Finalists revealed for 2026 Shropshire Chamber Business Awards
The finalists have today been revealed for the 2026 Shropshire Chamber Business Awards, with seven companies battling for the showpiece Company of the Year title.
A record number of entries were received for this year’s competition, which will see 14 awards presented at Telford’s International Centre on June 19.
Battling for the Company of the Year award this year are former champion Pave Aways from Knockin, alongside Telford-based duo Aviramp and Kraft Heinz, Riverside Cabins of Shrewsbury, Fowler & Gilbert from Market Drayton, Bridgnorth Aluminium, and Shropshire Festivals.
Exotic Zoo of Telford is up for three awards, while Jesmonite of Bishop’s Castle, The Hundred House at Norton, R1 Construction from Shrewsbury, Lingen Davies Cancer Support, Pave Aways, Shropshire Festivals, Aviramp, and CEL of Telford have each been shortlisted in two categories.
This year’s finalists come from all corners of the county, including Telford, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Ludlow, Whitchurch, Bridgnorth, Market Drayton, Bishop’s Castle, Shawbury, Newport, Buildwas, Broseley, Rodington, Cosford, and more.
Teams of independent judges will now be touring the county over the coming weeks to meet all of the finalists, before choosing their winners. The Chamber plays no part in the shortlisting or judging.
The Shropshire Chamber Business Awards are firmly established as the largest event on the county business calendar.
Nearly 500 tickets have already been reserved for this year. For more details, and to buy tickets, see www.shropshire-chamber.co.uk/awards
Ruth Ross, chief executive of Shropshire Chamber, said: “We have once again been amazed and delighted by the volume and quality of entries. It’s really refreshing to see so many first-time entrants and finalists this year.
“They represent the very best of the Shropshire business community - organisations that are innovating, investing in their people and driving growth across.
“Being shortlisted is a significant achievement in itself, and it reflects the hard work, resilience and ambition that underpin our local economy.”
She added: “This competition matters because it shines a light on businesses across all corners of Shropshire who are pushing standards higher, year after year. The judging process is rigorous, and the calibre of entries continues to rise.
“That tells us something important: our county is home to exceptional talent, and businesses here are not just keeping pace but leading the way.
“As a Chamber, we see first hand how these awards inspire confidence, collaboration and pride. They celebrate success, but they also encourage businesses of all sizes to raise their aspirations.
“Shortlisting each category was a really tough task for our panel – we’re so grateful to all of our independent judges from the local business community for giving up their time to help.
“This year’s finalists set a powerful example of what can be achieved, and we are delighted to recognise their contribution to the prosperity of our county.”
The 2026 Finalists
Company of the Year
The showpiece award for an all-round star performer, flying the flag for Shropshire business excellence.
- Aviramp, Telford
- Bridgnorth Aluminium
- Fowler & Gilbert, Market Drayton
- Kraft Heinz, Telford
- Pave-Aways, Knockin
- Riverside Cabins, Shrewsbury
- Shropshire Festivals, Buildwas
Best New Business
For start-ups in any sector, formed since January 2023.
- Handleys Stitch Interiors, Broseley
- Kindridge Bid Solutions, Telford
- The Salwey Lodge, Ludlow
- Titan Platforms, Telford
Best Small Business
For small or micro businesses in any sector, employing up to 10 full-time equivalent staff.
- Elevated Support, Ludlow
- European Innovation, Telford
- GWR Fasteners, Oswestry
- Shropshire Festivals, Buildwas
Outstanding Customer Service
For companies which go the extra mile in looking after the needs of their customers.
- Cardington Rural Escapes
- Dulson Training Limited, Rodington
- Elite Hampers, Telford
- Shropshire Floats, Myddle
Outstanding Business Growth
For companies who can demonstrate sustained success over the past three years.
- Affco Flow Control, Telford
- CEL, Telford
- Exascale Limited, Telford
- Shuker Building & Development, Shrewsbury
Community Champion - Business in the Community
For businesses which believe in ‘putting something back’ into the Shropshire community.
- Exotic Zoo, Telford
- In-Comm Training, Telford
- McPhillips, Telford
- R1 Construction, Shrewsbury
Excellence in Manufacturing and Engineering
Celebrating the contribution being made by companies of all sizes in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
- Aviramp, Telford
- CEL, Telford
- Iconsys, Telford
- Kraft Heinz, Telford
Retail, Leisure & Hospitality Achievement
For companies making a positive contribution to some of Shropshire’s most important sectors.
- Exotic Zoo, Telford
- Hadley Park House Hotel, Telford
- Salop Leisure, Shrewsbury
- The Hundred House, Norton
Best Place to Work
For organisations of any size or sector that demonstrate outstanding commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and rewarding workplace culture.
- Jesmonite, Bishop’s Castle
- Lingen Davies Cancer Support, Shrewsbury
- Midlands Air Ambulance, Cosford
- Pave Aways, Knockin
The Trailblazer - Innovation Award
For companies who have spotted a gap in the market, and thought outside the box to fill it.
- Jesmonite, Bishop’s Castle
- Pegs, Shrewsbury
- Planet Doughnut, Shrewsbury
- UserBoost, Oswestry
Sustainability Acheivement
For companies leading the way in environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices.
- Lohas Fertiliser, Shawbury
- Preloved Tech, Newport
- Scrubmission Ltd, Telford
- Wild Shropshire, Whitchurch
Young Business Person
Open to anyone aged 30 or below in January 2026 who demonstrates flair, commitment and an entrepreneurial spirit.
- Cian Iddison – Dyke Yaxley, Shrewsbury
- Emilie Kerr – Lingen Davies, Shrewsbury
- Jack Ryan – Sygneus Ltd, Shrewsbury
- Dan Sherratt – R1 Construction, Shrewsbury
Excellence in Tourism and Leisure
Recognising those who contribute to promoting the local area, its culture and appeal as a visitor destination
- Exotic Zoo, Telford
- Marrington Escapes, Shrewsbury
- Sabrina Tours, Shrewsbury
- The Hundred House, Norton
