Heating technology manufacturer Vaillant has been confirmed as headline sponsor for Derbyshire’s 2025/26 East Midlands Chamber Business Awards.
Taking place at Derby County Football Club on 26th March 2026, the Chamber’s Derbyshire Business Awards will recognise standout firms across 12 categories covering areas like digital transformation, apprenticeships and people development.
As one of the area’s largest employers, Vaillant is proud of its heritage and ongoing commitment and investment into manufacturing in Derbyshire. Its Glow-worm brand has been producing boiler products locally since 1934, expanding to include production of Vaillant boilers from the site in Belper in the early 2000’s.
Vaillant is helping to lead the UK’s transition to low carbon heating technology and in 2022 added a dedicated heat pump line at its Belper site to produce aroTHERM plus air source heat pumps. The company recently invested a further £40m into a new factory in Derby to manufacture newly designed high recovery cylinders.
Radio personalities Jo and Sparky will host the prestigious ceremony which will be accompanied by a three-course dinner. Finalists for each of the award categories will be revealed at the Chamber President’s Celebration of Success on 9th October.
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “With Derbyshire boasting so many high achieving firms – from emerging and innovative startups to some of the nation’s most established brands – I’m delighted to welcome Vaillant as headline sponsor for the Chamber’s 2025/26 Business Awards in the county.
“As a major employer in Derbyshire, that’s passionate about the county, community and has decades of success under its belt, Vaillant is perfectly placed to help represent one of the most significant events in the region’s business calendar.
“Celebrating exceptional business achievement – whether that be through groundbreaking thinking, outstanding customer service or resilience in tough times – carries considerable value. The Chamber’s Business Awards give recipients and finalists deserved recognition for their achievements.”
Vaillant Group UK and Ireland Managing Director Henrik Hansen said: “We are incredibly proud to sponsor the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2025/26. These awards play a vital role in celebrating the outstanding achievements of businesses across our region, showcasing their innovation, resilience and contribution to the local economy.
“Sponsoring this event aligns perfectly with our values of quality, innovation, and sustainability and it gives us the opportunity to give back to the community that has supported us for so many years. We believe in fostering collaboration, inspiring future success and building strong relationships within the local business ecosystem.
“By sponsoring these awards, we aim to not only celebrate the incredible talent and hard work in the East Midlands but also to encourage continued growth and excellence in our region.”
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
Businesses wishing to submit an entry must do so by 19th September. Details can be found here.
