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.

Businesses and organisations from across the Isle of Wight are celebrating after being named as finalists in the 2026 Isle of Wight Chamber Business Awards.

The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce has unveiled this year’s shortlist, with winners set to be announced at a gala evening on Friday, 11th September at Bembridge Fort.

Recognising excellence, innovation and achievement across the Island’s business community, the awards bring together organisations of all sizes and sectors, from established names to emerging enterprises making their mark for the first time.

This year’s event marks an exciting new chapter for the Awards, with Bembridge Fort providing a spectacular setting for one of the highlights of the Island’s business calendar.

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

“Every year, the Chamber Awards remind us just how much talent, ambition, and innovation we have on the Isle of Wight, and this year is no exception.

“Our finalists represent an impressive mix of businesses and organisations from every sector and of every size. It’s fantastic to see some familiar names returning alongside many businesses engaging with the awards for the first time.

“That blend of established success and fresh energy says a great deal about the strength and vibrancy of our business community. Congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted. Reaching this stage is an achievement in itself, and we look forward to bringing the Island business community together for what promises to be a memorable evening.”

Tickets for the 2026 Isle of Wight Chamber Business Awards are now on sale here, with finalists, sponsors, and guests set to come together to celebrate business excellence, achievement, and collaboration.

Business Social Impact – Sponsored by Joedan

WightFibre

Island Echo

RPL Construction Ltd

Community Award – Sponsored by Moore (South) LLP

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Friends of the Animals

Home-Start Isle of Wight

Creative Impact Award – Sponsored by Medina Publishing

Robertson Foster Ltd

The Wight Brand (TVMI Ltd)

MooksGoo

Customer Service Award – Sponsored by RPL Construction

Milford Del Support Agency Ltd

Biscoes Solicitors

Tolchards Ltd

Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Glanvilles Damant Legal Services

WightFibre

Yokogawa Marex

Biscoes Solicitors

Entrepreneurship Award – Sponsored by Red Funnel  

Wight Coaches Ltd

Medina Bookshop

Simplex Accounting Ltd

Environment and Sustainability Award – Sponsored by IFPL

Isle of Wight Tomatoes

Ringway Island Roads

Certas Energy UK Ltd

Growth Business of the Year – Sponsored by WRS

WightFibre

Silver Arch Group

Captiva Homes

Hospitality Business of the Year – Sponsored by Cherry Godfrey

The Seaview Hotel

Newclose County Cricket Ground

The Blacksmiths

Micro Business of the Year – Sponsored by Gurit

Isle of Wight Studio Glass Ltd

Newclose County Cricket Ground

Simplex Accounting

Manufacturing and Export Business of the Year – Sponsored by GKN Aerospace     

IFPL Group Limited

Diverse Marine

Power Device UK Limited

Small Business of the Year – Sponsored by Wightlink

Wight Coaches Ltd

Island Echo

Strings Bar & Venue

Start Up Business of the Year – Sponsored by PC Consultants

JMD Building Consultancy Ltd

Diamond Adventures Ltd

Penny Tree Surgery & Landscaping

Technology and Innovation Award – Sponsored by Lifeline Alarms

IFPL Group Limited

Marine Data Systems Ltd

Diverse Marine

Tourism and Leisure Business of the Year – Sponsored by Visit Isle of Wight

Robin Hill Adventure Park

Isle of Wight Studio Glass Ltd

Ventnor Botanic Garden CIC

Training and Development Award – Sponsored by Yokogawa Marex

Ringway Island Roads Ltd

Isle of Wight County Press

Captiva Homes Ltd

The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the categories for the IW Chamber Business Awards 2026.

Entering the IW Chamber Business Awards is a fantastic opportunity to reflect on your success over the past year. It’s your chance to review your progress, celebrate your accomplishments, share your story, and potentially be recognised as outstanding in your industry.

Applications open on 1st December 2025 and close on 30 January 2026, but we’re excited to reveal the categories to give businesses time to consider which awards best suit their achievements.

Once applications close, entries will be reviewed by our independent panel of judges, who will be announced in the March 2026.

All application forms are available to download here

But for now, the most important part – the categories!

Start-Up Business of the Year Award – sponsored by PC Consultants

This award recognises exceptional success and growth for a start-up business. To qualify for this category the business must have been established during the last three years. Judges will be looking at how start-up was achieved, the strength of the business and how it has performed so far, as well as the potential for growth in the future. For this award you will need to demonstrate how your business has delivered outstanding results in a short time.

