The Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2026 delivered a vibrant and memorable evening at Easterbrook Hall, as more than 320 business personnel, entrepreneurs and community champions gathered to celebrate the very best of the region’s business community.
Now in its 10th year since launching in 2012, the awards have grown into one of the most anticipated events in the region’s calendar. With 15 awards presented across a wide range of sectors, this year’s event attracted an exceptional standard of entries, with the independent judging panel selecting 41 finalists from a highly competitive field.
The evening opened with recognition of the region’s young workforce and community champions, with awards presented in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) and Dumfries Town Board. Winners included Sarah McKnight, Campbell Wilson, Project Search, and The People’s Project Dumfries, each celebrated for their commitment to supporting young people and strengthening local communities.
Following dinner, guests enjoyed a lively “Scot or Not” quiz before the main awards resumed, honouring businesses across sustainability, tourism, hospitality, food and drink, customer service, and enterprise. Among the winners were:
- RJW Electrical Services – Net Zero Hero of the Year
- Horses4Help CIC – Outstanding Social Enterprise
- Barn and Bloom – Most Promising New Business
- Lockerbie Dental – Outstanding Customer Service
- Mostly Ghostly – Outstanding Tourism Business
- The Crichton Trust – Outstanding Hospitality
- Eat South West Scotland – Food & Drink Champion
- Kellwood Lighting, Albie Forestry, and GTR Contracts – Outstanding Small, Medium and Large Business respectively
- Wild Dook Sauna – Young Entrepreneur of the Year
The evening concluded with the prestigious Special Recognition Award for Business in Dumfries & Galloway, presented to Grange Quarry. Now in their 26th year, the family‑run business was honoured for its exceptional contribution to the region’s economy, community and long‑term sustainable growth.
Chamber President Kenny Bowie praised the winners and finalists, noting that the awards reflect “the incredible dedication, creativity and community spirit that make Dumfries & Galloway such a special place to do business.”
The event was supported by a strong network of local sponsors, including DYW Dumfries, The Crichton Trust, SP Energy Networks, Ashleigh Ltd, Tarff Valley, Vattenfall, BayWa‑re, Dumfries & Galloway College, Dumfries Town Board and Armstrong Watson.
Douglas Russell, Business Partner of sponsor Armstrong Watson said: “Delighted to host the Armstrong Watson table at another hugely successful and enjoyable annual D&G Chamber of Commerce Business Awards dinner. We are always proud to sponsor one of the awards, this year again being the “Outstanding Large Business of the Year” category. Many congratulations to the well deserving winners, GTR Contracts Limited. Congratulations also to all of the businesses nominated for all award categories. We are fortunate to have so many outstanding businesses in our region”.
Guests rounded off the night with live entertainment from Josephine & the Shades, who returned after a hugely popular performance in 2025.
The Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce extended thanks to all partners involved in delivering the event, including SW Audio, Light Up Your Venue, Pipscape Photography, Caitlin Wells Videography, Alba Printers, TB Watson, and the Easterbrook Hall hospitality team.
Photos of the evening can be found here: https://1drv.ms/f/c/fecbf4c8fd48b660/IgATEyEnJmM3T47eyIlIxUDJAT2HbHaJTkgXMfzGRjxZlCU
The 2026 awards once again showcased the remarkable talent and ambition within Dumfries & Galloway — a region whose businesses continue to innovate, inspire and lead the way. For more information about the Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce, please visit Partner for Business - Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce (dgchamber.co.uk)
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