Celebrating the UK Company of the Year Finals 2026 🎉

Over the past year, more than 10,000 young people have taken part in Young Enterprise’s Company Programme, forming over 1,000 student businesses and building the skills, confidence and ambition to succeed.

On Wednesday, we brought together the very best of them for the UK Company of the Year Finals 2026, as 21 exceptional teams gathered in Cardiff for one of the biggest moments in the Young Enterprise calendar. Hosted by Cardiff University Business School, the event provided the perfect backdrop to celebrate the achievements of these inspiring young entrepreneurs.

The day began with a buzzing Business Bazaar, where teams showcased their businesses through creative trade stands, confidently pitching their ideas and engaging with guests. It was a powerful reflection of the journey each team has taken — from a first idea to a fully realised student business.

One of the standout moments came during our “The Apprentice – You’re Hired”-style challenge, hosted by former Apprentice contestant Mia Collins. Representatives from each team took to the stage to answer quick-fire questions and pitch head-to-head in a final showdown, impressing the audience with their confidence, quick thinking and energy.

After a highly competitive day, 
🥇Zestee from Ysgol John Bright were crowned Company of the Year 2026, with 
🥈Hydrobloom from Merchant Taylors’ School taking second
🥉My Mind Matters from Gibraltar College nabbing third place. 
Zestee’s outstanding performance now sees them go on to represent the UK at JA Europe’s Gen-E 2026 in Riga.

We were also thrilled to recognise the achievements of teams and individuals across a range of categories:

- Delta Pursuit of Opportunity Award (sponsored by Delta Air Lines): Boundless Wight – The Island Sixth Form
- Sustainability Award: Forever Wrap – King Edward VI School, Southampton
- Innovation & Technology Award: Hydrobloom – Merchant Taylors’ School
- Creativity Award: Cultura & Co – Oldmachar Academy
- Promotional Video Award: Afternoon Seed – Pipers Corner School
- Team Programme Company of the Year: Memory Lane – Corby Business Academy
- Team Programme Individual Achievement: Jenny E – Corby Business Academy
- Journey Award: Marta Y – Zestee, Ysgol John Bright
- Inspire Award: Essential Fidgets – Daubeney Academy
- Trade Stand of the Day: Hydrobloom – Merchant Taylors’ School
- Customer Service Award: Memory Lane – Corby Business Academy
- The Donna Wells Award: Liam H – Ysgol Y Deri
- Cardiff University Public Service Award: Juto – Heathermount Academy

The Company of the Year Finals are more than a competition — they are a celebration of what young people can achieve when given the opportunity to step up, take risks and believe in their ideas. Congratulations to every team who took part — the future of business is in safe hands.

Want to help inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs?
Find out how you can support Young Enterprise or get involved in the Company Programme