Island’s Best in Business Celebrated at IW Chamber Business Awards 2026

Island’s Best in Business Celebrated at IW Chamber Business Awards 2026

The very best of the Isle of Wight business community was celebrated in style at Bembridge Fort as the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2026 recognised outstanding achievement from businesses and individuals across the Island.

Hosted by Denise Van Outen, the Awards brought together businesses from across the Isle of Wight for one of the biggest nights in the Island’s business calendar, celebrating success, innovation, growth and the people behind some of its most impressive organisations.

The unique surroundings of Bembridge Fort provided a spectacular backdrop for the evening, as months of anticipation came to an end and the winners of the 2026 Awards were revealed.

The winners of the IW Chamber Business Awards 2026 were:

Start Up Business of the Year – JMD Building Consultancy

Tourism & Leisure Business of the Year – Robin Hill Adventure Park

Growth Business of the Year – WightFibre

Creative Impact Award – Robertson Foster

Entrepreneurship Award – Wight Coaches

Employer of the Year – Yokogawa Marex

Community Award – Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Environment & Sustainability Award – Isle of Wight Tomatoes

Technology & Innovation Business of the Year – IFPL Group Ltd

Customer Service Award – Tolchards Ltd

Manufacturing & Export Business of the Year – IFPL Group Ltd

Training & Development Award – Captiva Homes

Hospitality Business of the Year – The Blacksmiths

Business Social Impact Award – WightFibre

Micro Business of the Year – Newclose Cricket Ground

Small Business of the Year – Wight Coaches

President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution – Paul Thomas, Isle of Wight Tomatoes

Chamber Member of the Year 2026 – Meridian 3

Business of the Year – IFPL Group Ltd

The standard of entries was extremely high, with the shortlist reflecting the breadth and strength of the Island’s business community. From start-ups and micro businesses to established employers, manufacturers and exporters, the Awards recognised achievement across a wide range of sectors.

Rob Johnson, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, said:

“What a fantastic evening and a brilliant celebration of Island business. Our Awards are always a highlight of the Chamber calendar, but bringing everyone together at Bembridge Fort made this year particularly special.

“The quality of our finalists demonstrates just how much talent, ambition and innovation we have within our business community. Congratulations to every one of our winners and finalists. Reaching the shortlist is an achievement in itself and everyone recognised tonight should be extremely proud.

“I would also like to thank our sponsors, judges and everyone who has worked so hard to make the Awards possible. Their support allows us to showcase success, recognise achievement and provide a platform for Island businesses to celebrate together.”

The Chamber also thanked Denise Van Outen, who brought her trademark warmth and personality to the role of host, guiding guests through the evening and helping to celebrate each of the winners as they took to the stage.

Central to the success of the Awards was the continued support of the Chamber’s sponsors. Their contribution goes far beyond supporting an individual category; it demonstrates a commitment to recognising excellence, encouraging ambition and investing in the Island’s wider business community.

The evening also provided an opportunity to support WightAID, raising funds to help good causes and community organisations across the Isle of Wight.

Among the major winners on the night was IFPL Group Ltd, which took home Technology & Innovation Business of the Year and Manufacturing & Export Business of the Year before being revealed as the overall Business of the Year. WightFibre and Wight Coaches also celebrated two wins apiece.

The prestigious President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution was presented to Paul Thomas of Isle of Wight Tomatoes, while Meridian 3 was recognised as Chamber Member of the Year 2026.

The 2026 Awards once again demonstrated the strength, diversity and ambition of the Island’s business community, bringing businesses together not only to celebrate success but to strengthen relationships, make new connections and recognise the contribution they collectively make to the Isle of Wight economy.