Owanate Bestman Named a Finalist for Leader of the Year at the British Recruitment Awards 2026

We’re delighted to announce that Owanate Bestman, Founder of Bestman Solutions, has been named a Finalist for Leader of the Year (Agency) at the British Recruitment Awards 2026.
But while it might be Owanate’s name on the shortlist, the recognition belongs to the team behind him.

The British Recruitment Awards celebrate the individuals and teams helping organisations attract, develop and retain exceptional people, with categories spanning leadership, diversity and inclusion, technology and innovation across the recruitment profession.

This year saw 317 entries from organisations across the UK, ranging from ambitious start-ups to major global businesses and public-sector organisations.

For the Bestman Solutions team, being selected as a finalist is welcome recognition of an approach to hiring that has always put people first.

Building recruitment around relationships

We founded Bestman Solutions on the belief that exceptional recruitment requires more than matching experience on a CV with requirements on a job description.

It requires understanding.

Understanding what an organisation is trying to achieve. Understanding its culture and challenges. Understanding what motivates an individual and where they want their career to take them.
And, importantly, investing the time required to build genuine, long-term relationships with both.

Today, that philosophy underpins our work connecting exceptional global talent with leadership roles across Tech, Cybersecurity and AI.

As a boutique specialist, we combine a world-class network with deep market knowledge and a highly personal approach. Whether we’re supporting an organisation with a critical leadership appointment or helping an individual navigate the next stage of their career, our aim is the same: to understand what success looks like and deliver against it thoroughly.

Recognition that means something

Owanate Bestman, Founder, Bestman Solutions, comments “Being named a finalist is a real honour. Bestman Solutions has always been about building genuine relationships and doing the right thing by the people who trust us with important decisions about their businesses and careers.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built, but this recognition isn’t mine alone. It reflects the work of our whole team, as well as the clients and candidates who have trusted and supported us along the way. I’m very grateful to all of them.”

The British Recruitment Awards 2026

The British Recruitment Awards judging panel brings together senior talent acquisition, recruitment and people leaders from organisations across the UK and internationally.

Nate Harwood, Founder of New Possible and the British Recruitment Awards, said:

“As we navigate a profound industrial shift, it has become more important than ever for organisations to attract, develop and retain the people who will build tomorrow’s economy. The British Recruitment Awards celebrate the visionary teams and individuals leading this transformation. Congratulations to all our Finalists.”

The winners of the British Recruitment Awards 2026 will be announced at a celebration evening at the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, London, on Thursday 12 November 2026.

Whatever happens on the night, we’re proud to see Bestman Solutions recognised amongst this year’s finalists.

Congratulations every organisation and individual shortlisted for this year’s awards.