Firms across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire are being invited to put themselves forward for the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2025/26, with entry now officially open.
Taking place in early 2026, 12 categories will recognise standout businesses that excel in areas like customer service, CSR leadership and people development.
Finalists that have made the 2025/26 shortlist will be revealed at the Chamber President’s Celebration of Success – a high-profile event on 9th October, which marks the beginning of the judging process.
East Midlands radio hosts Jo and Sparky – long established for waking up hundreds of thousands of people across the region – have been confirmed as hosts at all three of the award ceremonies.
Sponsors confirmed so far for the 2025/2026 Awards include RandalSun Capital, Rolls-Royce, Amazon, emh Group, University of Derby, De Montfort University, Derby College Group, Howdens, Eversheds, Your IT, Express Recruitment and ER Recruitment, with more to be announced shortly.
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “It always strikes me that, amid a trading landscape that’s been riddled with challenges for businesses, whether the high cost of doing business, price pressure, corporate taxation or global tariffs to name a few, the sheer resilience and resourcefulness of our world class firms across the East Midlands is always remarkable.
“The Chamber’s Business Awards are about the most coveted you can get in recognising outstanding business skill and innovative thinking. When achievement drives growth – and that could be anything from approach to people, sustainability, digital technology or developing future business talent through an apprenticeship – this should be recognised.
“We’ve secured three superb venues and I’m delighted that radio personalities Jo and Sparky – big advocates for the East Midlands – will host these prestigious events.
“With entry being a simple process that only takes a few minutes, I’d urge firms to take a look at this year’s categories as there may well be one that perfectly suits. With the East Midlands a shining example on the UK and world stage for excellence in manufacturing, the creative industries and embracing innovation, I’m very much looking forward to this year’s ceremonies.”
Presenters Jo and Sparky said: “We are so excited to be hosting the Chamber’s Business Awards. As big supporters of local businesses for years on our radio show, we’ve been very lucky to meet and visit some of the great businesses across our patch.”
East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2025/26 categories:
- Digital Transformation Award
- CSR Leadership Award
- Collaboration of the Year Award
- Green Business of the Year Award
- Commitment to People Development Award
- Apprenticeship of the Year Award
- Excellence in Customer Service Award
- Education and Business Partnership of the Year Award
- Micro Business of the Year Award
- Small Business of the Year Award
- Innovation of the Year Award
- Business of the Year Award
Ceremony dates & locations:
LEICESTERSHIRE 26th February 2026 – Leicester City Football Club
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE 12th March 2026 – Nottingham Belfry
DERBYSHIRE 26th March 2026 – Derby County Football Club
Entries need to be submitted by 19th September. To enter or find out more click here.
