Entries are now officially open for the University of Staffordshire Business Awards 2026.

Businesses of all sectors and sizes and businesspeople at every stage of their career are invited to participate in one of the region’s leading business awards campaigns.

The 13 categories include Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Innovation Award, Growth Award, Young Business Person of the Year, Team of the Year, Skills For The Future, Business in the Community Award, High Street Impact Award, Start-up Business of the Year and Alumni Business Person of the Year.

The awards campaign was officially launched at a breakfast event in the University’s Catalyst building on Tuesday, January 27.

The event included a speech by University of Staffordshire alumna, Honorary Doctor and Woolcool founder Angela Morris, who was presented with a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 event.

There was also a Q&A themed around Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with panel members including University of Staffordshire alumnus and Midlands Power Networks founder Steve Holmes.

It is the fourth year that the University has worked with partner organisations and businesses around the region to celebrate the very best of the business community.

Professor Martin Jones, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Staffordshire, said:

“The University of Staffordshire Business Awards are a powerful expression of our commitment to working alongside business to drive skills, innovation and economic growth across the region. They celebrate the organisations and individuals who are not only succeeding in their own right, but who are helping to shape Staffordshire’s future.

“As a university deeply embedded in its local economy, we work in close partnership with employers to develop talent, support innovation and create opportunities that benefit both businesses and local communities. These awards recognise that shared endeavour, and we encourage organisations of all sizes to come forward, be recognised and be part of that ongoing collaboration.”

The sponsors of The Staffordshire University Business Awards include Drayton Beaumont, Hochtief, Willmott Dixon, Pinnacle FM, Sabit, Capula, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Beswicks Legal, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, KMF, SGFleet UK, Stoke-on-Trent College, Plinkfizz, Rydale Roofing, RBC Brewin Dolphin, Stoke City FC, Port Vale FC, Staffordshire County Council and World of Wedgwood.

Nomination articles about entrants will be shared daily, Monday to Friday, until the entries close on June 1. Judging will take place in July and the awards will culminate in a black-tie dinner and awards ceremony in the University’s Catalyst building on September 3.

To find out more about University of Staffordshire Business Awards, including how to enter, visit www.staffsbizawards.co.uk or contact Jennifer.amphlett@staffs.ac.uk