Latest updates and stories from Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and its Members

We were delighted to welcome Bedfordshire's business community to The Marquee, Bedford yesterday for the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards 2026.

One of the highlights of the Bedfordshire business calendar, the Awards brought together businesses, entrepreneurs, employers, charities and community organisations from across the county for an evening dedicated to celebrating success.

The evening's highest honour, Overall Winner, was awarded to Reactiv8 The Nation, while Michelle Jackson - Love Hounds Dog Grooming was named Business Leader of the Year following a public vote.

At Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, we are privileged to work alongside so many ambitious and inspiring businesses throughout the year. The Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the achievements, innovation, resilience and determination that continue to make Bedfordshire such a fantastic place to do business.

This year's finalists represented the very best of our business community. From exciting start-ups and fast-growing SMEs to established employers, family businesses and not-for-profit organisations, every finalist has a story worth celebrating and should be immensely proud of reaching this stage.

A heartfelt congratulations goes to all of our winners and finalists.

SME Bedfordshire Business Awards 2026 Winners

Business Leader of the Year | Public Vote

• Winner: Michelle Jackson - Love Hounds Dog Grooming

Overall Winner

• Winner: Reactiv8 The Nation

Apprentice Employer of the Year | Sponsored by Liebherr GB

• Gold: Aden Contracting
• Silver: Aura Dental

Bedford Business of the Year | Sponsored by THSP

• Gold: Data Privacy Simplified
• Silver: The Kingfisher

Best Enterprising Business | Sponsored by Greenwood Drones

• Gold: Bonfire Creative Intelligence
• Silver: Shine Learning and Training Centre Beds

Best New Business | Sponsored by Wrest Park Enterprise

• Gold: NeuroFX
• Silver: IKREATIVE

Business Innovation | Sponsored by Talk UK Telecom

• Gold: Holistic Thinking Holidays
• Silver: Stage Act®

Business of the Year Less Than 50 Employees | Sponsored by Red Event Production

• Gold: ASK Europe
• Silver: Bluebird Care Bedford

Business of the Year More Than 50 Employees | Sponsored by Aegis Group of Companies

• Gold: TAG Live®
• Silver: Repairify

Business Person of the Year | Sponsored by Foxley Kingham

• Gold: Helen Christopher - Beansprout Consultancy
• Silver: Darren King - Kings Fire

Central Bedfordshire Business of the Year | Sponsored by Essential Workwear

• Gold: Osborne Morris and Morgan
• Silver: Beansprout Consultancy

Community Business of the Year | Sponsored by Bartham Group

• Gold: Shine Learning and Training Centre Beds
• Silver: Austin & Carnley Solicitors

Employer of the Year | Sponsored by Treacle Factory

• Gold: Neville Trust
• Silver: RSP UK

Entrepreneur of the Year | Sponsored by Wenta

• Gold: Andy Mills-Brown
• Silver: Nicola Hageman - The Numbers Quarter

Exporter of the Year | Sponsored by Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce

• Gold: ENDOLINE AUTOMATION
• Silver: We Get Any Stock

Family Business of the Year | Sponsored by Essential Workwear

• Gold: Francescas Hair & Beauty Salon
• Silver: RSP UK

High Growth Business of the Year | Sponsored by Red Event Production

• Gold: crdone
• Silver: Elite Law Solicitors

Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year | Sponsored by Aegis Group of Companies

• Gold: Muslim Ski Club
• Silver: Road 2 Freedom Motorhome hire

Luton Business of the Year | Sponsored by Luton Rising

• Gold: Active Luton
• Silver: Aegis Group of Companies

Not-for-Profit Business of the Year | Sponsored by Resourceful People Group

• Gold: Azalea
• Silver: Bedford Blues Foundation

Positive Impact Award | Sponsored by Jaltek

• Gold: Reactiv8 The Nation
• Silver: Stepping Stones (Luton)

Service Excellence | Sponsored by RSP UK

• Gold: Future-Edge Therapy
• Silver: Ark-H Handling

Sustainability Award | Sponsored by ADA Cosmetics

• Gold: Frasers Plus Luton
• Silver: Sommers Waste Solutions

Young Business Person of the Year | Sponsored by The Bedford College Group

• Gold: Abbie Watson - Experity Partners
• Silver: Grace Galbraith - NOAH Enterprise

Celebrating Bedfordshire's Success Stories

Reflecting on this year's Awards, Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Justin Richardson said:

"The SME Bedfordshire Business Awards are all about celebrating the people and organisations that make Bedfordshire's business community so special. Every year, we are inspired by the quality of entries and the stories behind them, and this year has been no exception.

"Our winners and finalists represent the very best of Bedfordshire business. They are creating jobs, supporting communities, driving innovation and helping to shape a stronger future for our county. On behalf of the Chamber team, congratulations to everyone recognised this evening."

We would also like to thank our Headline Sponsor, Essential Workwear, together with all of our category sponsors, judges and partners. Their continued support enables us to recognise and celebrate the achievements of Bedfordshire businesses year after year.

Looking Ahead

Whether you are a start-up taking your first steps, a growing SME or an established employer, the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase your achievements and gain recognition among your peers.

Could your business be in the spotlight next year?

To find out more about Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce membership, events and business support services, call 01582 522448 or visit www.chamber-business.com.