With over 150 years of heritage and a deep-rooted presence in Hull, Leeds, York, and Doncaster, Yorkshire-based painting contractor Bagnalls has reached the final of the British Business Awards 2026. Shortlisted for the prestigious Employer of the Year category, the company is one of only 8 finalists selected from a record-breaking pool of over 400 entries.
This recognition places the family-founded business alongside major national brands like Stagecoach and Highland Spring Group. The judging panel evaluated Bagnalls across 5 key pillars, including business performance, innovation, and workforce culture. The firm is widely celebrated for its “grow-your-own” philosophy, with many of its current management team having started as apprentices.
Bagnalls’ impact extends beyond its commercial work; last year, its Community Paintbrush scheme supported over 49,000 people through charitable projects and paint donations. This commitment to social value recently earned the company a Princess Royal Training Award and a National Apprenticeship and Skills Award, where it outperformed major names like Tesco.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 30th April 2026 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. The event, which supports the charity Social Bite, will feature high-profile guests including George Clooney and Sir Bob Geldof. As a finalist, Bagnalls also joins the inaugural British Business Leaders List, published in partnership with The Times and The Sunday Times.
Stephen Bagnall said: “Being shortlisted for Employer of the Year is a huge honour that belongs to every member of our team. Our people set us apart, and this reflects a culture that champions apprenticeships and rewards hard work. To be shortlisted alongside businesses of this calibre tells us we are definitely doing something right.”
