This week, we’re delighted to announce Buckles Law as sponsor of the Start-up of the Year category, aimed at those businesses up to three years old, while BDO returns for the third year to support Business of the Year – Large, a category aimed at companies with 250-plus employees.

Editor Paul Brackley, who will chair the judging panel and host the awards in the Great Hall at King’s College in September, said: “Don’t miss your opportunity to celebrate your successes by entering the Cambridge Independent Business Awards 2026.

“Exposure at the awards is not only great for your team, but also for your business goals – helping you to reach new clients or potential employees.

“We relish celebrating the incredible achievements of our vibrant business community and are grateful for the support of all our sponsors in helping us do so.”

Buckles Law, which has offices in Impington, is a full-service law firm committed to delivering high-quality legal advice and exceptional client care. With a strong regional presence and international capability, it serves a diverse client base ranging from individuals and families to entrepreneurs, SMEs, and multinational corporations.

Sara-Rose Whitehead, head of Buckles’ Cambridge office, said: “As head of our Cambridge office, I see first-hand the energy, ambition and talent that exists within the local business community. Supporting the Start-up of the Year award allows us to celebrate those entrepreneurs who are taking risks, creating opportunities and helping to keep Cambridge at the forefront of innovation. We are proud to be part of recognising their achievements.”

Buckles says it takes a collaborative, client-first approach to building trusted relationships, solving complex problems, and helping clients plan for the future with confidence.

You can find out more about Buckles at buckles-law.co.uk.

BDO is an accountancy and business advisory firm, with offices in Cambridge, that provides integrated advice and solutions to help businesses navigate a changing world.

Richard Watson, at the BDO offices in Cambridge. Picture: Keith Heppell

Tax partner Richard Watson said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Cambridge Independent Business Awards for the third successive year – awards that celebrate entrepreneurially-spirited businesses that are hugely innovative and ambitious.

“Cambridge has a diverse and rich business landscape with an abundance of skills, talent, and innovation – all key ingredients in driving economic growth and delivering real benefits for people and places across the region.

“Central to that growth is the mid-market – the UK’s ‘economic engine’. Sitting at the heart of our economy, these businesses consistently deliver growth and employment, even in challenging times. That’s why BDO has invested significantly in building a team in Cambridge and the wider East of England region to support some of the most dynamic, high-potential and exciting businesses in the UK – many of whom will feature strongly in this year’s Large Business of the Year category, which we’re proud to support for the third year running.”

Find out more at bdo.co.uk.

Our awards, on 24 September, feature headline sponsorship from Barr Ellison Law, along with sponsorship from AstraZeneca, Cambridge BID, The Cambridge Building Society, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Conscious Communications, Kale & Damson, Mantle Space, Meet Cambridge and Weatherbys Business Bank.

The latter will support the Lifetime Achievement Award, awarded to an individual for outstanding and long-lasting impact.