THE finalists for the Hailsham Business Awards 2026 have been announced, with dozens of local businesses, organisations and individuals shortlisted across 11 categories.
Following a rigorous judging process, nominations have now been narrowed down to the final three contenders in each category ahead of the awards ceremony later this year.
The winners will be determined through a combination of mystery shopping, public voting and assessment by an independent judging panel.
Residents are now being encouraged to support their favourite businesses by casting their votes before voting closes on Sunday, June 14.
Among the businesses shortlisted are familiar names from across the town’s thriving business community, representing sectors including retail, hospitality, health and wellbeing, trades, professional services, property and media.
The shortlisted finalists are:
Small Business Award (1-5 employees)
- Millies
- Unit 8 Barbers
- Window Solutions
Medium Business Award (6-10 employees)
- Beyond the Fringe
- Focus Medical Eye Centre
- Hailsham Chiropractic
Large Business Award (11+ employees)
- Britannia Beckwith
- Knockhatch Adventure Park
- Setyres
Health and Wellbeing Award
- Kathy B Fitness
- Kerry Knight Holistic Wellbeing
- MissionFiit
Hospitality Award
- Geos
- Hops & Ground
- The Royal Indian
Property Professional Award
- Barwells Solicitors
- Roland Dunn
- Stevens & Carter
Creative Media and Advertising Award
- Hailsham FM
- Hailsham News
- Stears Photography
Charity and Community Award
- Hailsham Boxing Club
- Hailsham Festival
- Southern Ski Club for the Disabled
Outstanding Professional Services Award
- ECK Bookkeeping
- Nic Gray & Associates
- RTJ Group
Trade Excellence Award
- Juice Electrical
- MS Steelworks
- TQ Mechanix
Young Achiever Award
- Callum Ralph (Creative Curtains & Blinds)
- Katie Turner (Katie’s Place Aesthetics)
- Lucy Brown (Stevens & Carter)
The awards are being led by head judge Alex Polizzi, the renowned hotelier, entrepreneur and television broadcaster best known for presenting Channel 5’s The Hotel Inspector.
Alex brings extensive business and customer service expertise to the judging process. Her career has included training with the Mandarin Oriental hotel group, co-founding Millers Bakery, and operating The Polizzi Collection of hotels, including The Star in nearby Alfriston.
The winners will be revealed at the Hailsham Business Awards ceremony, which takes place at Blackstock Country Estate in Hellingly on Friday, September 25.
Organisers say the awards are designed to celebrate the businesses, organisations and individuals who help make Hailsham a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
Members of the public can vote for their favourites online until June 14 – click here to vote.
