Four award nominations. One incredibly proud team.
We’re delighted to announce that Braeburn Care and our CEO, Harriet Smith, have been named finalists in four categories at the Tunbridge Wells Business Awards 2026.
Following a record number of entries and an exceptionally high standard of submissions, the independent judging panel has shortlisted Braeburn Care in three business categories, alongside an individual nomination recognising Harriet’s leadership.
For our family-run home care business, which relaunched in February 2024, this is a particularly meaningful milestone.
Four Tunbridge Wells Business Awards 2026 finalist nominations
We’re proud to be shortlisted in the following categories:
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Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year — Braeburn Care
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The Changemaker Award — Braeburn Care
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Small Business of the Year — Braeburn Care
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Businesswoman of the Year — Harriet Smith, CEO
Each nomination reflects a different part of our journey, from the care we deliver in people’s homes to our ambition to build a sustainable, people-focused business that contributes positively to the local community.
To receive recognition across all four categories is something we’re extremely proud of.
Recognising the difference home care can make
At Braeburn Care, we believe good home care is about much more than providing practical assistance.
It’s about helping people maintain their independence, continue enjoying familiar routines and feel comfortable, supported and confident in their own homes.
Our Care Professionals support individuals and families across Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Crowborough and surrounding communities, providing services including visiting home care, companionship, dementia support, respite care and live-in care.
Every customer has different circumstances, preferences and priorities. Our responsibility is to understand those needs and provide reliable, compassionate support that respects each person’s choices.
Being shortlisted for Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year is especially meaningful because it recognises the sector in which our team works every day.
We see the difference that consistent, attentive care can make, not only to customers but also to the families who depend on that support.
Building a business that makes a difference
Our nomination for The Changemaker Award is another important moment for Braeburn Care.
Since relaunching the business in 2024, we’ve focused on developing a home care service that combines high standards of care with a strong commitment to our people, our customers and our community.
That means investing in the development of our Care Professionals, listening to feedback, strengthening our systems and continually looking for ways to improve the experience of receiving care at home.
It also means recognising the importance of working alongside families, healthcare professionals and other local organisations to help people access the right support.
We know there is always more to learn and improve. Our ambition is to keep challenging ourselves to make a positive difference through the way we deliver care and operate our business.
Celebrating our journey as a growing local business
Being shortlisted for Small Business of the Year gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far Braeburn Care has come in a relatively short time.
Since our relaunch, we’ve worked hard to build a business with strong foundations, a dedicated team and a clear vision for the future.
Growth is important, but we’ve always believed it must be accompanied by investment in our people, operational standards and the quality of the service we provide.
As an independently owned business with strong roots in Tunbridge Wells, we’re particularly proud to be recognised alongside other local organisations contributing to the area’s business community.
We’re ambitious about the future of Braeburn Care, but we’re equally committed to retaining the personal approach that makes our business who we are.
Recognising the leadership behind Braeburn Care
We’re also delighted that our CEO, Harriet Smith, has been named a finalist for Businesswoman of the Year.
Harriet has played a central role in relaunching and developing Braeburn Care, bringing her wider business experience and entrepreneurial approach to a sector where strong leadership and a genuine commitment to people are essential.
Alongside her other business and charitable responsibilities, Harriet has remained focused on building Braeburn Care into a respected local provider with long-term ambitions.
For Harriet, the nomination is also an opportunity to recognise the people who make the business possible.
Harriet says:
“To be shortlisted in four categories is an incredible moment for Braeburn Care, particularly when I think about how far we’ve come since relaunching the business in 2024.
I’m personally very proud to be recognised for Businesswoman of the Year, but what makes this especially rewarding is seeing Braeburn Care recognised across three different categories.
Building a successful business is never the achievement of one person. Katy, Michaela and our entire team of Care Professionals work incredibly hard, and I’m grateful for the commitment, compassion and professionalism they bring to the business every day.
We’re ambitious about what comes next, and this recognition gives us even more motivation to keep moving forward.”
Thank you to our team, customers and local community
Awards provide a welcome opportunity to celebrate progress, but the work that matters most happens every day in the homes of the people we support.
We want to thank our Care Professionals, Registered Care Manager Katy Salliss, Michaela and everyone who contributes to Braeburn Care.
We’re also grateful to our customers and their families for placing their trust in us, and to the local businesses and professionals who continue to support our journey.
The Tunbridge Wells Business Awards 2026 ceremony takes place on Tuesday 10 November 2026 at the Assembly Hall Theatre, where we’ll be celebrating alongside fellow finalists from across the borough.
Whatever the outcome, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved and excited about what lies ahead.
Looking for home care in Tunbridge Wells or West Kent?
If you’re exploring care options for yourself or someone close to you, our team would be pleased to talk through how we can help.
Braeburn Care provides home care, companionship, dementia support, respite and live-in care across Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Crowborough and surrounding areas;
Call us on 01892 577680
Learn more at www.braeburncare.co.uk
Email enquiries@braeburncare.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
- What awards has Braeburn Care been shortlisted for in 2026? Braeburn Care is a finalist for Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year, The Changemaker Award and Small Business of the Year at the Tunbridge Wells Business Awards 2026. CEO Harriet Smith is also a finalist for Businesswoman of the Year.
- When are the Tunbridge Wells Business Awards 2026? The awards ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday 10 November 2026 at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells.
- What services does Braeburn Care provide? Our services include visiting home care, companionship, dementia support, respite care, overnight support and live-in care, depending on individual needs and circumstances.
- Which areas does Braeburn Care cover? We support customers across Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Crowborough and nearby areas of West Kent and East Sussex.
- Is Braeburn Care an independent home care provider? Yes. Braeburn Care is an independently owned, family-run home care business with strong local roots and a commitment to providing a personal, professional service.
- How can I arrange home care for a family member? Contact Braeburn Care on 01892 577680 or email enquiries@braeburncare.co.uk. Our team can discuss your circumstances, explain the services available and advise on the next steps.
