Business of the Year 2026
Category criteria
- The Business of the Year category is open to businesses with an annual turnover of more than £5 million.
- Entrants should demonstrate outstanding success during their most recent full financial year.
- Success can be judged on metrics ranging from exceptional growth and increased trading profit through to the development of services, developing staff, products or new production techniques.
- The judges will welcome entries from businesses committed to corporate social responsibility.
Ford Mainwaring
Business of the Year entrant
For more than 45 years Newcastle-under-Lyme based Ford Mainwaring has been a leading provider of building services, facilities management and mechanical engineering to public sector, high-security and educational establishments nationwide.
The business has grown by 49% since 2022 with an average year-on-year growth rate of around 14%.
The team of 62 employees includes more than 40 qualified gas, plumbing and electrical engineers supported by project managers, contract managers, finance, marketing, recruitment, compliance and administrative staff. Work can include anything from boiler breakdowns and water leaks to planned service and maintenance jobs.
Growth has been driven by strategic expansion within key sectors, including the prison and secure infrastructure markets. The business has diversified by expanding into commercial battery storage projects, strengthening its position within the evolving energy and infrastructure landscape.
Employee retention is strong at Ford Mainwaring with nearly half of the workforce achieving long-service status. It recently held its first Long Service Awards which will become an annual event. 11 employees who were recognised at the event started as engineering apprentices and are now highly skilled, fully qualified gas, plumbing or electrical engineers. One employee joined in an administrative role and has since progressed to Assistant Contract Manager. The Finance Manager celebrates 25 years with the business in July after starting in an administrative position and developing into her current leadership role.
Attracting, developing and retaining local talent is important to the company. In 2025 alone it invested £72,000 in employee training and development.
Developing the next generation of engineers is central to Ford Mainwaring’s long-term strategy. It currently employs five apprentices and is committed to recruiting at least two each year.
CSR is also embedded in the business’s culture. It is a proud member of the Dougie Mac Business Club and has raised more than £6,000 within six months through a variety of fundraisers. In addition, every employee is given one paid volunteering day per year, enabling the team to support community initiatives.
Ford Mainwaring has entered the Business of the Year, Growth and Skills for the Future categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Midlands Power Networks
Business of the Year entrant
Midlands Power Networks, founded by University of Staffordshire alumnus Steve Holmes, has grown its turnover by 47.5% in just 12 months.
The Stoke-on-Trent based business has expanded its team from 22 staff in 2020 to more than 50 employees in 2026 with plans to recruit more.
Steve launched Midlands Power Networks in 2004 to provide constant, consistent support within the high voltage electrical industry including design, consultancy, installation, inspection, maintenance and lifelong services.
Still privately owned, it works with businesses nationwide, from Glasgow to Southampton, and currently looks after 140 customers at 287 sites around the UK for maintenance services including the likes of football clubs and universities.
Many of its clients are long-term partners who have built relationships with Midlands Power Networks, Steve and the team over many years.
Services offered include the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of private high voltage networks including generation projects.
Alongside his core business Steve has founded Power SOS Ltd, through which he is developing a high voltage emergency response mobile app.
He’s collaborated with University of Staffordshire on the app’s development through a knowledge transfer partnership and is hoping to secure a second KTP in the second quarter of 2026.
Midlands Power Networks has entered the Business of the Year and Growth Award categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.