Young Entrepreneurship Award

This award recognises outstanding young entrepreneurs (aged 14–30) on the Isle of Wight who have demonstrated entrepreneurial flair, innovation, initiative, and sustained growth. Judges will reward ambition, creativity, resilience, and real business impact. Entries should focus primarily on activity during the calendar year of 2025.

Entrepreneurship Award – sponsored by Red Funnel

This award recognises exceptional success for a business, underpinned by an entrepreneurial spirit and drive. Judges will be rewarding outstanding growth, backed up by inspiration and vision, hard work, action and innovation. Show the judges how your entrepreneurial thinking and actions have enabled your business to make huge strides, excelling against the general trends for your sector. The activity for this entry should major on the calendar year of 2025, although it can also refer to activity from 2023 and 2024, to demonstrate how your entrepreneurial drive has steered your business.

Customer Service Award – sponsored by RPL Construction

This award recognises exceptional levels of service and customer care. Judges will be looking at evidence of how the business goes above and beyond customer expectations, with strong customer care ethos and targets. The judges will also be looking for investment in training and how high standards of customer care have contributed to business growth. You will need to demonstrate how customer care is at the heart of your organisation and how this ethos has contributed to the overall success of your business.

Community Award – sponsored by Moore (South)

This award recognises the success of charities, community groups, volunteer organisations and community interest groups. It is firmly aimed at “third sector” organisations. Commercial businesses that have gone above and beyond to help the wider community should consider applying for the Business Social Impact Award category.

This category is designed to showcase exceptional success by a community organisation. That success will be assessed in terms of traditional outcomes (people helped, funds raised) as well as recognising exceptional growth, sustainability and raising wider awareness. The judges will be looking for wide-reaching projects and campaign activity.

Employer of the Year Award – sponsored by Glanvilles Damant Legal Services

This award recognises businesses that are exceptional places to work, where employees thrive and are rewarded for their success. We’re looking for examples of organisations who nurture and support their employees, with positive practices that promote good mental health and staff well-being.

The judges are looking for evidence of how a business “gives back” to staff in terms wider than just salary. Judges will look for evidence of positive rewards to recognise success, as well as providing a healthy workplace environment that promotes positive physical and mental health.

You should demonstrate exceptional investment in staff and their career progression, including training and providing opportunities for personal growth. You should also show how your organisation actively listens to and reflects the views of staff, evolving to respond to changing needs and circumstances.

The judges will be looking for evidence that this positive approach has been good for the business holistically as well as raising levels of performance.

Training and Development Award

This award recognises commitment from a business to developing their staff with training. This award is open to all businesses of any size. Judges will be rewarding businesses that are investing in their teams – perhaps by taking on apprentices or by upskilling existing staff with higher level apprenticeships or further education.

The judges will be looking for evidence of how your business is making staff investment a key element of your growth strategy. They are also looking for examples of individual growth as well as how developing your team has enabled your business to grow. Although your entry should major on achievements in 2025, your entry may well refer to a longer running strategy for your business, particularly when reflecting on training programmes and qualifications that take several years to achieve.

Environment and Sustainability Award – sponsored by IFPL

This award recognises a business that is committed to making a positive contribution to the environment and to operating sustainably. We’re looking for businesses that are conscious of the way they operate and are changing the way that they work to act on climate change. The judges will be looking for evidence of campaigns or investment with outcomes that could include reducing waste, lowering carbon footprint, new approaches to travel or commuting, changing the way customers or staff engage with the business, or investing in support for the natural environment. The impact made by your business will be judged in relation to the size of your business.

Technology & Innovation Award – sponsored by Lifeline Alarms

This award recognises businesses that are constantly moving forward – leading by example and using technology to make their business more successful. This might be an innovative new product that sets you apart from others in your sector; it might be an innovative approach to the way that your business operates, meaning that your business is growing by employing new technology and new methods. Judges will be looking for modern businesses that are looking to the future.

Tourism & Leisure Business of the Year Award – sponsored by Visit Isle of Wight

This award recognises the strong performance of a business in the tourism sectors. This award will recognise a visitor attraction, entertainment venue, spa, fitness/wellness provider, leisure space or Island event that has enjoyed an exceptional year. This category is designed to showcase businesses who operate as a specific destination, attraction or event, providing entertainment or a leisure service. Hospitality or accommodation providers should look to enter the Hospitality Award.

