Categories | MiMA

AWARD CATEGORIES

Entries for the Made in Manchester Awards 2027 open on 3 August 2026 and close on 15 October 2026.

If you have any questions about the awards or the entry process, please contact our MiMA Event Manager at @nadia.adofo@pro-manchester.co.uk

Accountant of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding accountant who has demonstrated excellence, technical expertise, and professionalism over the past 12 months.

It celebrates individuals who go beyond traditional financial responsibilities, delivering valuable insights, supporting business performance, and making a meaningful impact on their team, clients, or organisation.

Apprentice of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding individual who is currently undertaking, or has completed within the last 12 months, an apprenticeship.

It celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, enthusiasm, and a strong desire to develop their skills and knowledge, while making a meaningful contribution to their organisation.

Business Development & Sales Professional of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding business development or sales professional based in the Greater Manchester region.

It celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional skill in generating new business, showing initiative, strong relationship-building, and a proactive approach to driving growth and contributing to the overall success of their organisation.

Business Owner / Entrepreneur of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding business owner or entrepreneur based in the Greater Manchester region.

It celebrates individuals who have demonstrated significant success over the past 12 months, showing strong leadership, innovation, and a clear ability to drive growth and make a meaningful impact through their business.

Business Support Professional of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding individual working in a business support role who has made a significant contribution over the past 12 months.

It celebrates those who demonstrate strong organisational skills, initiative, and a proactive approach, supporting business operations and contributing to overall efficiency and success.

Corporate Finance / Wealth Management Professional

This category recognises an outstanding individual working in corporate finance or wealth management who has made a significant impact over the past 12 months.

It celebrates those who demonstrate strong commercial awareness, technical expertise, and a proactive approach, contributing to business growth and delivering meaningful value to clients or organisations.

Creative & Media Professional of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding individual working in the creative or media industries, from design and branding to film, photography, production, or content creation.

It celebrates those who bring fresh ideas to life, deliver high-quality work, and make a meaningful impact through creativity, innovation, and originality.

Digital Marketing & PR Professional of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding individual working in digital marketing or PR who has delivered impactful results over the past 12 months.

It celebrates those who combine creative thinking with strategic execution, building brands, engaging audiences, and delivering standout campaigns or communications that make a meaningful difference.

Diversity & Inclusivity Champion of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding individual who has made a meaningful impact in promoting diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing.

Open to all sectors, it celebrates those who champion positive change across areas such as gender equality, race, LGBTQ+, disability, mental health, and social mobility, helping to create more inclusive and supportive environments.

Graduate of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding individual who is currently undertaking, or has completed within the last 12 months, a graduate or trainee programme.

It celebrates those who demonstrate dedication, initiative, and strong performance, making a positive impact within their organisation while showing a clear commitment to their personal and professional development.

Health & Wellbeing Champion of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding individual who has made a meaningful difference to the health and wellbeing of others in their workplace or community.

It celebrates those who champion mental and physical wellbeing, inspiring positive change and encouraging a healthier, more supportive environment for those around them.

Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Professional of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding individual working in hospitality, tourism, or leisure who has made a positive impact within their organisation.

It celebrates those who deliver excellent service, enhance customer experiences, and contribute to the success of their business, while standing out through their professionalism, attitude, and dedication.

Lawyer of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding young legal professional based in the Greater Manchester region.

Open to solicitors, barristers, legal executives, patent attorneys, and in-house lawyers, it celebrates those who have made an exceptional contribution over the past 12 months through their expertise, professionalism, and positive impact on clients, colleagues, or the wider profession.

Manchester Community Hero

This category recognises an outstanding individual who has gone above and beyond to make a meaningful impact within the Greater Manchester community.

It celebrates those who support others, contribute to local initiatives, or champion positive change, whether through their work, volunteering, or by making a difference to individuals, teams, or communities.

Manager of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding young manager based in the Greater Manchester region. It celebrates those who lead by example, support and motivate their teams, and play a key role in developing others.

Nominees will demonstrate strong leadership skills and a positive impact on both their team and the wider organisation.

Property Professional of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding individual working in the property industry who has made a significant impact over the past 12 months.

It celebrates those who demonstrate drive, innovation, and professionalism while contributing to successful projects across residential, commercial, development, or property services.

Recruitment / Talent Professional of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding young professional working in recruitment or talent management.

Open to both agency and in-house professionals, it celebrates those who have successfully attracted, engaged, and developed talent, making a meaningful contribution to their organisation, clients, or candidates through their expertise, commitment, and innovative approach.

Sustainability Champion of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding individual who is driving positive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) change within their organisation or community.

Open to all sectors, it celebrates those who champion sustainability through green initiatives, carbon reduction, responsible business practices, or by leading sustainable organisations that create a lasting positive impact.

Team of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding team that has achieved exceptional results through collaboration, commitment, and shared success. It celebrates teams that have worked together to overcome challenges, deliver impactful outcomes, and make a significant contribution to their organisation.

To be eligible, at least 75% of team members must be aged 39 or under on 26 October 2026.

Technology & Innovation Professional of the Year

This category recognises an outstanding individual working in technology, digital, or innovation-focused roles.

It celebrates those who use technology, creativity, and problem-solving skills to develop new products, services, systems, or solutions, driving innovation and delivering measurable impact within their organisation, clients, or wider industry.

Workforce Development Champion

This category recognises an outstanding individual who is committed to developing people, skills, and talent within their organisation or community.

It celebrates those who champion learning, career progression, mentoring, training, and workforce development initiatives, helping individuals reach their potential while contributing to long-term organisational success.

Rising Star of the Year

Selected by the Chair of future-pro & pro-manchester, the Chair's Rising Star Award recognises an outstanding individual who has demonstrated exceptional potential, ambition and impact.