Meet Our 2026 Winners
- The Global Player 2026
- The Equality Trailblazer 2026
- The People First 2026
- The Planet Saver 2026
- The Rapid Riser 2026
- The Problem Solver 2026
- The Not-for-Profit Champion 2026
- The Community Champion 2026
- The Creative & Culture Activator 2026
- Businessperson of the Year 2026
- Community Leader of the Year 2026
On Thursday 23rd April, at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry, we crowned our 2026 Winners across 11 exciting categories.
Attended by over 700 guests, the Coventry & Warwickshire Business and Community Awards 2026 celebrated the outstanding achievements of businesses, community groups, and individuals in the region.
HUGE congratulations to all of our finalists and to the 11 Winners - we hope you all had a fantastic evening!
🎉And the 2026 Winners are...🎉
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The Global Player Award 2026
Proudly sponsored by Lawton Tubes
WINNER: The Millboard Company Limited
www.millboard.com/en-gb
About The Millboard Company Limited
At Millboard, our story is one of innovation, sustainability, and a deep-rooted commitment to redefining outdoor living spaces. We believe that outdoor areas are not just functional spaces but places where memories are created, experiences are shared, and where the extraordinary comes to life.
Our journey began with a vision to change the way the world looks at outdoor design.  We are a family-run business, the company has been marrying British craftsmanship to the inspiration of nature since 1976. Millboard decking and cladding demonstrates our commitment to quality and visual distinction.
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The Equality Trailblazer Award 2026
WINNER: Inspire Education Trust
www.ietrust.org
About Inspire Education Trust
At Inspire Education Trust, we are committed to fostering an environment where equality, diversity and inclusion are central to everything we do. By embracing the principles outlined in the Equality Act 2010, we ensure that every member of our community feels valued, respected and supported to thrive.
Our mission, “Together we achieve, individually we grow,” drives our commitment to maximising potential through first-class education and training and to acting as a positive force for equality of opportunity within the diverse communities we serve.
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The People First Award 2026
Proudly sponsored by Genesis Employment
Highly Commended:
Spencer Gardner Dickins
WINNER: The Belgrade Theatre Coventry
www.belgrade.co.uk
About the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
As the largest theatre in Coventry and a leading regional producing theatre, the Belgrade has a broad, varied programme.
Popular musicals and entertainment sit happily alongside progressive, critically acclaimed new drama. Our two spaces, B1 and B2, stage exciting productions and events for families, couples, individuals, first timers and confirmed theatregoers.
As a publicly subsidised independent charitable trust, we also support health and education and build skills and talent in the region. Everything we do is with, by and for our local communities.
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The Planet Saver Award 2026
Proudly sponsored by North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College
WINNER: Coventry University Group
www.coventry.ac.uk
About Coventry University Group
At Coventry University Group, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it is central to all that we do as a higher education institution and is fully embedded within the Group’s mission, vision and ethos.
We believe that every action we take should leave a lasting positive impact on our planet and society as we look to address the fundamental environmental and societal issues we face on a regional and global scale.
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The Rapid Riser Award 2026
Proudly sponsored by Warwickshire County Council
Highly Commended:
HeliosX
WINNER: The Herd
www.theherd.agency
About The Herd
The Herd is a Coventry-based digital marketing and media agency founded by brothers Paul and Kieran Scanlon.
Founded in 2023, The Herd has quickly evolved from a start-up operating out of a bedroom into an international agency delivering creative, advertising and marketing services to clients across the UK and globally. Their rapid growth has seen them establish a city centre presence and build a strong team, working with businesses as far afield as the USA, Australia and Europe.
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The Problem Solver Award 2026
WINNER: Emergency Vehicle Products Ltd
www.evpeurope.com
About Emergency Vehicle Products Ltd
Founded in 2014, Emergency Vehicle Products Ltd, an ISO 9001 certificated company, is a family-run business based in Warwick, UK.
Offering a host of safety-enhancing and efficiency improving products, we have over 35 years of experience within the EMS market, providing an extensive and exclusive range of products that cater to the emergency vehicle services market.
Emergency Vehicle Products Ltd is proud to be exclusive European distributors for Magnetic Mic, C3 Sport, Pi-Lit and Kussmaul Electronics, the UK and European distributors for Xantrex and exclusive UK distributors for Havis, as well as the UK exclusive blue light supplier for SoundOff Signal.
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The Not-for-Profit Champion Award 2026
Proudly sponsored by Coventry Building Society
Highly Commended:
Bardsley Youth Project
WINNER: Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre
www.mdsupportcentre.org
About the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre
MD Support Centre exists to improve the lives of people living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions. Our charity provides specialist physical therapies and a supportive community that helps people maintain mobility, independence, and quality of life.
