Shortlist of finalists unveiled for Stirling Business Awards 2026
A shortlist of finalists for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards has been announced after more than 16,000 votes were cast during the selection process.
Article Source: Go Forth Stirling
Last Updated: 16 January 2026 11:16
Image: Erol’s Tailor Shop was named Service-led Business of the Year at the Stirling Business Awards 2025. Owner Erol Deniz is pictured with his Award.
Three contenders are shortlisted for each of the 14 honours with a further round of online voting now open to choose the winners via independentstirling.co.uk
The winners of the Business Awards, organised by Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District (BID), will be revealed during the week beginning Monday March 2 with trophies awarded to the successful business owners during individual presentations at their premises.
Meanwhile, the winner of the Outstanding Woman in Business Award will be announced on International Women’s Day – Sunday March 8.
Go Forth launched the awards four years ago to recognise and reward the city’s business owners.
Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “Once again we’ve had a great response to our annual business awards. And now, in a change to the usual format, we are inviting the public to pick the business – or person – they believe is the most deserving winner from the shortlist of three finalists in each category.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the winning businesses revealed in March as we celebrate Stirling’s exceptional business owners, the city’s flourishing independent sector and its wide range of national retailers.
“Voters can now go online and select their favourite accommodation, shop, pub, café, charity shop, hair & beauty salon, visitor attraction and more from those listed in each category. Good luck and congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted.”
The awards categories include Charity of the Year with Strathcarron Hospice, Start Up Stirling and Creative Stirling among the finalists while those shortlisted for Charity Shop of the Year are Reclaimers, Something Old Something New and Shelter.
Those shortlisted for Restaurant of the Year are Brea, An Darna and Fletchers with Book Nook, Toast and Janna's Bakery competing for the title of Café of the Year.
Finalists in the Pub category are Slanj A Va, Nicky-Tams and Molly Malones with Frances Hunter, Simpson & Co and Studio Twenty Two in the running for Hair & Beauty Business of the Year.
Competing for the Independent Retailer of the Year honour are Contempo, Ian Gallacher Jewellery and The Scottish Gantry while Marks & Spencer, Sostrene Grene and Waterstones are finalists for National Retailer of the Year.
Contenders for Most Attractive Shop Front are Tinkerbells Emporium, A'ila Home and Made in Stirling while King Street Aparthotel, Stirling Highland Hotel and the Golden Lion have made the shortlist for Accommodation of the Year.
The finalists for the Service-Led Business Award are Crafted Dental, Kerr Stirling and Computer Division with Old Town Jail, Stirling Castle and Stirling Distillery in the running for Visitor Attraction of the Year.
The New Business Award, for businesses which opened in the past year, will go to either Piotsa, Souperb or Studio King Street while the finalists for Outstanding Woman in Business are Khyra Smith of Safebase, Creative Stirling founder Joe Hall and Sam Reid from Stirling Pride.
Voting for the winning businesses closes on Friday February 13 with the winners announced on social media in early March.
The Stirling Business Awards are one of Go Forth’s many initiatives aimed at highlighting and showcasing Stirling’s wide range of independent and national businesses.
They highlight the entrepreneurial owners and teams behind Stirling's outstanding business community and are voted for by the public.
Go Forth Stirling BID represents more than 600 business owners with a key objective of increasing visitors to the city and devising initiatives to help make it a more welcoming destination for businesses and shoppers.
For more information, visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
From a single cottage to a nationwide network as Hostelling Scotland marks 95 years
Hostelling Scotland marks 95 years by releasing archive and contemporary images charting its journey from a single converted cottage in 1931 to a nationwide network of hostels.
READ MORE
Scotland Home of the Year star, Danny Campbell, set to host design workshop at Sterling Home
Shoppers and interior design fans are invited to a fun-filled day out as Sterling Home hosts a special in-store event at its recently refurbished Tillicoultry store on Saturday 21st February.
READ MORE
Sophie Ellis Bextor and Marc Almond join huge line up at Discovery Festival 2026
The full line-up for Dundee's Discovery Festival has been announced, joining the epic roster are Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Marc Almond, The Wanted 2.0 and Haircut 100!
READ MORE
Country and Western themed Sound Bites Festival promises locals and visitors a rootin tootin time
Alloa town centre is set to be bustling with activity when Sound Bites Festival rides back into town for its second year on Saturday 28 March, this time with a country and western theme.
READ MORE
Big screen family fun lands at Vue this February half term
With a fantastic roster of brand-new blockbusters and familiar favourites, there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Vue this Scottish half term!
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland marks major milestone for its Scottish Sport Fund
Aldi Scotland has marked a major milestone for its Scottish Sport Fund, reaching £500,000 in donations after ten years of supporting grassroots sports clubs across the country.
