Organised by Dartford Borough Council and supported by a range of valued partners and sponsors, the awards celebrate excellence across the borough's vibrant business and voluntary sectors. With a variety of categories available, the awards are all free to enter and open to organisations of all sizes, from independent start-ups and local shops, to established businesses and charities.
This year’s categories are:
Best Owner-Managed Business – sponsored by The Nucleus Business & Innovation Centre, Oxford Innovation Space and ARC UK
Employee of the Year - sponsored by The Learning Shop Bluewater and Fairfield Leisure
The Young Person’s Award – sponsored by North Kent College
The Dartford Living Customers’ Choice Award – sponsored by Dartford Living
Shop of the Year – sponsored by Bluewater Shopping Centre
The Good for the Community Award (for businesses)
The Good for Society Award (for charities) – sponsored by Downton & Ali Associates and Fox Estate Agents
The Bluewater Award – sponsored by Bluewater Shopping Centre
Dartford Living is also returning as an official media partner, helping to showcase the stories and achievements of local organisations throughout the awards programme.
The awards offer much more than a trophy. Entrants and winners benefit from increased profile, valuable networking opportunities, and recognition among the wider business community. Businesses and charities wishing to enter must be based within the Dartford Borough Council business rates area and have been trading for at least a full year to 1st January 2026.
Leader of the Council Jeremy Kite MBE said: "One of the things that makes Dartford such a great place is the strength and ambition of the people behind our businesses and charities. Every year, these awards give us the chance to recognise those who go the extra mile, create opportunities for others, and make a real difference to our community. Over the years, businesses that have taken part have expressed how useful the Awards have been in boosting their profile and recognition amongst customers, so I would encourage businesses and charities of every size to put themselves forward and be part of what promises to be another fantastic celebration."
Lead Member for Business, and this year’s Mayor of Dartford, Councillor Avtar Sandhu MBE said: "Our local business community continues to demonstrate resilience, creativity and determination, helping to drive Dartford's success and growth. These awards are an opportunity to recognise those achievements and celebrate the positive impact they have on the borough. I look forward to learning more about this year's nominees and celebrating the outstanding work taking place across Dartford."
Applications and nominations will be open until 11.59pm on Sunday 6th September, with details available via the Dartford Business Awards website and social media channels.
The 2026 Dartford Business Awards will culminate in a special awards ceremony at Bluewater Shopping Centre on Thursday 8th October, bringing our community together for an evening of recognition and celebration.
The 2026 Dartford Business Awards are sponsored by:
ARC UK
Bluewater Shopping Centre
Dartford Borough Council
Dartford Living
Downton & Ali Associates
Fairfield Leisure
Fox Estate Agents
North Kent College
Oxford Innovation Space
The Learning Shop Bluewater
The Nucleus Business & Innovation Centre
To enter The Dartford Living Customers’ Choice Award visit our page to enter.
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