The University of Staffordshire Business Awards 2026 celebrated businesses and entrepreneurs from across the county at a glittering ceremony
This year, we attracted an incredible 225 entries which were reviewed by our 19-strong panel of judges – and choosing the winners was not an easy task! Each category demonstrates the strength and diversity of our local business community, from ambitious start-ups and apprentices to established organisations driving growth, innovation and employment
More than 360 guests attended a black-tie dinner and awards ceremony, held at the University’s Catalyst building on Thursday 3 September. Prizes were presented across 14 categories, plus a special lifetime achievement award for Staffordshire businessman Mo Chaudry
Drayton Beaumont Services Ltd was one the evening’s big winners, being named Business of the Year, and also winning the Growth Award after increasing its turnover from £38.9 million in 2024 to £70.6 million in 2025.
Stafford Engineering Services was named Small Business of the Year, in a category which attracted more entries than any other at this year’s awards, while Valentine Clays picked up the Innovation Award for its work addressing challenges facing the ceramics industry.
Having recruited its first apprentices in 2002, KMF Group received the Skills for the Future Award, while Team of the Year went to The Courtyard by Marriott, Keele, recognising the staff of one of the best-performing hotels in the Marriott chain internationally.
After launching with an initial investment of just £3,000, Weather Wise Solutions was named Start-up Business of the Year, and Appetite received the High Street Impact Award for its contribution to civic pride in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme over more than a decade.
The Business in the Community Award (Charity) was presented to Alice Charity for the second year running, while AMB Insurance Services won the Business in the Community Award (Business) for encouraging staff to get involved in good causes.
Hannah Caulfield, of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, received the Apprentice of the Year award for supporting other women to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated profession.
Other winners included Young Business Person of the Year George Lowe, Craig Wilkinson who was named Entrepreneur of the Year and Rachel Hayward who received the Alumni Business Person of the Year award.
Mo Chaudry received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his continued entrepreneurial success and support of the region.
A University of Staffordshire alumnus and Honorary Doctor, Chaudry began his career in insurance before building businesses across financial services, property, leisure and fitness. He bought Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent in 1999 when it was facing closure and later established the M Club Spa and Fitness brand.
He has also supported local talent and good causes, including athlete Eddie Hall and Staffordshire actress Rachel Shenton, and most recently launched a £5 million fund, Momentum Capital, to support entrepreneurs and business growth in Stoke-on-Trent.
Professor Philip Plowden, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at the University of Staffordshire, said: “These awards provide an important opportunity to celebrate the businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals who are making a real difference across Staffordshire.
“This year, we attracted an incredible 225 entries which were reviewed by our 19-strong panel of judges – and choosing the winners was not an easy task! Each category demonstrates the strength and diversity of our local business community, from ambitious start-ups and apprentices to established organisations driving growth, innovation and employment.
“A huge thank you to our generous sponsors and dedicated judges, and congratulations to every winner whose achievements we are proud to celebrate.”
The University of Staffordshire Business Awards are supported by Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, Stoke City Football Club, Staffordshire County Council, Hochtief PPP Solutions, PlinkFizz, KMF Group, Beswicks Legal, Stoke-on-Trent College, RBC Brewin Dolphin, Rydale Roofing, World of Wedgwood, Capula, Sabit Group, Port Vale Football Club, Willmott Dixon, Drayton Beaumont Group, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, SG Fleet UK, Pinnacle Group and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.
WINNERS 2026
Business of the Year 2026: Drayton Beaumont Services Ltd
Small Business of the Year 2026: Stafford Engineering Services
Entrepreneur of the Year 2026: Craig Wilkinson
Apprentice of the Year 2026: Hannah Caulfield of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service
Innovation Award 2026: Valentine Clays
Growth Award 2026: Drayton Beaumont Services Ltd
Young Business Person of the Year 2026: George Lowe
Team of the Year 2026: The Courtyard by Marriott, Keele
Skills for the Future Award 2026: KMF Group
Alumni Business Person of the Year 2026: Rachel Hayward
High Street Impact Award 2026: Appetite
Start-up Business of the Year 2026: Weather Wise Solutions
Business in the Community Award (Charity) 2026: Alice Charity
Business in the Community Award (Business) 2026: AMB Insurance Services
Lifetime Achievement Awards 2026: Mo Chaudry