Wakefield Cathedral has been named a finalist in the Charity of the Year category at the Wakefield Business Awards 2026.
The recognition celebrates the organisation’s impact and its continuing commitment to supporting the people and communities it serves.
The Very Revd Dr Philip Hobday, Dean of Wakefield, said:
“We are incredibly proud to have been named a finalist for Charity of the Year. It is a wonderful recognition of the care, compassion and commitment shown every day by our staff, volunteers, supporters and partners.
“For me, and for so many of our colleagues, this recognition is especially poignant. During the past 12 months, we have experienced the heartbreaking loss of two much-loved members of staff, Rachel Copley and Tim Elvidge. They were valued colleagues and friends who gave so much to our organisation and to the people around them.
“We miss Rachel and Tim enormously. Their warmth, kindness and dedication left a lasting impression on us all, and their contribution will never be forgotten. We would like to dedicate this achievement to their memory. I know they would have been immensely proud to see the organisation receive this recognition.”
The Wakefield Business Awards received a record number of entries this year, with finalists selected following a rigorous and independently judged process.
Claire Sutherley, Founder of the Wakefield Business Awards and Managing Director of We Are Wakefield, said:
“The response to this year’s awards has been phenomenal, with a record number of entries showcasing the breadth of talent, innovation and ambition across our district.
“To be named a finalist is no small achievement. The standard of submissions was exceptionally high, and our judges had some incredibly difficult decisions to make. Our finalists represent the very best of Wakefield’s business, charity and public sectors”
Louise Turner, Head Judge and Founder of Awards Writers, added:
“I continue to be inspired by the calibre of organisations entering the Wakefield Business Awards. We’ve seen remarkable stories of growth, innovation, resilience and community impact from organisations of every size and sector.
“Every entry was independently evaluated by three judges, with all scoring conducted confidentially and overseen solely by the Awards organisers. Our Outstanding Awards Trust Mark accreditation reflects the integrity and rigour of the process, giving entrants, sponsors and stakeholders confidence that those reaching the finalist stage are among the district’s most outstanding businesses and organisations.”
The winners will be announced at a black-tie awards ceremony at WX Wakefield on Thursday 12th November 2026. The event will bring together businesses, charities and community organisations from across the Wakefield district to celebrate their achievements.
For further information about Wakefield Cathedral, click here.
