training, mentoring, and continuous learning opportunities; demonstrable career development and a strong record of retaining talent
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Diversity and inclusion: Policies and practices that promote equality and an inclusive work culture.
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Work-life satisfaction: Policies and practices that promote flexibility and employee wellbeing enabling individuals to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
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Fair pay: Commitment to pay all employees a fair and competitive wage based on the principle of equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability. Where possible, pay real living wage.
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The awards framework and assessment criteria are built around the five principles of Mid Ulster District Council’s Good Employment Charter to ensure they reflect and reinforce good employment practice:
https://www.midulstercouncil.org/your-council/good-employment-charter
Best Social Enterprise Award
This award celebrates social enterprises that go beyond profit to make a meaningful difference in their communities. It recognises an organisation that delivers impactful initiatives, champions ethical practices, and leads with purpose creating lasting social value across Mid Ulster. Entrants should demonstrate the following:-
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A clear social focus that drives the organisation’s work.
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Key achievements and milestones that show how the business contributes to the local community.
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Ethical and sustainable practices that support long-term viability and positive change.
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Collaborative partnerships with stakeholders, such as community groups and charities.
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Evidence of outcomes from social responsibility efforts, showing real-world impact.
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Reinvestment of profits or resources into the local community.
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Active employee involvement in community-focused initiatives.
Rising Star Awards
The Rising Star Award celebrates an individual who shines brightly within their chosen career path. This award recognises those who have shown exceptional promise, ambition, and growth within their role in business. It highlights those who are not only developing their own skills and knowledge but are also making a real impact and inspiring those around them. Whether through personal drive, innovation or leadership potential, this award recognises the rising talents of today who are destined to shape the future of business tomorrow. Entrants should demonstrate the following;
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Is thriving in the workplace and has the potential to become a future leader.
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Demonstrates commitment to personal development and progression.
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Shows outstanding contribution to the workplace – in particular, areas or projects where they have exceeded expectations.
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Demonstrates inspirational levels of achievement and attainment.
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Is a role model for peers.
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Individual must be nominated by their Mid Ulster based employer.
Mid Ulster Climate Champion
This award celebrates an individual or team that has shown exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to tackling climate change. This award recognises those taking action to reduce carbon emissions, build resilience to climate change, and inspire others to do the same. Entrants should demonstrate the following:
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Demonstrated, measurable action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance climate resilience, or support adaptation within their organisation or community.
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Impact relative to the size and capacity of the nominee (i.e. both large-scale and grassroots efforts are valued)
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Shown leadership and influence in promoting climate action within their organisation, sector or the wider community.
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Development or application of innovative solutions or ideas to address climate challenges.
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Effective engagement with stakeholders, partners, or communities to drive climate action.
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Worked to raise awareness, educate others, or share knowledge about climate issues and solutions.
Please note that this category is open to applications from individuals or teams within businesses, schools, community groups and sports clubs.
Net Zero Project of the Year
This award celebrates organisations that are leading the way toward a greener, more sustainable future. It recognises outstanding projects or initiatives that demonstrate measurable progress in reducing environmental impact, promoting renewable energy, and advancing the district’s journey toward net zero by 2050. Entrants should show how their actions contribute to lasting environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Entrants should demonstrate the following:
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Tangible environmental benefits, such as reduced carbon emissions, energy or water use, waste generation, or pollution.
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Integration of renewable energy, including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, hydrogen, or energy storage solutions.
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Leadership and advocacy in promoting sustainability and renewable energy adoption within their organisation, sector, or community.
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Collaboration and education that have inspired others to take action or contributed to broader community awareness.
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Evidence of measurable outcomes, such as carbon reduction data, renewable energy usage percentages, or biodiversity improvements.
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Alignment with the Mid Ulster District Council’s Sustainability Strategy and Climate Action Plan, a copy of which can be found at Climate Change and Sustainability | Mid Ulster District Council.
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Long-term impact and scalability, showing potential for the initiative to be sustained, replicated, or expanded over time.
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Please note that this category is open to applications from businesses, schools, community groups and sports clubs.
Environmental Education & Engagement Award
This award celebrates an organisation making a meaningful impact on knowledge, behaviour, or community participation. It recognises outstanding efforts to educate and engage people of all ages in environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Entrants should demonstrate the following:
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Innovative educational programs or campaigns
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Measurable impact on knowledge, behaviour, or community participation
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Inclusive and accessible engagement methods
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Evidence of collaboration / partnerships with other organisations that contributed to the project’s success.
Please note that this category is open to applications from businesses, schools, community groups and sports clubs.
Excellence in Resource Management Award
This award celebrates organisations who are embracing the principles of the circular economy. It recognises organisations demonstrating outstanding performance in the efficient and sustainable use of resources across its operations. Entrants should demonstrate the following:
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Significant reductions in material, energy, or water consumption
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Implementation of circular economy principles e.g. use of recycled or renewable materials.
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Product design for longevity, reuse, or recycling.
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Innovative approaches to minimising waste and optimising processes, materials, or logistics.
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Partnerships and collaboration that have strengthened results, such as working with suppliers, local authorities, or community groups to achieve shared goals.
Please note that this category is open to applications from businesses, schools, community groups and sports clubs.