The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce has unveiled the full list of categories for the IW Chamber Business Awards 2026, ahead of applications opening on 1st December.
The annual awards celebrate the diversity, resilience and success of the Island’s business community, offering organisations of all sizes an opportunity to reflect on their achievements, share their story and potentially be recognised as leaders in their field.
Applications open on 1st December 2025 and close on 30th January 2026. Once the deadline has passed, an independent judging panel – to be announced in March 2026 – will assess all submissions. Application forms can be downloaded from the Chamber’s website.
The 2026 categories are as follows:
Start-Up Business of the Year – sponsored by PC Consultants
Celebrating exceptional growth and achievement from businesses launched in the last three years. Judges will look at how the business was founded, its early performance and potential for future expansion.
Young Entrepreneurship Award
Open to entrepreneurs aged 14–30 who can demonstrate innovation, initiative and sustained progress in 2025. Judges seek ambition, resilience and genuine business impact.
Entrepreneurship Award – sponsored by Red Funnel
Recognising stand-out entrepreneurial performance and business growth. Entries should highlight activity from 2025, with scope to refer to achievements since 2023 to demonstrate long-term vision and innovation.
Customer Service Award – sponsored by RPL Construction
Rewarding businesses that place outstanding customer care at the heart of their operations. Judges want clear evidence of investment in training, customer-focused values and service excellence driving business growth.
Community Award – sponsored by Moore (South)
Designed for charities, community groups and volunteer-led organisations. Judges will assess impact through outcomes such as people supported, funds raised, awareness achieved and organisational sustainability.
Employer of the Year – sponsored by Glanvilles Damant Legal Services
Celebrating exceptional workplaces that support, reward and empower their staff. Evidence should show investment in wellbeing, training, progression and two-way communication, demonstrating how this contributes to organisational success.
Training and Development Award
For businesses demonstrating strong commitment to staff development, including apprenticeships, upskilling and long-term training strategies. Judges will look for clear examples of individual and organisational growth.
Environment and Sustainability Award – sponsored by IFPL
Highlighting businesses taking meaningful action on climate change or environmental protection. This may include reducing waste, cutting carbon emissions, changing travel habits or supporting natural habitats, with impact judged relative to business size.
Technology & Innovation Award – sponsored by Lifeline Alarms
Recognising organisations using technology in transformative ways – through new products, improved processes or modernised operations. Judges want to see forward-thinking businesses using innovation to strengthen performance.
Tourism & Leisure Business of the Year – sponsored by Visit Isle of Wight
Celebrating outstanding achievements by attractions, leisure providers, entertainment venues and Island events. Entries should demonstrate distinctive, high-quality visitor experiences that enhance the Island’s offer.
Hospitality Business of the Year – sponsored by Cherry Godfrey
Recognising exceptional restaurants, cafés, pubs and accommodation providers. Judges will look for high-quality customer experiences and strong business performance across the year.
Manufacturing and Export Business of the Year – sponsored by GKN Aerospace
For Island companies performing strongly in national or international markets. Entries may include food and drink, advanced engineering, marine products or other manufactured goods, with judges focusing on innovation, data and global reach.
Creative Impact Award
Celebrating creativity in all its forms – from digital content and design to performance, media, art, gaming and PR. Judges will focus on measurable impact such as audience reach, job creation, new markets, community engagement or innovation.
Business Social Impact Award
Open to commercial businesses that “give back” through charitable support, volunteer engagement, awareness campaigns or community-led initiatives. Judges will assess impact relative to business size and sector.
Growth Business of the Year – sponsored by WRS
For organisations demonstrating exceptional expansion. Judges will examine evidence of increased profit, market share, staffing levels, investment and overall business strength.
Micro Business of the Year – sponsored by Gurit UK
Recognising exceptional performance from businesses with up to three employees. Judges will be looking for innovation, sustainability, sector-leading performance and strong future strategy.
Small Business of the Year – sponsored by Wightlink
Celebrating outstanding achievements by businesses with 4–10 employees. Entries should show performance excellence, sustainable growth and clear plans for future development.
The Chamber says the awards continue to highlight the best of Island enterprise, showcasing innovation, creativity and the determination that drives local businesses forward.
Applications open on 1st December at iwchamber.co.uk.
