Celebration as Aico hosts its 2026 Community Awards
The International Convention Centre (ICC) was transformed into a hub of celebration this week as Aico hosted its prestigious Community Awards 2026.
The gala brought together a distinguished assembly of leaders, innovators, and changemakers from the social housing and fire safety sectors to honour those making a tangible difference in communities across the United Kingdom.
The evening was expertly steered by returning host Carl Jones, who set a tone of prestige and warmth. A poignant highlight of the night was an address by Kevin Sinfield, who spoke movingly about the profound impact of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) on his close friend Rob Burrow. In a demonstration of corporate solidarity, Aico confirmed the MND Association as the evening's chosen charity, further cementing the event’s focus on social responsibility.
Entertainment and Artistic Excellence
Guests were treated to a diverse programme of entertainment, including a sharp comedy set by Ignacio Lopez and a high-energy musical finale by Soho Collective. However, the true artistry of the night was found in the trophies themselves. This year, the awards were uniquely handcrafted by students at Severndale Academy, a Shropshire-based specialist school for young people with special educational needs. Using fused glass, the students designed each piece to represent the iconic tree from the Aico in the Community logo, providing a physical symbol of growth and support.
Aico’s Managing Director, Neal, closed the ceremony by reinforcing the company's ethos. He remarked that championing excellence through these awards is essential for fostering the collaboration and knowledge-sharing required to create safer homes and stronger neighbourhoods nationwide.
The 2026 Roll of Honour
The competitive nature of the evening was heightened by the debut of the People’s Choice Award, which allowed attendees to vote live during the ceremony. This inaugural title was claimed by Wolverhampton Homes, following a spirited interactive session that engaged the entire room.
Individual brilliance was a recurring theme throughout the night. Emily-Jane Simmons was named Apprentice of the Year, while the Rising Star Award was presented to Alfie Squirrell of the Wiggett Group. The Lifetime Achievement Award, perhaps the most prestigious individual accolade of the programme, was awarded to June Anderson of the Clackmannanshire Tenants & Residents Federation for her decades of unwavering service.
In the organisational categories, the Collaborative Partnership Award went to Equans, and the Neighbourhood Transformation Award was shared by Mid Devon District Council and Zed Pods Limited. Significant contributions to safety and sustainability were also recognised, with Martina Lydon of WHG taking home the Woman in Fire Safety Award and H&A Group winning the Sustainability Project of the Year.
Other notable victors included City Electrical Factors NW London for their community initiative, Cheshire College South and West for the College Initiative of the Year, and Smith & Byford, who secured the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative Award. The electrical sector was further represented by Magnus Electrical Services, named Electrical Contractor of the Year, and Steve Messenger of Booker & Best, who was celebrated as the Inspirational Colleague of the Year. Finally, Magenta Living was honoured for their exceptional work in the Resident Engagement category.
As the curtains closed on the 2026 ceremony, the consensus among attendees was clear: the event continues to serve as a vital benchmark for excellence and a powerful reminder of the impact of collective community action.