Judges will be looking for distinctive high-quality products that enhance the Island’s offer to visitors as well as residents.

Hospitality Business of the Year Award – sponsored by Cherry Godfrey

This award recognises the strong performance of a business in the hospitality sector. This award will recognise an accommodation provider or a restaurant, pub, café or other dining venue that has enjoyed an exceptional year. Judges will be looking for distinctive high quality customer experiences that enhance the Island’s offering. They will also be looking for exceptional business performance within this sector.

Manufacturing and Export Business of the Year Award – sponsored by GKN Aerospace

This award recognises an Island based business that excels in the global marketplace. Judges will be looking for evidence of exceptional performance, with strong data and innovative products. Show the judges how your product(s) – which could be anything from food and drink to high tech or shipbuilding – have a reach outside the UK and help to put the Island on the global map.

Creative Impact Award

This award recognises our Island’s flourishing creative sector and the impact that quality and imaginative content can deliver to business and the wider community.

This award category is aimed at businesses that can show how innovative and outstanding creativity produces remarkable results on the Island and wider afield. This may be creative problem-solving, product or service innovation, creative leadership, digital transformation, or new creative partnerships

The creative content can be in any form – delivered through social media, the web, film, gaming, broadcast, performance, theatre, musical productions, publications, advertising, fashion, art, PR campaigns and design.

You might be a creative agency bursting with ideas, where you can clearly demonstrate the impact, your work has had on the reach and bottom line of your client(s). Alternatively, you might be a business or organisation that is using creative content to reach the wider community – spotlighting diversity, offering creative experiences to new audiences, supporting new voices, and nurturing the Island’s artistic community.

There’s a strong emphasis here on the impact of the creative work. Judging will be based on evidence of how the creative work has reached a wider audience and impacted on customers and the community .i.e. job creation, audience reach, new markets, export growth, innovation, environmental or social impact. In addition, you may want to reference how your entry has increased profits, awareness, stakeholder engagement, participation or donations.

Business Social Impact Award

This category recognises the contribution that a business has made to the wider community. We’re looking for businesses that are choosing to make a positive contribution and to help others, outside of their typical commercial operations. This could be by supporting charities, community projects, working with volunteers or leading awareness campaigns.

This award is aimed at businesses of any size and sector – the impact made by your business will be judged in relation to the size of your business. This award recognises a commercial business that is doing things that are non-commercial and designed to “give back”. If you’re a charity, not-for-profit organisation, volunteer group or community interest group (or similar) then please consider applying for the Community Award category instead.

Growth Business of the Year Award – sponsored by WRS

This award recognises exceptional growth from an Island business. Judges will be looking for significant and sustained expansion in a business of any size.

Demonstrate how your business is surging ahead – against your sector and your own previous levels of growth. The judges will be looking for evidence of increased profit, market share, numbers of staff, business investment and wider impact.

Your entry will be judged relative to the size of your business and should include clear year-on-year comparisons. You should also demonstrate why your growth has been remarkable for a business of your size and sector.

Micro Business of the Year Award – sponsored by Gurit UK

This award recognises an outstanding micro business in any sector, employing up to 3 staff.

Judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance, enterprise and sustainable growth for your business. You should also show why your business is exceptional – compared to other similarly sized businesses and other organisations in your sector. Judges will also be looking at future strategy and potential for further growth.

Small Business of the Year Award – sponsored by Wightlink

This award recognises outstanding small businesses in any sector, employing 4 to 10 staff.

Judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance, enterprise and sustainable growth for your business. You should also show why your business is exceptional – compared to other similarly sized businesses and other organisations in your sector. Judges will also be looking at future strategy and potential for further growth.

The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2025 with WRS have been presented in a glittering ceremony hosted by TV and radio star Jamie Laing, at Cowes Yacht Haven on Friday 9th May.

Jamie Laing said “I’ve had an amazing time. The Isle of Wight is an incredible place and we smashed it tonight. Congratulations to all our winners!” Jamie entertained the capacity crowd throughout the ceremony, celebrating the winners, engaging with the audience, even giving away some of his own Candy Kittens sweets as prizes to nominees.

West End singing star Kerry Ellis thrilled the nominees with an outstanding performance of hits from the musicals, including a spine-tingling Defying Gravity from Wicked, the show in which Kerry was the first British Elphaba in London, and a role she later reprised on the Broadway stage.

