The Isle of Wight’s business community celebrated in style on Friday as the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2026, held at Bembridge Fort for the very first time, recognised outstanding achievements 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 standard of entries was extremely high, with the shortlist reflecting the breadth and strength of the Island’s business community. Island Echo was nominated for both Business Social Impact and Small Business of the Year.
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 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
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.”
