Tessa Sanderson CBE will be hosting the popular Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards on July 2nd at Easthampstead Park, Wokingham.
On the 6th August 1984 at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles Tessa won the Gold in the Women’s Javelin and remains today the only British Woman to ever win a throwing Gold Medal.
She competed in six Olympic Games from 1976 to 1996, and in addition to the Olympic Gold, won three Commonwealth Golds and a World Cup Gold in Cuba in 1990.
In March 2004 New Years Honours list she was awarded the CBE by Her Majesty the Queen, in recognition of her services to sport and her role as Vice Chairman of Sport England.
Prior to the CBE she was the recipient of an OBE in December 1997 for her work with various charities and in 1985 was awarded the MBE for winning her Olympic Gold Medal for Great Britain in Los Angeles. In October 2004 Tessa was awarded the Sunday Times Life Times Achievement Award for her dedication to sport.
The Business Awards is one of the Chambers flagship events and each year they celebrate and recognise the talents, innovation and entrepreneurship of companies from across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon.
With headline sponsors Knights the Awards showcase the best of the Thames Valley, reinforcing why the region is home to one of the most resilient and successful business communities in the country.
Paul Britton, CEO of the Chamber, said: “The Chamber Awards recognise and celebrate the dedication and success of businesses of all sizes across our local community. In what continue to be challenging economic conditions, the Awards bring a valuable sense of achievement, teamwork and confidence to everyone involved. We are proud to deliver this event each year as it’s a real boost for both our members and the Chamber team.
We are thrilled that Tessa will host the 2026 Awards. Her vibrant personality is sure to enhance the evening, and we look forward to welcoming her on 2nd July. It’s set to be another fantastic occasion.”
Full awards list categories and sponsors:
- Commitment to the Community (sponsored by Buckinghamshire New University)
- Excellence in Customer Service
- SME Business of the Year Thames Valley (sponsored by James Cowper Kreston)
- International Trade Business of the Year (sponsored by Heathrow)
- Excellence in Sustainability (sponsored by Morgan Sindall Infrastructure)
- Excellence in Innovation (sponsored by Goringe Accountants)
- Employer of the Year (sponsored by R3Vamp)
- Commitment to Skills (sponsored by the University of Reading)
- Rising Star of the Year
- Micro Business of the Year (sponsored by SDO Associates)
- Most Promising New Business (sponsored by Goringe Brokers)
- Multi-National/Large Business of the Year (sponsored by MHA)
