Newcastle’s businesses celebrated at LoveNUL Business Awards 2026

Keele University is proud to have sponsored the LoveNUL Business Awards 2026, which celebrated the best of Newcastle-under-Lyme’s businesses, community organisations and local champions. 

Keele was the headline sponsor of the event which was organised by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, and celebrated the people and businesses helping to make Newcastle a welcoming and vibrant place to live, work and visit. 

The University is proud to support Newcastle-under-Lyme's local economy, including through Vice-Chancellor Professor Kevin Shakesheff’s ’Shop Local’ initiative, which encourages students, staff and the wider community to discover independent businesses and spend more locally. His visits have included Newcastle favourites Piccoloco and Anasma Greek Bakery, highlighting the choice and quality available on the doorstep. 

This year’s awards attracted more than 500 nominations and around 4,000 public votes. Winners were recognised across 13 categories, combining six public vote awards with seven judges’ choice awards, alongside a special Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Hosted by Dan Townley of 6 Towns Radio, the evening also showcased local talent through the businesses and people delivering its production, entertainment, food and drink, bringing the awards’ message of supporting local into every part of the celebration. 

Charlotte Pearce, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Manager, said: “Behind every nomination is someone who has noticed the care, hard work or kindness of a local business or individual. Reading those stories is one of the most rewarding parts of organising these awards and it was wonderful to bring 170 people together at St Giles to celebrate that contribution. 

“From established family businesses to newer ventures and the people working quietly behind the scenes, our winners and finalists give us so much to be proud of. 

“We’re incredibly grateful to Keele University, our headline sponsor and all our category sponsors for helping us bring this celebration to life. Professor Shakesheff’s shop local initiative shares a message we champion throughout the year: choosing to spend locally helps sustain the businesses, jobs and experiences that make our town special. 

“That commitment ran throughout the evening, with local people providing everything from production and performances to food and drink. We’re proud to showcase the talent on our doorstep and hope guests will go on to support, book and recommend the businesses that helped make the night possible.” 

Nigel Davies, Co-Chair of Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: “These awards show the breadth of talent and commitment we have in Newcastle. Our businesses provide personal service, create jobs and give people reasons to visit, while our community organisations and local champions make a difference to people’s lives every day. 

“Congratulations to all our winners and finalists. We hope the awards encourage people to discover somewhere new, revisit a favourite and continue supporting Newcastle’s businesses throughout the year.” 

The LoveNUL Business Awards 2026 winners were: 

• Beauty & Wellbeing Business of the Year: Funeral of Hearts Tattoo Studio 

• Business Services of the Year: Limelight Marketing Communications Ltd 

• Café & Coffee Shop of the Year: No. 21 Cafe and Sandwich Bar 

• Hospitality Venue of the Year: Breeze Bowls 

• Pub, Beer & Ale Venue of the Year: Mellards  

• Retailer of the Year: Tony Price Butchers 

• Customer Service of the Year: Kevin Lownds Funeral Services 

• New Business of the Year: EM Beauty Clinic 

• Market & Event Trader of the Year: Backyard Burgers 

• Visitor Attraction of the Year: New Vic Theatre 

• Community Connector: Castle Creatives 

• Newcastle Ambassador of the Year: Elise Turner 

• Unsung Hero of the Year: Newcastle Food Bank (Newcastle Central) 

• Lifetime Achievement: Jim Worgan 

The evening concluded with a special Lifetime Achievement Award for Jim Worgan, celebrating his lasting contribution to Newcastle-under-Lyme. A local historian, Jim has helped preserve and share the town’s heritage, alongside his involvement in Britain in Bloom and his commitment to the community. 

Having also been awarded the Freedom of the Borough, Jim’s contribution holds a special place in Newcastle’s story. The award offered a further opportunity to thank him for his dedication and celebrate the impact of his work over many years.