BII Licensee of the Year Award launches for 2026

The BII is delighted to announce that entries are now open for the 2026 BII Licensee of the Year Award (LOYA), in partnership with Sky Business.

Great pubs are built by brilliant people, whose contribution to their businesses and communities deserves real recognition – by Government, the media and communities. Now more than ever before, it is essential to celebrate the resilience, drive and determination they bring to the sector.

Returning this January, the competition is open to members and non-members of the BII alike, whether they are managers, lessees, tenants or free traders, with entrants from all areas of the industry.

LOYA is renowned in the industry as the toughest competition of its kind, with a rigorous four month judging process, culminating in the crowning of the winner at the prestigious BII Summer Event on Tuesday 16^th June 2026. Every stage of the competition gives entrants an opportunity to evaluate their business, using the free mystery customer visits and feedback from the expert judging team of industry professionals.

Licensees can either nominate themselves or be nominated by colleagues, customers or suppliers on the BII website here. Entrants must have been operating their business for a minimum of 2 years, hold a Personal Licence and have a food hygiene rating of 4 or 5 at their venue, or a Pass in Scotland.

On the 13^th January, 2026 at 10am, BII’s Hannah Solomons will be hosting a process webinar detailing all the steps surrounding the competition. Participants will be able to find out how to make their application stand out as well as ask questions to the BII team and our 2025 winners. You can find the webinar here.

The 2025 winners, Mike Dove and Tommy Higgs of the Three Horseshoes in Witney, have used their voices to champion the pub sector on a national stage. Passionate advocates for the sector and the competition, they will be supporting Hannah in the webinar, sharing their experience of the last 6 months as champions.

Speaking about winning in 2025, Mike and Tommy commented: “Winning LOYA 2025 was a very proud moment for the team and recognition that we actually have a clue what we are doing. Being invited to numerous events and speaking in front of some industry leaders is a very humbling feeling and for that we are most grateful. If the opportunity arises for anyone to get involved in LOYA, do it, you won’t regret it.”

Steven Alton, CEO of the BII:

“Licensee of the Year celebrates the very best talent in our sector, with leading industry experts and operators at the heart of the judging process, giving entrants valuable feedback at every stage of the journey.

“Every element of the Licensee of the Year Award reflects the adaptability, innovation and resilience that defines our outstanding pubs and licensees today. Despite the huge challenges they are facing in terms of rising costs and overheads, they are evolving their pub business models, embracing new opportunities, and investing in their teams, all whilst supporting local communities.

“The entire team is excited to once again connect with the industry’s most inspiring licensees, discover the standout venues shaping the future of the sector, and celebrate the people driving excellence into 2026 and beyond. Best of luck to all entrants!”

Nominate or Enter Now!

Nominations are now open, closing on Friday 20^th February 2026. Visit the LOYA pages on the BII’s website for more information, or contact the LOYA team on loya@bii.org

[ENDS]

Notes to the editor:

About the British Institute of Innkeeping:

The BII is the leading independent licensee support organisation for individuals working in hospitality, with 13,500 individual members running premises across the UK - predominantly tenanted, leased, managed and freehold pubs. The organisation provides expert helplines, online business support, and guidance on key industry issues, and savings on a range of supply deals for its members, keeping pubs thriving in the heart of every community.

For further information please contact:

Molly Davis

Head of Communications

Mob: 07539 377752

Web: www.bii.org

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