We are a unique multidisciplinary centre, offering physiotherapy, osteopathy, and complementary therapies, alongside wellbeing support for the wider challenges that come with living with a muscle-wasting condition. Our services are available to adults across the Midlands and beyond, filling a vital gap in access to physical therapies. Our tailored therapies are essential for people with muscle wasting diseases to maintain mobility and reduce the rate of muscle deterioration.
Across the UK, more than 110,000 people live with a muscle-wasting condition. In the Midlands region alone, around 12,000 adults are affected. After the age of 19, many people see a sharp reduction in the amount of physiotherapy and specialist support they can access through the NHS, despite it being essential in helping slow the progression of muscle deterioration. That’s where the MD Support Centre steps in.
As an independent charity, our work is funded primarily through voluntary donations and fundraising. This generosity enables us to provide therapies free of charge and plan for the future, ensuring we are here for everyone who needs us.
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The Community Champion Award 2026
Proudly sponsored by Coventry College
Highly Commended:
Avon Studios Photo & Video
WINNER: MES Systems
www.mes-systems.co.uk
About MES Systems
MES Systems is a family-run business passionate about supporting our local community, promoting apprenticeships, and fostering sustainable growth.
Over the past years, we have raised over ÂŁ30,000 for local causes, including ÂŁ11,000 raised for The Myton Hospices. In addition to fundraising, we donated to Aspire in Arts, a local organisation offering a creative space for young people, upgraded CCTV systems at Nuneaton Borough FC, and installed a free security system for Doorway, a local youth homelessness charity.
We sponsor local community events such as the Eternal Lights Memorial Service and this year’s Nuneaton Community Carnival. Alongside this, we champion community sports through our sponsorship of local teams.
As a "Good Business Charter" accredited company, we prioritise ethical practices, employee well-being, and environmental sustainability. Our apprenticeship programme nurtures young professionals, with over 50% of our current engineers starting their careers with us. Our community commitment, strong business growth, and dedication to making a measurable impact make us a deserving candidate for this award.
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The Creative & Culture Activator Award 2026
Proudly sponsored by Houlton at Urban&Civic
WINNER: Chitrakalaimanram
www.chitrakalaimanram.co.uk
About Chitrakalaimanram
Welcome to Chitrakalaimanram - Centre for performing Arts. Our dance academy specialises in South India’s ancient and graceful classical dance, Bharathanatiyam. We do offer classes for Carnatic Music, Violin, Mirudhangam and Veena.
Offering Bharathanatiyam classes in Coventry and Birmingham, as well as Indian classical dance in Coventry.
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The Inspirational Individual - Businessperson of the Year Award 2026
Proudly sponsored by HCR Wright Hassall
WINNER: Tom Bromwich, Founding Partner, Bromwich Hardy
www.bromwichhardy.com
About Tom Bromwich
Founded by partners Tom Bromwich and Richard Hardy, the firm has unrivalled national and regional knowledge of all aspects of the commercial property market.
The team is made up of specialists in a variety of areas of expertise, which means Bromwich Hardy can offer a one-stop shop for clients whether they want to buy, sell, rent or value their commercial property, renegotiate leases or find a property management team they can trust.
Tom was nominated for this award by a colleague who said "Tom Bromwich's track record as a successful businessperson and valued member of the Coventry & Warwickshire community is unquestioned.
"Since he launched Bromwich Hardy in 2008, he has built up a successful business that has its foundation in teamwork and commitment to the community in which he lives and works.
"Both as an individual and as a company, Tom and Bromwich Hardy support a wide range of community and sporting organisations and initiatives - all while building the county's most successful independent commercial property consultancy."
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The Inspirational Individual - Community Leader of the Year Award 2026
Proudly sponsored by Guardian Ballers
WINNER: Lorraine Bryan-Arnold, Centre Manager, RSPCA Coventry & District
www.rspca-coventryanddistrict.org.uk
About Lorraine Bryan-Arnold
The RSPCA Coventry & District is a dedicated animal welfare charity upholding the values of the national RSPCA but separately funded. We’re here for the cats, dogs and their human families in Coventry, Nuneaton, Rugby and Solihull. And thanks to their incredible support, we can care for and rehome animals in need.
Lorraine was nominated for this award by a colleague who said "I'm nominating Lorraine Bryan-Armold as there wouldn't be such a strong human to animal connection in Coventry and Warwickshire without her.
"She's committed to improving animal welfare but knows we can only do that when we improve things for humans too. Lorraine is at the heart - as centre manager - of the RSPCA Coventry and District and has been since 2012.
"She combines her skills in animal welfare, addiction and mental health to bring together community and team for the benefit of all."
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