Award-winning comedian to host Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber is delighted to announce that comedian, impressionist, actor and singer Jess Robinson has been confirmed as host of the 2026 Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards.

Best known for her work as lead female voice on the reboot of Spitting Image, a core performer on the long-running BBC Radio 4 comedy Dead Ringers, as well as a regular guest on the hit Channel 4 show The Last Leg, Jess has firmly established herself as a versatile performer who has dazzled audiences across stage, screen and the airwaves with her razor-sharp wit and charisma.

She has performed annually at the Edinburgh Fringe festival since 2014, and her latest production, Your Song – Elton Reimagined, has received widespread critical acclaim. Earlier this year, Jess published her debut book Life Is Rosi: Grandma, Me & Our Diaries at 23, contrasting her trivial worries about living in London in the early 2000s with her grandmother’s harrowing experience of surviving the Holocaust.  

Jess will oversee this year's awards ceremony, which returns to Magna on 6th November, promising to deliver a memorable evening as businesses from across Barnsley, Rotherham and South Yorkshire come together to celebrate and reflect on their achievements during the past 12 months.

The Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards, organised by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, is one of the highlights of the local business calendar and promises to deliver an unmissable evening of entertainment, networking and celebration.

This year’s awards will recognise the achievements of businesses in 14 different categories, including the highly coveted title of Business of the Year, chosen by judges from shortlisted entrants.

Recognising the efforts of all aspects of the local business community – from apprentices taking the first steps in their careers to businesses that have excelled in customer service, growth and community impact- businesses have until 5pm on Friday 11th September to enter.

The awards are free to enter and open to all businesses with the “S” postcode, as well as members of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber.

Jess Robinson said:

Every successful business has a story worth celebrating, and I'm looking forward to meeting the incredible people behind those stories. It promises to be a fantastic evening recognising the businesses, charities and individuals making such a positive impact across the region, and I can't wait to celebrate with everyone."

Matt Travis, President of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said:

"The Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards is one of the highlights of our calendar, and I’m looking forward to welcoming Jess, who I’m sure will make this year’s awards event a very special evening.

There is some truly fantastic work being delivered by businesses across South Yorkshire, and the awards provide a golden opportunity to showcase success, make new connections on the evening, as well as reflect on their achievements during the past 12 months. Whether you've experienced significant growth, invested in your people, introduced an innovative product or made a real difference in your community, these awards are a chance to gain the recognition your team deserves. "

Businesses wishing to enter the 2026 Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards should visit www.brawards.co.uk.