Shropshire Chamber of Commerce has unveiled plans for its 2026 business awards, promising a glittering event which will be ‘celebrating excellence and inspiring tomorrow’.
More than 150 businesspeople gathered at Hencote vineyard and restaurant in Shrewsbury for the official launch event, to hear about this year’s categories.
There are 13 awards on offer this year, including the showpiece company of the year title, and returning categories for new businesses, small businesses, outstanding customer service, and innovation.
Also returning this year are awards for community champion, outstanding business growth, excellence in manufacturing and engineering, retail leisure and hospitality achievement, and young business person of the year.
New for 2026 is a ‘best place to work’ award, while eco-friendly companies can apply for a new-look sustainability achievement prize.
The awards are free to enter, and companies do not have to be a Shropshire Chamber member to qualify. They simply need to have an operating base in either Shropshire or Telford & Wrekin.
Shropshire Chamber chief executive Ruth Ross said: “Ever since the awards were launched in 2001, they have been a highlight of the local business calendar, and this year will be no different.”
This year’s winners will be crowned at Telford’s International Centre on Friday June 19. Civil engineering firm McPhillips of Telford is the reigning Shropshire Company of the Year.
At the launch event, the Chamber’s team outlined remaining sponsorship opportunities, with packages on offer for every budget. They also released a batch of discounted ‘early bird’ tickets for the awards night.
Kelly Riedel, the Chamber’s head of member success, said: “For sponsors and for finalists, the awards night provides an incredible chance to showcase their brands in front of up to 700 people.”
For more information about the awards, visit www.shropshire-chamber.co.uk/awards
THE 2026 AWARDS CATEGORIES, AND CRITERIA
COMPANY OF THE YEAR: The showpiece award for an all-round star performer, flying the flag for Shropshire business excellence. Judged on a combination of:
BEST NEW BUSINESS: For start-ups in any sector, formed since January 2023. Entries will be assessed on:
BEST SMALL BUSINESS: For small or micro businesses in any sector, employing up to 10 full-time equivalent staff. Judged on:
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE: For companies which go the extra mile in looking after the needs of their customers. Judged on:
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS GROWTH: For companies who can demonstrate sustained success over the past three years. Judged on:
COMMUNITY CHAMPION - BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY: For businesses which believe in ‘putting something back’ into the Shropshire community. Judged on:
EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING: Celebrating the contribution being made by companies of all sizes in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Judged on:
RETAIL, LEISURE & HOSPITALITY ACHIEVEMENT: For companies making a positive contribution to some of Shropshire’s most important sectors. Judged on:
BEST PLACE TO WORK: For organisations of any size or sector that demonstrate outstanding commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and rewarding workplace culture. Judged on:
THE TRAILBLAZER – INNOVATION AWARD: For companies who have spotted a gap in the market, and thought outside the box to fill it. Judged on:
SUSTAINABILITY ACHIEVEMENT: For companies leading the way in environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices. Judged on:
YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON: Open to anyone aged 30 or below in January 2026 who demonstrates flair, commitment and an entrepreneurial spirit. Judged on:
THE JOHN CLAYTON AWARD: For an individual who has given an outstanding contribution to the Shropshire business community. They need to have:
Pictured: from left, Grace Bywater, master of ceremonies Ryan Kennedy, Jenny Pearson, Kelly Riedel and Kerry Bainbridge
