Shropshire Chamber launches its 2026 business awards
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:
- Evidence of financial success
- Creativity, innovation and ambition
- Leadership and customer service excellence
- Training, people development and marketing strategies
- Giving back – showing a commitment to Shropshire
- Effective response to economic challenges
- Awards, testimonials and accolades
- A commitment to diversity, wellbeing and sustainability
BEST NEW BUSINESS: For start-ups in any sector, formed since January 2023. Entries will be assessed on:
- Strength and originality of business vision
- Clear and dynamic business plan
- Financial objectives, and evidence of progress
- Creative and ambitious marketing and growth strategies
- Testimonials, case studies and accolades
BEST SMALL BUSINESS: For small or micro businesses in any sector, employing up to 10 full-time equivalent staff. Judged on:
- Innovation, and forward-thinking strategies for growth
- Gaining and sustaining a competitive advantage
- Commitment to staff development and wellbeing
- Clear and creative marketing and growth plans
- Accolades, testimonials, and evidence of financial success
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE: For companies which go the extra mile in looking after the needs of their customers. Judged on:
- Ways of consistently exceeding customer expectations
- Measuring customer satisfaction, and acting on feedback
- Training and development in customer handling and service skills
- Awards, accolades and testimonials
- Evidence of going the extra mile to deliver five-star service
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS GROWTH: For companies who can demonstrate sustained success over the past three years. Judged on:
- Evidence of strategic and profitable expansion including accounts and payroll growth for 3 years, new products/services and expansion into new markets
- A dynamic and scalable business model
- Profitability, plus a growth in staff numbers and/or turnover
- Ability to break into new markets, at home or overseas
- A commitment to staff development and wellbeing
COMMUNITY CHAMPION – BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY: For businesses which believe in ‘putting something back’ into the Shropshire community. Judged on:
- Top-to-bottom ‘buy-in’ from staff at all levels, over and above statutory requirements
- Examples of projects which have made a real difference to local people’s lives
- Supporting Shropshire suppliers by ‘buying local’
- Fostering links with schools, colleges and community groups
- Case studies, endorsements and testimonials
EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING: Celebrating the contribution being made by companies of all sizes in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Judged on:
- Innovation and customer satisfaction
- Quality control processes, and use of new technology
- Effective leadership and management
- Testimonials, and evidence of financial success
- Health, safety and wellbeing policies and processes
RETAIL, LEISURE & HOSPITALITY ACHIEVEMENT: For companies making a positive contribution to some of Shropshire’s most important sectors. Judged on:
- Established market position and strong financial performance
- Overcoming challenges to gain a competitive advantage
- Commitment to staff development and wellbeing
- Clear and creative marketing and growth plans
- Awards, accolades and testimonials
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:
- Employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention initiatives
- Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities
- Investment in staff development, training, and career progression
- Wellbeing programmes and support for work–life balance
- Recognition, testimonials, and evidence of workplace excellence
THE TRAILBLAZER – INNOVATION AWARD: For companies who have spotted a gap in the market, and thought outside the box to fill it. Judged on:
- Your USP: What makes you stand out from the competition?
- Innovation in products, services or processes
- Evidence of profitability and effective leadership
- Testimonials, awards, and potential for future growth
- A commitment to staff development and wellbeing
SUSTAINABILITY ACHIEVEMENT: For companies leading the way in environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices. Judged on:
- Proven commitment to reducing environmental footprint and promoting resource efficiency
- Innovative approaches to sustainable products, services, or operations
- Integration of sustainability into long-term business strategy and culture
- Positive impact on staff, customers, and the wider community through sustainable initiatives
- Recognition, certifications, or endorsements highlighting environmental leadership
YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON: Open to anyone aged 30 or below in January 2026 who demonstrates flair, commitment and an entrepreneurial spirit. Judged on:
- Evidence of a significant influence on the business
- A commitment to training and personal development
- Entrepreneurial attitude, reliability and work ethic
- Strong people skills and maturity beyond their years
- Testimonials from managers, colleagues, and/or customers
THE JOHN CLAYTON AWARD: For an individual who has given an outstanding contribution to the Shropshire business community. They need to have:
- Championed the Shropshire business community over a significant number of years
- Made a significant positive impact on the lives of others
- Given back to the county through either mentorship, volunteering or charitable actions
- Been an inspirational role model who has inspired their colleagues or peers
