There were 14 award categories open to a range of businesses, organisations and projects as part of the 2023 awards; as well as categories for individuals and teams, meaning every shop, place, service and team had an opportunity to be recognised. The details of all categories are below:

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing Business of the Year

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year

Community & Voluntary Projects or Organisation of the Year

Small & Independent Business of the Year

Best Shopfront or Window Display

Entertainment & Leisure Venue of the Year

Award for Environmental Excellence

Award for Outstanding Customer Service

Volunteer of the Year (Runners-up)

Volunteer of the Year

Business Owner or Entrepreneur of the Year (Runner-up)

Business Owner or Entrepreneur of the Year

Employee of the Year (Runner-up)

Employee of the Year

The ‘Beryl Murphy’ Manager of the Year Award (Runner-up)

The ‘Beryl Murphy’ Manager of the Year Award

Retailer of the Year

The McBain’s Award for Best Place

*Finalists within these categories will go forward to be judge by a panel of representatives and not open for public voting.

**The Harlow Council Chairs Award is a dedicated award with the recipient chosen by Harlow Council.