READ MORE
Love is in the air as the biggest wedding showcase in Scotland returns this weekend!
The ever-popular Scottish Wedding Show returns to Glasgow this Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February, bringing together thousands of happy couples for a loved-up weekend of wedding planning fun!
READ MORE
Pioneering street dance collective THREE60 take their work on tour across Scotland
This Spring, pioneering street dance collective THREE60 are taking their bold and highly energetic show World’s Evolution on tour across Scotland.
READ MORE
Celebrate Galentines Day with Pride and Prejudice at Stirling Castle
This Friday 13th February, Stirling Castle is hosting the perfect Galentine's Day celebration with a special showing of the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film.
READ MORE
Studio King Street Shortlisted for Stirling Business Awards 2026: New Business of the Year
Studio King Street, a joint venture with Johnston Media, has been shortlisted for the New Business of the Year category at the 2026 Stirling Business Awards.
READ MORE
Top 10 family days and dining deals to enjoy in Scotland this February half term
From the World of Illusions to dazzling jellyfish lanterns, Scotland is packed with unforgettable adventures for the whole family to enjoy!
READ MORE
Des Clarke brings new comedy show, Life After Des, to Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow
After more than a decade away from touring (yes, ten full years), Des Clarke is back where he belongs... under the lights, mic in hand, oversharing for your entertainment.
READ MORE
Half term savings at Dobbies
Families looking for great-value half-term days out will find plenty to enjoy at Dobbies Garden Centres this February.
READ MORE
The fastest growing multi arts festival in Scotland returns for 2026
Kelburn Garden Party returns this July to the enchanted grounds of Kelburn Castle in Scotland, celebrating its 16th year of music, art, nature and adventure!
READ MORE
Commonwealth nations confirmed for 3x3 Basketball at Glasgow 2026
Glasgow 2026 has confirmed the nations set to compete in the 3x3 Basketball competition at this summer's Commonwealth Games.
READ MORE
The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show: Everything You Need To Know
With up to 200 exhibitors showcasing everything from motorhomes to boats, e-bikes, tents and awnings, this year’s show has something for every type of adventure.
READ MORE
Dobbies launches Easter events with fun for families and four legged friends
Dobbies is inviting families and pets to join the Easter fun, with a fantastic selection of events to enjoy!
READ MORE
Record breaking Celtic Connections delivers message of hope and unity to the world
Celtic Connections has celebrated a stunning festival packed with live performances, record-breaking ticket sales and unique events!
READ MORE
Give mum a meaningful day at Dobbies
This Mother's Day, treat mum to a special experience at Dobbies Garden Centres, one that she'll cherish long after the day itself.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble set for Spring string quartet tour
Scottish Ensemble's first tour of 2026 will see luminous string quartet performances bringing the first light of Spring to venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
Aldi giving away vouchers every week to new parents with return of Mamia New Parent Fund
Aldi commits to supporting families with the return of its Mamia New Parent Fund for 2026, following the success of the programme last year, which saw thousands of parents apply.
READ MORE
A brand new international theatre show, dedicated to the music of Cher, is coming to Scotland
Rachael Hawnt, the winner of ITV's Starstruck, is leading a brand-new theatre show celebrating the incredible music of Cher.
READ MORE
Entries go live for Scottish Golf events season
Scottish Golf is excited to build on a successful 2025 championship season as entries go ‘live’ for a wide-ranging 2026 calendar of events.
READ MORE
itison launches itison Now, a new instant dining service
itison has launched itison Now, a new dining service that lets members enjoy 50% off food at some of the best restaurants in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
READ MORE
Deadline approaching on important budget survey
Time is running out for residents to have their say on proposals to help bridge Stirling Council’s estimated £12.25 million budget shortfall next year (2026-27).
READ MORE
Wonder Fools return to The Events by David Greig
Wonder Fools, in association with Cumbernauld Theatre, will tour their new staging of David Greig's modern classic The Events across Scotland next month.
READ MORE
Scotland... the wait is over
After years of passionate requests, capital-letter enthusiasm and a steady stream of “BRU??” in their DMs, IRN-BRU has finally arrived at Cineworld Scotland.
READ MORE
Lord Provost hails successful Royal visit to Stirling
Lord Provost Rosemary Fraser was among those to welcome The Prince and Princess of Wales to Stirling yesterday for a visit that celebrated the area's sport, creativity and community spirit.
READ MORE
Stirling tops TimeOut list as best place to visit in Britain
Stirling has been bestowed with yet another accolade as TimeOut Magazine has named the area as the best place to visit in the UK for 2026.
READ MORE
Five unique Valentine experiences to enjoy across Scotland
With Valentine's Day falling on a Saturday this year, couples have the perfect excuse to celebrate with experiences rather than traditional gifts.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links