More than a quarter of the finalists for the UK’s Private Business Awards 2026 are based across the North of England, according to shortlists released this week.

Firms from Yorkshire, the North West, and the North East secured 28 of the 98 places across 11 categories in the national awards programme, which is sponsored by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. The initiative celebrates privately owned or private-equity backed businesses with an annual turnover exceeding £10 million (approximately $13 million). The remaining nominees are distributed across London, the Midlands, Scotland, and southern England.

Yorkshire businesses claimed 15 nominations, with firms such as scientific consultancy Fera Science, healthcare provider One Medical Group, and engineering business Wilson Power Solutions receiving multiple mentions. The North West secured 12 places, representing operations including independent brewer JW Lees, online property platform OpenRent, and corporate services provider Perch Group. The North East is represented on the national stage by Newcastle-based property technology firm iamproperty, which was shortlisted for VC or PE Backed Business of the Year.

The finalists were selected by an independent judging panel from more than 700 nominations nationwide. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner at The Savoy Hotel in London on Thursday 10 September 2026.

Gareth Lynton Jones, Partner at BDO in Yorkshire and the North East, commented: “These awards are designed to champion the ambitious private and PE-backed companies that are the engine of the UK economy.

“These companies - and the people behind them - continue to drive UK economic growth across every region and sector. The awards shine a light on the innovation, ambition and success that should be commended and will inspire other businesses.

“Despite economic uncertainty and a challenging business environment, this shortlist brings to life the impressive leadership, performance and resilience across the private sector. It reiterates the opportunity for the entrepreneurial, ambitious and growing mid-sized businesses that BDO is proud to work with.

“I look forward to celebrating with all the shortlisted businesses in September and would like to congratulate everyone involved.”

Yorkshire and The Humber Finalists
Bond International (R & RC Bond Wholesale Ltd)
Harmony Energy Ltd
Pagabo Group Ltd
MY Pension Expert Ltd
Fera Science
HUB
One Medical Group Ltd
Pure Gym Ltd
Twinkl Ltd
Wilson Power Solutions Ltd
Elovate Group Ltd

North West Finalists
Distology
OpenRent
Vertice Group Ltd
Calisen Group (Holdings) Ltd
JW Lees Brewery
Asset Protection Group
Travel Counsellors Ltd
Perch Holdco Ltd
LWC Drinks Ltd
handl Group

North East Finalist
iamproperty