FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
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FINALISTS ANNOUNCED |
The Hits Hastings City Celebration Awards 2026
Friday 21st of August | Functions on Hastings - Toitoi
The Hits Hastings City Celebration Awards evening is to recognise and celebrate businesses within the Hastings CBD whose efforts contribute to the overall success and vibrancy of Hastings City. This also plays an important role in promoting and strengthening development in the area and aims to raise the bar for Hastings City Businesses, providing a benchmark in the recognition of excellence and creating a positive atmosphere in which to shop, live and do business.
WHAT ARE THE AWARDS CATEGORIES?
There are 10 categories in total and these are divided into Sector Awards and Special Category Awards.
The Special Category Awards celebrate how a business does what they do, with the focus being on a new business, great customer service and employee welfare. The Sector Awards look at what a business does. Are they a business that excels in their respective areas of expertise; be it retail, hospitality, wellness or beauty, professional services, health services, trade or non-for-profit?
All entries into the Sector Award categories will automatically be entered into the Supreme Business Award. This is an overall winner that scores highly in all aspects of the judging criteria and has an x-factor that inspires the judging panel.
Nominations for all categories will close at 11.59pm on Friday 5th of June 2026.
SECTOR AWARD CATEGORIES
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SPONSORED BY BOLLYWOOD HASTINGS
This award recognises a business that contributes positively to the retail sector through strong customer service, quality product offering, and a consistently engaging experience.
Retail Definition:
The category includes retail businesses ranging from small independent shops to large chain stores that sell goods directly to customers in small quantities for personal use rather than resale. This may include fashion, specialty stores, grocery and convenience retailers, lifestyle and homeware stores, and other consumer-facing retail businesses.
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SPONSORED BY TILE SHED
This award recognises a business that contributes positively to the hospitality sector through exceptional service, high-quality offerings, and a strong commitment to creating enjoyable public experiences.
Hospitality definition:
The category includes businesses providing coffee, dining, food service, or entertainment to the public, such as cafés, restaurants, eateries, bars, bakeries, catering services, and entertainment venues. It celebrates those who consistently deliver welcoming environments, memorable customer experiences, and reliable service standards.
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SPONSORED BY O-STUDIO
This award recognises a business in their respective field that contributes positively to the professional services sector through the delivery of specialist expertise, trusted advice, and high-quality outcomes for clients.
Professional Service definition:
The category includes businesses that provide knowledge-based and advisory servicesto clients in exchange for a fee, such as law firms, accounting and financial servicesproviders, consulting agencies, engineering firms, architectural studios, marketing andcommunications agencies, and other professional service organisations.
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SPONSORED BY EIT
This award is for businesses that demonstrate creativity, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence in providing personalized care and innovative solutions to their clients in the health, wellness and beauty space.
Wellness or Beauty definition:
The category includes businesses that enhance personal appearance and overall wellbeing through services such as hairdressing, barbering, skincare and cosmetic treatments, nail services, spas, massage therapy, and other beauty or relaxation-based offerings. It celebrates professionals and teams dedicated to helping clients look and feel their best in a welcoming, safe, and uplifting environment.
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SPONSORED BY MPHOSIS.
This award recognises registered charities and non-profit organisations that positively impact our community.
Non-profit/Charity definition:
The category includes organisations that exist primarily to serve a social need rather than to generate profit for owners or shareholders. This may include charities, not-for-profit organisations, community groups, social enterprises, and other mission-driven organisations working to address social challenges, environmental issues, or community wellbeing.
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SPONSORED BY THOMSON’S SUITS
This award recognises a business that demonstrates excellence in delivering professional health services, outstanding patient or client care, innovation, and a strong commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of its community.
Health Service definition:
The category includes businesses providing health, fitness, and therapeutic services to the public, such as medical practices, dental clinics, optometry services, pharmacies, physiotherapists, gyms, yoga and Pilates studios, wellness providers, and other organisations supporting preventative health and overall wellbeing.
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SPONSORED BY TAX OWL
This award recognises a business that contributes positively to the trade services sector through skilled workmanship, professionalism, reliability, and a strong commitment to quality delivery.
Trade definition:
The category includes businesses and professionals that provide skilled trade services and practical expertise across a range of industries. This may include builders, electricians, plumbers, painters, mechanics, landscapers, HVAC technicians, construction specialists, and other trade-based service providers that deliver hands-on solutions, maintenance, installation, and repair services to residential, commercial, or industrial clients.
SPECIAL AWARD CATEGORIES
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SPONSORED BY STEWART GROUP
This award recognises an emerging business that started within the past 2 years, that is demonstrating strong early-stage growth, innovation, and clear potential to make a meaningful impact within its industry or market.
Emerging Business Definition:
The category includes relatively new or rapidly developing enterprises that are in the early stages of establishment and expansion, yet are already showing evidence of strong momentum, customer traction, and business capability. These businesses often introduce new ideas, services, products, or approaches that contribute to innovation, market evolution, or improved customer outcomes.
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SPONSORED BY GROW HR
This award recognises an organisation that demonstrates excellence in creating apositive, supportive, and high-performing workplace forits employees.
Employer Definition:
The category includes any business or organisation that employs people to perform specific roles and responsibilities in exchange for wages or salary. This may include small businesses, startups, large corporations, government agencies, not-for-profit organisations, and educational institutions.
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SPONSORED BY HASTINGS DISTRICT COUNCIL
This award recognises businesses that excel in delivering outstanding customer experiences by consistently placing customer satisfaction, engagement, and loyalty at the heart of everything they do.
Customer Experience Definition:
The category celebrates organisations that go beyond meeting expectations to create memorable, meaningful, and consistently positive interactions across every customer touchpoint. This includes delivering high-quality service, maintaining strong consistency, fostering genuine customer relationships, and creating welcoming and enjoyable environments or experiences.
SUPREME BUSINESS AWARD - SPONSORED BY THE HITS
All entries into the Sector Award Categories will automatically be entered into the Supreme Business Award. This is an overall winner that scores highly in all aspects of the judging criteria and has an x-factor that inspires the judging panel.
JUDGING PROCESS
Step 1: Preliminary Questionnaire (FINALISED)
All nominees will be sent a preliminary questionnaire to complete as part of the initial judging process. The questionnaire is designed to help judges gain an understanding of your business, services, achievements, and overall performance.
Each submission will be independently reviewed, judged, and scored by the judge assigned to that award category. Once all questionnaires have been assessed, the scores will be weighted to determine the top five highest-scoring businesses, which will then progress to the next stage of judging.
Step 2: Site Visits (FINALISED)
The top five businesses in each category will progress to a site visit conducted by the independent judge assigned to that category. Site visits are undertaken to ensure consistency and to provide judges with a deeper understanding of your people, services, operations, and business environment.
During the visit, judges will gain a comprehensive impression of the business and its overall customer and community impact.
Site visits will be scheduled in advance and the interview component should take approximately 30 minutes (please allow up to one hour if required).
Following the site visit, the independent judge will complete their final scoring and assessment.
The entire judging panel will then consider all finalist scores and assessments, with input also contributing toward the selection of the Supreme Business of the Year Award recipient.
CONFIDENTIALITY
We take your confidentiality seriously:
All awards entry documentation and official entry forms are treated as confidential.
All judges sign a confidentiality agreement.
Judges are required to declare conflicts of interest.