Parkway Shopping Sponsors Best Town Centre Business Award

The NWN Best in Business Awards 2026 will celebrate the vibrant businesses that contribute to the community spirit in Newbury, with Parkway Shopping stepping forward as the sponsor for the Best Town Centre Business category. Andrew Marmot, manager of Parkway Shopping, emphasized the significance of recognizing local firms that foster a welcoming atmosphere in the town.

Marmot remarked, “Newbury is a brilliant town, and the Best in Business Awards are a fantastic way to recognise the people and organisations that make it special.” He expressed excitement about the sponsorship, highlighting the need to honor businesses that enhance the town centre experience and promote a strong sense of community.

Nominations are currently open for the awards, which will take place at Newbury Racecourse on April 10, 2026. The event promises to be a highlight for local businesses, providing valuable networking opportunities while showcasing the best in the district. The deadline for entries is 5 p.m. on January 29, 2026, and participants can nominate businesses other than their own.

The awards feature several categories designed to celebrate diverse aspects of business excellence. Notable categories include:

– **Best Business Innovation**, sponsored by Special Auction Services. This award seeks to honor organizations demonstrating exceptional innovation in their products or services.

– **Best Customer Experience**, focusing on businesses that excel in customer satisfaction at every interaction.

– **Best Green Business**, aimed at companies committed to sustainable practices in response to climate challenges.

– **Best Independent Retailer**, sponsored by Harrison & Green, recognizes independent businesses vital to the uniqueness of local high streets.

– **Best New Business**, for enterprises established within the last five years that have achieved notable success.

– **Best Professional Services**, sponsored by Newbury Racecourse, celebrates excellence in service delivery across various professional sectors.

The Best Town Centre Business award is particularly significant, as it highlights businesses that contribute to the vibrancy and community spirit of the town centre. Marmot stated, “We’re looking for a business that contributes to the town centre experience, supports others, and helps create a real sense of community.”

This year’s awards will also feature the prestigious West Berkshire’s Business of the Year title, awarded to one of the category winners. The evening will culminate with the presentation of the John Hampson Award, honoring organizations making a meaningful impact on youth in the community. Last year, this award was presented to Code Ninjas for their exceptional contributions.

Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere at the awards ceremony, complete with casino tables, street food, and entertainment options like racing simulators, courtesy of Forrest Motorsport. Harrison & Green will provide décor for the event, ensuring a memorable experience for all participants.

Newbury Weekly News editor Andy Murrill highlighted the importance of these awards, stating, “The NWN Best in Business Awards celebrate everything good in the West Berkshire business community. We organise the awards as part of our commitment to champion the local economy.”

For those interested in participating, entries can be submitted via the awards website, where further information on sponsorship opportunities is also available. The deadline for submissions is set for 4 p.m. on January 29, 2026.