Safety experts bring back awards

Home life safety leaders Aico are bringing back their biennial Community Awards which are set to take place at The International Convention Centre in Birmingham in April 2026.

The event on April 16 celebrates excellence and inspirational achievements from across the UK housing industry, honouring those making a real difference in their communities.  

Open to all, Aico’s Community Awards provides entrants the opportunity to showcase inspirational colleagues, projects and innovations from the housing sector.

The last awards, held in 2024, raised over £9,000 for the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC), with Aico matching the donation to result in a total contribution of £18,000 to this worthy cause. Since 1905, the charity has offered vital support to those who work within the electrical and energy industries. 

Nest year’s ceremony will welcome over 450 guests, including the inspirational finalists from all award categories. Continuing its support for the EIC, the evening will feature a formal dinner, influential guest speakers, and live entertainment, all hosted by Carl Jones from Shropshire Business Live TV.

“We’re proud to bring the Community Awards back for 2026,” said Neal Hooper, managing director at Aico. “These awards are about recognising the real difference individuals and organisations make every day in improving lives and communities across the UK.”

New for 2026, the People’s Choice Award introduces an exciting interactive element to the evening. This special category will be voted for exclusively by attendees on the night, giving guests the chance to play a direct role in recognising excellence.

The 13 other award categories are now open to enter by either groups or individuals from across the UK. All entries must be submitted by February 20, 2026.

The categories are:

• Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative
• Neighbourhood Transformation
• Resident Engagement
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Woman in Fire Safety Award
• College Initiative of the Year
• Rising Star Award
• Electrical Contractor of the Year
• Inspirational Colleague of the Year
• Sustainability Project of the Year
• Best Distributor Community Initiative
• Collaborative Partnership
• Apprentice of the Year