The 2026 Leicestershire Business Awards celebrate organisations demonstrating expertise, resilience and a clear commitment to the people they serve. This year’s winners range from established family businesses and specialist consultancies to newer ventures developing thoughtful responses to challenges within their industries. Together, they reflect the breadth of knowledge, ambition and responsible business practice found across Leicestershire.

Our 2026 Leicestershire Business Award Winners

Rapid progress following a demanding transition has earned Neon Innovation Ltd the title of Business Consultancy of the Year in the Business Consultancy Awards. Established independently in November 2024 after the planned closure of its former operation, the Melton Mowbray consultancy retained much of its experienced team and successfully rebuilt its client base. Its specialists have collectively secured more than £300 million in finance for innovators, while the development of its Neon Navigator grant management platform demonstrates a practical understanding of the compliance and reporting challenges clients face after funding has been awarded.

A personal approach maintained across generations is central to Bellamy Eyecare, winner of Family Business of the Year in the Family Business Awards. Led by husband-and-wife team Alan and Tracey Bellamy, with support from other family members and long-serving employees, the independent practice combines continuity of care with investment in advanced eye health technology. Its 45-minute private examinations, OCT scanning and steadily growing Eyeplan membership have helped Bellamy Eyecare protect the familiar, relationship-led service that has retained clients across decades.

More than 30 years of clinical sleep science experience underpin the work of Ashby Sleep Solutions, named Best Health and Wellbeing Facility in the Health and Wellbeing Awards. The specialist practice provides responsive, personalised support for conditions including insomnia, sleep anxiety, circadian rhythm disorders and menopause-related sleep disruption. With most clients receiving an assessment and structured plan within seven days, and an overall reported success rate of 83 per cent, the service makes evidence-based sleep support more accessible while recognising the close relationship between sleep, mental health and everyday functioning.

Long-term relationships and specialist risk knowledge distinguish Harborough Portas as Independent Business Consultancy of the Year in the Business Consultancy Awards. The independent insurance broker has supported businesses since 1978, giving each client direct access to a senior qualified director throughout the relationship. Its Corporate Chartered Insurance Broker status, sector-specific expertise and continued investment in professional development support advice that is both technically informed and tailored to the individual risks and ambitions of each organisation.

Turning difficult personal experience into practical support for others has contributed to Places for People receiving the Rising Star Award in the Property Awards. Alongside maintaining a strong commitment to clients while experiencing domestic abuse and homelessness, a member of the organisation’s team has helped strengthen internal domestic abuse policies and trained as an ambassador for colleagues. Their work has also supported more than 30 clients in leaving abusive situations, establishing secure homes and accessing additional financial assistance, demonstrating the valuable role compassionate, informed support can play within housing services.

A welfare-led alternative to conventional dog daycare has secured Hounds Daycare Ltd the Rising Star Award in the Pet and Animal Care Awards. Founded by Kirsty Williams in 2024, the business uses secure woodland surroundings, carefully matched friendship groups and behaviour-based assessments to provide dogs with an appropriate balance of enrichment, socialisation and rest. Its expansion into home boarding, pet sitting, transport and other complementary services shows considered early growth without moving away from the animal welfare principles on which the business was founded.

Expertise with a Strong Sense of Responsibility

This year’s Leicestershire winners show how professional expertise can be strengthened by consistency, empathy and a willingness to respond to genuine needs. Their achievements include helping innovative businesses access vital finance, making specialist healthcare available without lengthy delays, protecting organisations from complex risks and providing personalised services built around long-term trust.

There is also a clear commitment to responsible growth across the winning organisations. Whether maintaining the character of a family business, supporting people through difficult circumstances or developing more welfare-conscious approaches to animal care, our winners have grown by remaining attentive to those who depend on their services.

Business Awards UK congratulates all our 2026 Leicestershire winners. Their achievements provide a credible picture of a regional business community combining specialist knowledge with resilience, thoughtful leadership and sustained care for clients, colleagues and the wider community.