TVCC Business Awards
Celebrating Success
We are delighted to be launching the 2026 Business Awards twice in March 2026! On Wednesday 4th March we will be at the stunning Dorney Lake and on Friday 13th March we are being hosted by the Village Hotel Swindon. These events will showcase our key sponsors, as well as highlighting the categories, important dates and how to enter.
The shortlist will be announced in early June, and then we will celebrate the achievements of the Thames Valley’s vibrant business community at Easthampstead Park on Thursday 2nd July, where we honour exceptional talent, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
This annual gathering brings together businesses of all sizes to recognise success and showcase why the Thames Valley is celebrated as the UK’s “turbo economy.” It’s an inspiring evening where the region’s business excellence takes centre stage.
Dates for your diary
The Categories
This award celebrates contribution to the community and is aimed at those businesses who going above and beyond to make a committed and proactive contribution to the enhancement and benefit of their community. This category is open to any organisation, irrespective of size or sector.
The judges will be looking at:
- Schemes, initiatives and policies in place which have maximum positive impact on local communities
- How they have inspired others
- Examples of how the organisation has been proactive and have gone that extra mile in giving their time and enthusiasm.
This award recognises businesses that demonstrate excellence in the promotion and implementation of a learning and development culture. Entrants for this award must communicate how this culture has contributed to the business, achieving outstanding success.
The judges will be looking at:
- What problems the training addresses
- How success is measured
- The way learning and development is fostered, both internally and externally
- The learning and development initiatives implemented
This award recognises organisations have clearly defined company values and examples of how employees are aligned with them. They have demonstrable commitment to employee development, which in turn creates a stimulating and supportive workplace. Initiatives are implemented which benefit employees, including health and wellbeing schemes.
The judges will be looking at:
- Why learning and development is important to the organisation
- How training needs and skills requirements are assessed
- Investment, commitment and support given to staff
- Direct benefit gained by both individuals and the organisation
Recognising organisations with a focus on customer service and care, this award has been designed for businesses who can demonstrate excellence and commitment in the ever important area of customer service.
The judges will be looking at:
- A robust customer service strategy and evidence of how this is implemented
- How high standards of customer care have contributed to business growth
- How customer care is tied into staff development plans
- Investment in training
This award recognises a business who has used innovation as a tool to improve business performance and can successfully demonstrate the products, technologies and processes that lead the way in innovation.
The judges will be looking at:
- The development of the product, service, process or technology
- Challenges faced
- How the innovation increased sales, reduced costs, improved efficiencies, or enhanced productivity
- How the innovation impacted customers, the community, or the wider industry
This award aims to honour a business or organisation that exemplifies excellence in sustainability, setting a high standard for environmental responsibility and demonstrating that green practices can drive business success and positively impact the planet. Entrants should demonstrate how the business sets a benchmark for environmental stewardship, innovation, and sustainable growth.
The judges will be looking at:
- Evidence of substantial reduction in environmental impact
- Implementation of comprehensive sustainability practices
- Clear and transparent reporting of sustainability goals, actions, and outcomes
- Development and application of innovative solutions
This award is open to businesses who have demonstrated excellence in international business, navigating the complexities of international markets to achieve success and support business growth.
The judges will be looking at:
- Evidence of exceptional performance
- The barriers that have been overcome
- The degree to which products/services are new and markets non-traditional
- Innovative approaches to establishing and entering new markets
This award recognises an outstanding micro business in any sector, who employ up to 3 staff, and who demonstrate resilience, innovation, and dedication in their fields. From family-run ventures to solo entrepreneurs, they represent the spirit of entrepreneurship within the Thames Valley.
The judges will be looking at:
- Key achievements or milestones reached
- How the business has performed against the business plan
- Examples of innovation or adaptability in response to market changes/challenges
- Future vision
This award celebrates exceptional success and growth for a new business in the Thames Valley. To qualify, your business must be in its first 3 years to enter. Entrants to this award will be expected to demonstrate sustainable growth combined with a degree of commercial success that is exceptional for the size of the business.
The judges will be looking at:
- How the business was acheived
- The strength of the business
- How it has performed so far
- Potential for growth in the future
- How results have been delivered in a short time
This award recognises businesses with over 250 employees who have made substantial contributions to the local economy and community. This award highlights those businesses that exemplify innovation, leadership, and sustainable growth.
The judges will be looking at:
- Key objectives for the next three years of trading
- Innovative approaches alongside details about how these are monitored and measured
- Commitment to excellence
- Positive impact on their community.
This category recognises the achievements of an individual who represents the future generation within their organisation whether part-time, full-time or an apprentice employee. The Rising Star is an individual who has made an impact over the last year by providing a positive contribution.
The judges will be looking at:
- What impact the individual has made, showcasing achievements and value added
- Dedication to personal and professional growth
- Demonstration of using initiative, resilience, and the potential to become a future leader
Open to organisations that have between 5 and 250 employees and who have been trading for over 3 years, this award will recognise the SME that has maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance, whilst demonstrating a clear understanding of the markets that it operates in.
The judges will be looking at:
- What differentiates the company’s products/services from the competition
- Strong managerial and financial performance
- Innovation
- Potential for growth
- Evidence of the businesses’ commitment to staff’
Sponsorship Opportunities
Our 2026 Business Awards Sponsorship Brochure is now live
To talk through the sponsorship opportunities available please contact Sarah Irving
