THE ARTISAN FOUNDER 2026 Business AWARDS
The Artisan Founder Creative Business Awards celebrate outstanding UK independent businesses.
Each year, we recognise founder-led artisan businesses working across craft, design, food & drink, wellbeing, and homewares, highlighting those creating work with care, consistency, and integrity.
The awards are free to enter and provide a considered space for discovery, bringing together editorial selection, expert insight, and public recognition.
The Awards Journey
Nominations Period | NOW OPEN
Nominations remain open until early summer.
It is free to nominate your own business, or businesses you admire, for one or multiple awards.
Find the awards and nominations form below.
Judging Period | JULY
During July, the panel of judges shortlist businesses from the nominations for each award, with the top 6 scoring businesses from each award announced as Finalists.
Public Voting Period | August
The 6 Finalists for each award enjoy a visibility boost during the public vote in August.
The public vote scores are combined with the Judge’s shortlisting scores to determine overall award winners, announced early in September in time for a pre Christmas publicity boost.
The Awards
1. New Artisan Business Award
Celebrating a newly established independent business demonstrating strong foundations, clarity of vision, and considered craft.
2. Excellence in Craftsmanship Award
Recognising exceptional skill, attention to detail, and integrity of making using traditional methods.
3. Timeless Design Award
Honouring businesses creating enduring work guided by individuality and long-term relevance rather than trend.
4. Sustainability & Responsible Practice
Recognising thoughtful approaches to materials, production, and business decisions rooted in responsibility and care.
5. Material-Led Craft Award
Recognising makers whose work is shaped by a deep understanding of their material, from provenance to method.
6. Food & Drink Brand of the year
Celebrating independent food and drink brands distinguished by craft, originality, ingredients, and production.
7. Wellbeing Brand of the Year
Celebrating wellbeing brands producing thoughtfully made products designed to support everyday rituals and moments of care.
8. Jewellery Designer of the Year
Celebrating independent jewellery designers creating distinctive, well-made pieces through thoughtful design and craftsmanship.
9. Clothing & Accessories Brand of the Year
Celebrating creators of clothing and accessories with attention to fit, materials, and longevity.
10. Homeware Brand of the Year
Celebrating well-designed objects for the home or garden, shaped by material knowledge and purpose.
11. Printmaking & Paper Craft Award
Celebrating independent makers working with print and paper, from traditional printmaking to contemporary paper-based craft.
12. Thoughtful Artisan Gifts Award
Celebrating the artisan makers creating the perfect artisan gifts, from hampers to gift sets, original gift ides or creative wrapping.