Harlow Awards recognise the incredible people and organisations that make our town unique.
The awards are about shining a spotlight on the very best of Harlow: our inspiring local businesses, dedicated charities, outstanding volunteers, creative innovators, community champions, and the everyday residents who go the extra mile without ever seeking recognition.
We’re inviting everyone - businesses, groups, schools, families, neighbours, and individuals - to get involved by nominating the people and projects that truly make a difference.
Categories and winners
This year’s awards feature a range of categories designed to recognise excellence, innovation, and community spirit across Harlow.
New Business of the Year
Celebrates outstanding new enterprises (less than 3 years old) that demonstrate strong early performance, clear purpose, and potential for long-term contribution to Harlow’s economy and community.
Winner 2026: David Lloyd Harlow
Business of the Year
Awarded to a business that has excelled across all areas - growth, innovation, leadership, community contribution, customer satisfaction, and long-term resilience. This represents the highest business accolade.
Winner 2026: The Sandwich Bar
Entrepreneur of the Year
Recognises an individual who has shown exceptional drive, creativity, leadership, and risk‑taking in creating or growing a business in Harlow.
Winner 2026: Body Fresh Fitness
Innovation and Technology Award
Honours organisations pushing boundaries through technology, research, digital transformation, or new ways of working that bring significant benefit to customers or the community.
Winner 2026: Japeto Labs
Environmental Stewardship Award
Celebrates businesses, community groups or volunteers with an outstanding commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, climate action, or environmental education that makes Harlow greener for future generations.
Winner 2026: Plant Pots and Wellies
Harlow Heroes: Community Impact Award
Recognises a business, charity, or organisation that has gone above and beyond to support local people, strengthen communities, or deliver social value in Harlow.
Winner 2026: Sue Wood
Volunteer of the Year
Honours an individual whose exceptional commitment, generosity of time, and dedication to helping others has made a significant positive impact on the community.
Winner 2026: Sgt Ann Rumelhart
Accessibility and Inclusion Award
Celebrates individuals, groups, or organisations that champion inclusivity, improve access for all, remove barriers, and ensure that Harlow is a welcoming place for everyone.
Winner 2026: Harlow Rugby Club
Heritage and Culture Award
Recognises contributions to arts, culture, heritage, preservation, creative expression, or community storytelling that enrich the town’s identity and cultural life.
Winner 2026: Victoria Hall Theatre
Chair’s Award for Excellence
The Chair’s personal award, recognising a person, organisation, or project that has shown exceptional excellence, made an extraordinary contribution to Harlow, or demonstrated values that reflect the very best of the town.
Winner 2026: Hip Hop Pop