MORE than 700 business professionals gathered at the University Arena in Worcester for the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards.
The flagship event celebrates excellence, innovation and achievement across the two counties.
Sponsored by Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council, the prestigious awards recognised outstanding organisations that are driving economic growth, creating opportunities and making a lasting contribution across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
The winner of the Business of the Year 2026 award, KGD Industrial Services (Image: Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce)
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Widely regarded as one of the region’s prestigious business events, the awards brought together organisations, leaders and professionals from a diverse range of sectors to celebrate success.
This year’s ceremony featured 15 award categories, recognising achievements in areas including innovation, sustainability, international trade, customer service, technology and workplace wellbeing.
The awards showcased businesses that continue to strengthen the regional economy through ambition, resilience and exceptional performance.
The standard of entries was exceptionally high, highlighting the strength and diversity of the local business community.
Organisations from a wide range of industries demonstrated outstanding innovation, leadership and commitment, making the judging process both highly competitive and inspiring for the independent panel of judges.
Hosted by Gavin Inskip, the evening embraced an exciting ‘Around the Globe’ theme, combining a celebration of business success with vibrant multicultural entertainment and dining.
Guests enjoyed an evening of networking and celebration while recognising the achievements of organisations of all sizes — from ambitious start-ups to established industry leaders.
One organisation rose above an impressive field of category winners to claim the evening’s highest honour.
Hereford’s KGD Industrial Services was named Business of the Year 2026, recognising its outstanding overall performance, leadership, growth and contribution to the regional economy.
Sharon Smith, chief executive of the chamber, said: “The chamber would like to thank all the businesses that entered and contributed to another successful celebration of business excellence.
“Their achievements continue to drive success across Herefordshire and Worcestershire and demonstrate the strength of the region’s business community.”
The chamber also extends its sincere thanks to its sponsors, partners, judges and all participating businesses whose continued support helped make this year’s awards another memorable celebration.
Preparations are already underway for next year’s awards as the chamber looks forward to once again recognising the organisations that continue to drive investment, innovation and opportunity across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Full details of all award winners and highly commended businesses can be viewed at hwchamber.co.uk.
OTHER WINNERS
Best Use of Technology & Trends, sponsored by EBC Group: Highly Commended: Primafruit; Winner: Hereford Cathedral School.
Charity Business of the Year, sponsored by Rowley Meadow: Highly Commended: Midlands Air Ambulance Charity; Winner: Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Commitment to the Community, sponsored by Malvern Panalytical: Highly Commended: Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service/Specsavers Fulfilment Services Ltd; Winner: Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers.
Employer of the Year, sponsored by Heart of Worcestershire College: Highly Commended: Roxel (UK Rocket Motors) Limited/Specsavers Fulfilment Services Ltd; Winner: St Peters Garden Centre.
Excellence in Customer Service, sponsored by Wyevale Nurseries: Highly Commended: Surf Tech IT; Winner: Dawleys.
Excellence in Innovation, sponsored by Malvern Hills Science Park: Highly Commended: Kimal PLC; Winner: Bootskins.
Excellence in Manufacturing & Engineering, sponsored by ABE Ledbury: Highly Commended: Clifford Springs; Winner: KGD Industrial Services Ltd.
Excellence in Professional Services, sponsored by LawFinity, powered by EBC Group: Highly Commended: Limelite HR and Learning; Winner: Britannic Place Financial Management Limited.
Health & Wellbeing in the Workplace, sponsored by Kingspan Insulation: Highly Commended: Bespoke – Advice Limited | CXCS Group Ltd; Winner: West Midlands Safari Park.
Excellence in Sustainability, sponsored by GLP Training: Highly Commended: ONE Creative environments (ONE); Winner: OLPRO.
High Growth Business of the Year, sponsored by mfg Solicitors LLP: Highly Commended: OLPRO; Winner: Gaudet Luce Golf & Leisure Complex.
Global Trade Business of the Year, sponsored by HCR Law: Highly Commended: Hereford Cathedral School; Winner: Kimal PLC.
Micro Business of the Year, sponsored by Worcestershire Growth Hub: Highly Commended: Britannic Place Financial Management Limited; Winner: CJ Tree Surgeons Limited.
Most Promising New Business, sponsored by Dawleys: Highly Commended: Bootskins; Winner: Emily Rose Fine Art and Framing.
Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Vinegar Works: Highly Commended: ISO Quality Services Limited; Winner: Wickens Engineering Ltd.
