The Private Business Awards 2026, sponsored by BDO, have officially launched, with nominations now open to private or PE-backed businesses in Scotland with a turnover of over £10m.
The second year of the awards programme, which serves to celebrate the businesses that drive UK economic growth, aims to recognise the very best of private business in Scotland and the rest of the UK. It also recognises the people behind these companies. Last year’s inaugural awards saw winners such as Totalmobile, Flagstone Group and Cycle Pharma.
The Private Business Awards is divided into 11 awards: Tech Business of the Year; VC or PE-Backed Business of the Year; Social Impact of the Year; Scale Up of the Year; Digital Transformation of the Year; Female Business Leader of the Year; CFO of the Year; CEO of the Year; Growth Business of the Year; Family Business of the Year; and Private Business of the Year.
Adam Broatch, partner at BDO in the Scotland, commented: “We have long championed ambitious private companies that are the backbone of the Scottish economy. These businesses employ 27 million people and generate £4.5 trillion in annual turnover – they are the engine that will drive our economic growth at a scale that merits significant recognition.
“At a time of economic uncertainty, we are seeing genuinely impressive leadership and performance across the private sector. These awards shine a light on the innovation, resilience and successes that too often go unnoticed.
We are now inviting nominations from these businesses, offering an opportunity for their achievements to be recognised and celebrated.”
Nominations can be made by individuals from both within or outside the eligible company by Friday 20 March 2026. A shortlist will be announced in June, with finalists selected by an independent judging panel. Winners will be announced at the Private Business Awards Gala Dinner at The Savoy Hotel in London on Thursday 10 September 2026.
To learn more about the Private Business Awards 2026 eligibility criteria, or to nominate an individual or a business, visit https://www.privatebusinessawards.co.uk/#about
