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.

The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce has announced that CEO Rob Johnson will be stepping down from his role later this year, officially handing over the leadership to a new Chief Executive at the annual IW Chamber Awards in September.

The Chamber is entering a significant and exciting new chapter. As the business landscape continues to evolve, so too has the Chamber’s ambition – strengthening its influence, expanding its strategic partnerships and developing a clear vision for the future. Delivering that strategy now requires dedicated full-time leadership to build on the momentum already achieved.

To deliver on this new strategy and guide the Chamber moving forward, the CEO role now requires a greater level of full-time input. Due to growing demands from his other national and local commitments, Rob is unable to offer this expanded capacity.

Rob Johnson has said:

“It has been a privilege to lead the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce during a period of such significant and exciting change.

“The Chamber is in a strong position with growing membership engagement and important strategic partnerships in place. Delivering our strategy moving forward now requires a full-time focus that I simply cannot provide alongside my other commitments.

“I look forward to celebrating the achievements of our business community and officially handing over the reins at the Chamber Awards, knowing the organisation is well placed for the future.”

The Chamber’s Board of Directors has already identified a successor and expects to announce the new Chief Executive shortly. The formal handover at the Chamber Awards on 11th September will provide an opportunity to celebrate both the achievements of the Island’s business community and the beginning of the Chamber’s next chapter.

The Chamber has reaffirmed that it will remain an independent organisation dedicated to representing Isle of Wight businesses, while continuing to work collaboratively with regional and national partners where this creates greater opportunities for members. 

With a clear strategy, growing influence and dedicated full-time leadership, the Chamber is well positioned to build on its recent progress and deliver even greater value to the Island’s business community.

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

As your Chamber of Commerce, our primary mission remains to connect, support, and champion the incredible businesses across the Isle of Wight. Every day, we see the resilience, innovation, and hard work that drive our local economy forward, and it is a privilege to be your voice both here on the Island and beyond.  

To ensure we can continue delivering the high-quality events, vital advocacy, and comprehensive resources you rely on, we regularly review our operations. Like many of your own businesses, the IW Chamber has recently experienced the pressure of rising operational costs. To sustain the level of support and representation our business community deserves, we will be implementing a modest adjustment to our membership fees. We are acutely aware of the pressure our members face from the wider economic landscape, and as such we are deliberately keeping this in line with the current rate of inflation. 

This 3% inflationary adjustment (on average) is a necessary step to future-proof our services, allowing us to maintain our robust support network without passing the full burden of rising costs onto you. Your membership is an investment in your business, and continues to foster a thriving business environment on the Island. It enables us to continue facilitating crucial networking opportunities, access to business support services, and advocating for Island businesses on issues that matter most. 

What this means for you: 

• Monthly Members: Login to the new IW Chamber website to manage your membership: click here to update your profile, logo, and payment details. The adjustment will be applied automatically to your regular payments. 

• Annual Members: The new rate will be clearly reflected in your upcoming renewal invoice at the end of your current term. 

We are incredibly grateful for your continued membership and trust. It is the collective strength of our network that makes the Isle of Wight such a wonderful place to live, work, and do business. 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss how to get involved with the IW Chamber this year, please reach out to our team: Chamber@iwchamber.co.uk 

Thank you for your ongoing support. 

The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of new members to its Board of Directors, marking a new era for the organisation’s leadership.

Elected by members, the announcement was voted in at the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting, held at The New Holmwood Hotel on Cowes seafront. Members gathered to reflect on a year of growth and collaboration within the Island’s business community, while looking ahead to new opportunities with refreshed leadership.

Members voted to elect three new directors to the Board: Domanic Wray, Managing Director of Vectis Ventures; Emma Bradley, Director at Spence Willard; and Matt Jeffery, Managing Director of the Brightbulb.

The Chamber’s leadership team now comprises a mix of long-standing and newly appointed members, bringing together a diverse range of expertise from across the Island’s business sectors.

The full list of directors is:

• Rob Johnson – CEO
• Alison Colley – President
• Jonathan Thornton – Chairman
• Mark Lee – Board Director
• Sarah Chatwin – Board Director
• Karen Lucas – Board Director
• Fran Collins – Board Director
• Matt Greg – Board Director
• Tracy Osborn – Board Director
• Katy Taylor – Board Director
• Dominic Wray – Board Director
• Darren Toogood – Board Director
• Emma Bradley – Board Director
• Matt Jeffery – Board Director

Speaking after the AGM, President Alison Colley said the new appointments reflected the Chamber’s commitment to representing the full breadth of the Island’s business community. “Our Board brings together experience, innovation and a shared passion for supporting local enterprise,” she said. “We look forward to building on recent successes and continuing to strengthen the Island’s economic future.”

Past President, John Allen, stepped down from the Board and receiving warm thanks for his many years of dedicated service and commitment to the Chamber. Sandra Knowles has also resigned.

The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce gathered its members for the 2025 Annual General Meeting, held at the New Holmwood Hotel in Cowes.

Hosted by the new IW Chamber CEO, Rob Johnson, the event brought together members from across the Island to reflect on another successful year, and to shape the organisation’s future direction.

Members enjoyed a fantastic lunch overlooking historic Cowes seafront, while celebrating the achievements of Island businesses. The Chamber recognised several companies for their long-term support, presenting Bronze Awards for 10 years and Silver Awards for 20 years of continuous membership. Honourees that collected their awards on the day included:

• Bronze: BOSS IW
• Bronze: Brightbulb
• Bronze: Island Roasted / Caffe Isola
• Bronze: WRS
• Silver: Dinosaur Isle

Further awards will go to:

• Bronze: Medina Publishing ltd.
• Bronze: Stainless Games Ltd.
• Bronze: The Phoenix Project IOW.
• Bronze: Wayne Isaacson Tree Consultant.
• Bronze: Cheverton Copse Holiday Park Ltd.
• Silver: Holistic Island Breaks t/a The Grange.
• Silver: Isle of Wight Pearl.
• Silver: Scotcher & Co.
• Silver: The Montpelier.
• Silver: West Wight Cottages.

This year’s AGM also saw changes to the Chamber’s leadership; Past President, John Allen, stepped down from the board and was thanked for years of dedicated service. Sandra Knowles has also resigned from her position. Meanwhile, members then voted to elect three new board members:

• Dominic Wray (Managing Director of Vectis Ventures / Blackgang Chine)
• Emma Bradley (Director of Spence Willard Estate Agents)
• Matt Jeffery (Managing Director of Brightbulb).

In a further development, members approved a resolution to remove the requirement for the Chamber’s accounts to be audited, modernising its financial governance process in line with best practice for similar organisations.

The meeting also marked a notable moment in the Chamber’s history. Current President, Johnathan Thornton of PC Consultants, concluded his successful term and transitioned to the role of Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Stepping into the presidency is Alison Colley of Real Employment Law Advice, who becomes the Isle of Wight Chamber’s first-ever female President.

In her inaugural address, Alison expressed her gratitude to members for their continued trust and support. She shared her enthusiasm for building on the Chamber’s strong foundations and driving forward new opportunities for local businesses. Members can learn more about Allison’s vision for her term in office in her first President’s Column in the upcoming issue of Island Business magazine.

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