The President’s Cup for Outstanding Contribution was presented to Nigel Hartley MBE, the outgoing CEO of Mountbatten, who received his award to a standing ovation. The Business of The Year was presented to WightFibre, who won two other awards on the night. IOW Group and Brightbulb also took home a pair of trophies.

“We’ve had an amazing night, our biggest and best yet,” says the Chamber’s CEO Steven Holbrook. “With the support of our main sponsor WRS we’ve been able to pull out all the stops and share in a brilliant evening of celebration, with some incredible talent on show, both on-stage and in our shortlist. My thanks to WRS and all of our sponsors, and my congratulations to all of our winners and nominees.”

David Jackson, CEO of WRS added “WRS was founded right here on the Isle of Wight back in 2003, and we have always been proud of our local roots. Tonight as main sponsor we’ve unveiled our new brand image, to show how far we’ve come. The Isle of Wight is home to an inspiring network of businesses, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators who make the Island a special place to live and work. WRS is incredibly proud to support this celebration of talent, innovation and excellence.”

The winners in full:

Start Up Business of the Year – sponsored by PC Consultants

WINNER: Wight Vets

NOMINATED:
Diamond Adventures
Pinnacle Suites Hotel
Simplex Accounting Limited

Tourism and Leisure Business of the Year – sponsored by Visit Isle of Wight

WINNER: Isle of Wight Studio Glass Ltd

NOMINATED:
Blackgang Chine
Isle of Wight Studio Glass Ltd

Growth Business of the Year – sponsored by WRS

WINNER: Wight Coaches Ltd

NOMINATED:
Island Echo
Strings Bar & Venue
Superior Bespoke Furniture & Kitchens 

Creative Impact Award – sponsored by Medina Publishing

WINNER: WightFibre

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Spence Willard

NOMINATED:
Isle of Wight Studio Glass
Quay Arts 

Entrepreneurship Award – sponsored by Red Funnel

WINNER: Pinnacle Suites Hotel

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Island Echo

NOMINATED:
Charlie Panayi

Employer of the Year – sponsored by Glanvilles Damant Legal Services

WINNER: Brightbulb

NOMINATED:
WightFibre
Yokogawa Marex

Community Award – sponsored by Moore (South) LLP

WINNER: Sight for Wight

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Isle of Wight Youth Trust

NOMINATED:
Mountbatten Isle of Wight
Natural Enterprise Ltd

Environment and Sustainability Award – sponsored by IFPL

WINNER: IOW Group

HIGHLY COMMENDED: WightFibre

NOMINATED:
GKN Aerospace Services

Technology and Innovation Award – sponsored by Lifeline Alarms

WINNER: Brightbulb

NOMINATED:
IFPL Group Limited
Yokogawa Marex

Customer Service Award – sponsored by RPL Construction

WINNER: WightFibre
NOMINATED:
Preziosa Dachshunds
The Royal Hotel

Manufacturing and Export Business of the Year – sponsored by GKN Aerospace

WINNER: Isle of Wight Tomatoes

NOMINATED:
Diverse Marine
IFPL Group Limited

Training and Development Award – sponsored by Top Mops

WINNER: Yokogawa Marex

NOMINATED:
WightFibre
Willetts and Doig Optometrists
Yokogawa Marex

Hospitality Business of the Year – sponsored by Cherry Godfrey

WINNER: The Chequers Inn

NOMINATED:
The Blacksmiths
The Island Holiday Company
The Seaview Hotel

Business Social Impact Award – sponsored by WightFibre

WINNER: Red Squirrel Property Shop Ltd

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Medina Publishing Limited & Medina Bookshop

NOMINATED:
RenoDrain
Right at Home, Isle of Wight

Micro Business of the Year – sponsored by Gurit

WINNER: JR Zone

NOMINATED:
Silver Arch Property Solutions Limited
Superior Bespoke Furniture and Kitchens
Wight Coaches Ltd

Small Business of the Year – sponsored by Wightlink

WINNER: IOW Group

HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Seaview Hotel

NOMINATED:
Diverse Marine
Eldridges Solicitors
NFU Mutual Isle of Wight

IW Chamber Membership Special Award
Andy Squibb

IW Chamber President’s Award For Outstanding Contribution 2025
Nigel Hartley MBE

Business Of The Year Award 2025
WightFibre