Oxfordshire firms urged to enter MAC 26 before deadline

The 2026 Enterprise Oxfordshire Business Marketplace and Celebration event (MAC 26) offers the chance to be recognised across categories including Business Leader of the Year, Start-Up of the Year, and Growth Business of the Year.

Entries remain open until Monday, August 10, with the awards evening set to take place on Wednesday, November 4 at Oxford Town Hall.

Sarah Beal, business support service manager at Enterprise Oxfordshire, said: “Our track record of impact, combined with opportunities such as the Marketplace and Celebration Event, showcases the real value of engaging with Enterprise Oxfordshire Business.

“These platforms give businesses and entrepreneurs the chance to connect, showcase what they do and access the support that can help them take their next step with confidence.”

To be eligible for the event or a nomination, businesses or individuals must have engaged with Enterprise Oxfordshire Business since April 2022.

The awards are free to enter and celebrate achievement across Oxfordshire’s commercial landscape, with the event also serving as a networking opportunity and marketplace showcase for the wider business community.

Last year’s event, also held at Oxford Town Hall, drew around 200 attendees from across the county.

Award categories include Socially Responsible Business of the Year, Innovation in Customer Experience, Start-up of the Year, Business Leader of the Year, Environmentally Sustainable Business of the Year, and Growth Business of the Year.

The overall winner will be selected by headline sponsor Oxfordshire County Council from among the winners in each category.

This year’s guest speaker will be mindset coach, speaker, and author Mark Franklin, who will share insights from more than 20 years of experience helping business owners overcome common mindset barriers.

The event forms part of Enterprise Oxfordshire Business’ wider support offer for the county, including the Helping High Streets programme and the Oxfordshire High Street Summit.

Ms Beal said: “Whether a business is just starting out or looking to scale, we want to encourage people across the county to engage with us, access support and be part of Oxfordshire’s growing business community.

“This includes businesses across all sectors, and we’d love to celebrate our high street businesses too.

“With only days to go before the awards close to entries, we’d strongly urge anyone who has engaged with us over the past four years to think about entering – even if you’re not sure it’s for you – it’s free and you never know, this could be your year.”

Enterprise Oxfordshire now operates under the oversight of Oxfordshire County Council, following the transition of economic development responsibilities from the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) in April 2025.

For entry details or to book tickets, visit enterpriseoxfordshirebusiness.com/marketplace-and-celebration-2026.