Programme

Hear from the judging panel, view the menu and read the full shortlist

Welcome to the virtual programme for the Yorkshire Financial Awards 2026. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about the awards ceremony, from who’s hosting and what’s on the menu, to the all-important shortlist.

Kicking off the programme below is an introduction from Tracey Vegro OBE, Chief Executive for the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), who chaired the independent judging panel.

Tracey Vegro

“As CEO at the CISI, a body that champions the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the financial services sector, I was delighted to have been asked to Chair the Judging Panel for the Yorkshire Financial Awards.

In a world of heightened change and geo-political risk, this Yorkshire region is holding true to its foundations and 2026 is set to be another outstanding year for growth in the financial sector.

Each of us on the Judging Panel want to offer our warmest congratulations to all of you as finalists and especially so to the winners for setting some outstanding standards of innovation, professionalism and client care. The commitment shown to your clients and the emphasis on always meeting the very highest standards stood out. A fantastic set of achievements and many congratulations, once again”

Timings

19:00 Welcome reception

20:00 Dinner

21:45 Awards

23:00 Afterparty

01:30 Carriages

Your host

Chris Cox

Chris Cox is the only mind-reader in history to have starred on Broadway, sold out twenty-two shows at Sydney Opera House, and performed four seasons at London’s West End. The Guardian believes he is “one of the most exciting entertainers in Britain”, while Time Out thinks, “he does tricks that would make Jesus proud”.

Chris stars in the world’s biggest magic show The Illusionists. He also created, hosted, and headlined Wonderville at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End. He’s written and performed five critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe Festival shows, four solo UK Tours, two extended sell-out runs at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, and won two Edinburgh Fringe Awards, and a Best Comedy Show award. He also starred as Muddles alongside Warwick Davis in Snow White & The Seven Dwarf and has performed at Shakespeare’s Globe, Latitude, and the Reading & Leeds Festivals.

As well as starring in his own BBC shows Chris Cox’s Mind-Boggling Magic and Killer Magic, he has appeared on Blue Peter, America’s Got Talent, Heston Blumenthal’s Recipe For Romance, and The Secret Of Star Wars, and was part of the BAFTA nominated team who brought magic to BBC One’s Merlin. He has also read One Direction’s minds at the BBC Music Awards.

Entertainment

Lux Collective

Lux Collective are an innovative DJ Live duo consisting of saxophone and percussionist/DJ. Combining the deep musical knowledge of a skilled multi-instrumentalist and the instinctive rhythm and mixing of a pro DJ and drummer, Lux Collective always deliver an unforgettable party.

This talented pair play the biggest hits in classic dance, house, club and chart music, as well as classic Motown, pop, soul, funk and reggae. Lux Collective’s expansive repertoire and dynamic live show has guests of all ages and tastes cramming the dance floor.

With an amazing light up saxophone and a wireless microphone, the Lux Collective join you and your guests on the dance floor during their exhilarating, interactive performances. This is accompanied by stunning colour changing percussion, bongos and DJ set up.