Downtown in Business has today officially launched the countdown to the 2026 City of Manchester Business Awards, with organisers promising another spectacular evening celebrating the very best of the city region’s business community at the iconic The Lowry Hotel on the evening of Thursday 10th September.
The annual awards ceremony has become one of the most anticipated dates in Manchester’s business calendar, bringing together leading figures from the corporate, property, hospitality, professional services, and entrepreneurial sectors to recognise the companies and individuals helping to drive one of Europe’s most dynamic regional economies.
Downtown in Business Group Chair and Chief Executive Frank McKenna said:
“The City of Manchester Business Awards are about recognising excellence, ambition, resilience, and innovation. Manchester is one of the great success stories of the UK economy, and these awards shine a spotlight on the businesses and leaders who continue to push the city region forward.
“Every year the quality of entries gets stronger, which reflects the extraordinary talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that exists across Greater Manchester.
“I want to congratulate every business and individual that has been nominated this year. To be shortlisted in such a competitive field is a huge achievement in itself.”
Downtown in Business is also encouraging members of the business leaders, and the wider Manchester community to support the awards by voting for their favourite finalists ahead of the ceremony. You can vote HERE
McKenna added:
“These awards are shaped by the business community itself, so we want people to get behind the companies and individuals they admire most. We would encourage everyone to cast their votes and help us celebrate the people making a genuine difference to Manchester’s economy and reputation.”
Businesses from across the Northwest are also being encouraged to secure tickets early for what is expected to be another sell-out evening featuring networking, entertainment, high-profile guests, and the presentation of a series of prestigious awards. Book tickets HERE
Alongside the main category winners, several special honours will also be presented on the night, including the hugely respected ‘Tony’ Award, created in memory of the late Manchester broadcasting and cultural legend Tony Wilson.
Wilson, the founder of Factory Records, iconic club the Hacienda, and a driving force behind Manchester’s cultural renaissance during the 1980s and 1990s, played a transformational role in establishing the city’s global reputation for music, creativity, nightlife, and cultural confidence.
The ‘Tony’ Award recognises individuals who embody the same spirit of innovation, originality, and fearless ambition that Wilson brought to the city throughout his life.
Frank McKenna concluded:
“Tony Wilson helped create the modern identity of Manchester. He was unconventional, visionary, and unapologetically ambitious for the city he loved. It is absolutely right that we continue to honour his legacy through these awards.
“The City of Manchester Business Awards are ultimately about celebrating the people who refuse to stand still- and that is exactly what Tony Wilson represented.”
Tickets for the City of Manchester Business Awards are expected to sell quickly, with Downtown in Business urging companies to book early to avoid disappointment.
For sponsorship opportunities for COMBA 2026 please contact chris.mckenna@downtowninbusiness.com
