BusinessCloud is today launching its search for the names that will make our Northern Leaders 2026 list.
Now in its third year, Northern Leaders was inspired by the late, legendary Manchester City Council chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein and celebrates 200 people who make the North a better place.
Names can come from the worlds of business, sport, politics, charity, education, philanthropy, property and many more.
The headline sponsor for Northern Leaders 2026 is OBI. They’ll be joined by CG, GM Business Growth Hub and Rochdale Development Agency.
Alongside a panel of respected judges, BusinessCloud will select the definitive 2026 Northern Leaders list, which will be published in October.
Lindsey Burrow, wife of rugby league legend Rob Burrow, received the Northern Leaders Overall Award for her fundraising and work raising awareness of motor neurone disease (MND).
Those on the list will then be invited to an exclusive dinner and awards evening at KPMG in Manchester on November 19th, 2026.
We’re looking for nominations from across the North, including the North West, North East and Yorkshire & Humberside.
You can nominate someone – or self-nominate – by completing the simple online form below.
BusinessCloud’s Executive Editor Chris Maguire said: “Northern Leaders is now in its third year and has already established itself as one of the region’s must-attend events.
“I still remember Andy Burnham giving the stirring welcome address at the first Northern Leaders awards dinner when he was Greater Manchester Mayor and look at him now!”
The inaugural BusinessCloud Northern Leaders Awards saw former England and Manchester City captain Steph Houghton MBE named the overall winner.
Last year, Lindsey Burrow, wife of rugby league legend Rob Burrow, received the Northern Leaders Overall Award for her fundraising and work raising awareness of motor neurone disease (MND).
Other winners last year included Collette Roche, Steve Morgan, Michael Ingall, Frank Rothwell and Figen Murray.
You can submit a nomination for the 2026 Northern Leaders list via the form below.
Nominations close on October 9th, so there’s no time to delay.