A Highbridge business is celebrating success after being named one of the winners at the 2026 Somerset Business Awards, held during a record‑breaking gala evening at the Bath & West Showground in Shepton Mallet.
Highbridge‑based Bates Product Design took home the Manufacturing and Engineering Award, beating finalists from Somerton and Cheddar. Miles Bates of Bates Product Design is pictured received the Award from Sarah Allen of CNC Recruitment.
Nearly 500 business leaders from across the county attended the event, which marked the 21st anniversary of the awards.
The ceremony was organised by Somerset Chamber of Commerce and hosted by BBC Points West and BBC Somerset Business Correspondent Dave Harvey.
Somerset Chamber Managing Director David Crew said all finalists should be proud of their achievements.
“Each year, these awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable success stories in Somerset’s vibrant business community,” he said. “Despite ongoing economic challenges, businesses across the county have once again demonstrated outstanding resilience, innovation and excellence.”
Winners came from across Somerset, including Weston‑super‑Mare, Langport, Glastonbury, Taunton, Roadwater, Highbridge, Shepton Mallet, Yeovil and Wincanton.
2026 Somerset Business Awards – Winners
Manufacturing and Engineering Award
• Winner: Bates Product Design, Highbridge
• Runners‑up: Needles and Pins Aerospace, Somerton; Polyvine Ltd, Cheddar
Family Business of the Year
• Winner: Datel Services Ltd, Weston‑super‑Mare
• Runners‑up: A J Wakely & Sons, Yeovil; Polyvine Ltd, Cheddar
Small Business of the Year
• Winner: The Kiln Café, Langport
• Runners‑up: Dowlas Property Group, Cheddar; The FutureStrong Partnership CIC, Weston‑super‑Mare
Medium Business of the Year
• Winner: The Sleek Easy Clean, Glastonbury
• Runners‑up: Chrysalis Courses, Bridgwater; First Class Comms Ltd, Weston‑super‑Mare
Large Business of the Year
• Winner: Diverse Fine Food, Taunton
• Runners‑up: Berry & Escott Engineering, Bridgwater; Stantec, Taunton
Best Use of Digital Technology
• Winner: FHOSS, Weston‑super‑Mare
• Runners‑up: Lanier South West, Cheddar; Snugs Custom‑Fit Ltd, Watchet
Charity of the Year
• Winner: Arc, Taunton
• Runners‑up: Weston Hospicecare; Youth Adventure Trust
Employer of the Year
• Winner: Singer Instruments, Roadwater
• Runners‑up: Calleva Limited, Bridgwater; Optimus Education Limited, Taunton
Investing in Somerset Award
• Winner: Imagine the Possibilities, Taunton
• Runners‑up: Reminiscence Learning, Wellington; School in a Bag, Chilthorne Dormer
Start‑up of the Year
• Winner: The FutureStrong Partnership CIC, Weston‑super‑Mare
• Runners‑up: Be Laser & Skin Clinic, Taunton; West Country Cabs Ltd, Ilminster
Apprentice of the Year
• Winner: Sydney Winter, Boon Brown, Yeovil
• Runners‑up: Ben Parkin, Garador, Yeovil; Chloe Pavey, Talking Stick Digital, Bridgwater
Environmental and Sustainability Award
• Winner: SG Eyecare, Wincanton
• Runners‑up: Channel Events, Minehead; Mill on the Brue Outdoor Education Centre, Bruton
Service Excellence Award
• Winner: Nest GI
• Runners‑up: Haskins Furniture, Shepton Mallet; Lendology, Bradford‑on‑Tone
Business Resilience and Growth Award
• Winner: Haskins Furniture, Shepton Mallet
• Runners‑up: CL Drylining Ltd, Bridgwater; Wrencon, Taunton
