As Stage Two entries open for the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards (MKBAA) 2026, businesses and organisations through to the second phase are being encouraged to think about the theme of this year’s event when completing their entries.
The theme is The Power of Partnerships: Come Together to Achieve More – individual effort can yield results, but usually it is when we create partnerships with our peers, that we start to unlock even greater potential. The myriad benefits of partnerships include reducing risks and maximising rewards, so, whether it is between individuals, organisations, regions, or even nations, working in partnership is often heralded as the cornerstone of sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Milton Keynes is continually proving why it’s one of the UK’s most forward-thinking cities, and a shining example of the power of partnership. The recent announcement that Milton Keynes City Council, one of this year’s MKBAA headline sponsors, has secured almost £800,000 in government funding to lead the UK’s first RoboPASS project, a pioneering initiative to integrate robotics safely into public spaces, demonstrates how collaboration and shared expertise can drive meaningful innovation.
The project will bring together the City Council, Smart City Consultancy (SMCCL), and over 200 experts from 16 sectors, to develop a scalable licensing model for the use of multi-purpose robots in public areas, helping shape the future of smart city living. This is just one example of how partnerships are accelerating the city’s growth.
The independent judging panel is looking for businesses that can demonstrate the ‘Power of Partnerships’ through their Stage Two entries and have given those organisations some top tips to help:
- Position your company: you know your company or organisation better than anyone. Use that knowledge to keep your initial positioning statement short, sharp and concise.
- Have a clear link to the award’s theme: think about how the work of your organisation aligns with the theme of partnership working. This could be in knowledge sharing, investment assistance, community collaboration or business cooperation.
- Metrics and evidence: we want to see a strong evidence base included with your entry; KPIs, case studies, reviews and statistics all go a long way to proving your worth.
- Demonstrate scale of impact: how has your organisation made a difference? To your customers, your employees, your community – tell your story and the impact you’ve had.
- Don’t be shy or too humble: we like confidence, you need to be able to show off your achievements as an organisation. We want to hear about the difference you’ve made and the outcomes – it’s your time to shine.
- It’s okay to ask for help but make it authentic: one of the questions most often asked… is it okay to use AI to help with the entries? We are looking for authenticity. You can use an AI tool to help you get the basics of the information right, but always write it in your own words. We can spot an AI entry a mile off!
- Look carefully at the questions: we all remember this from school, but it’s never been more true. Read the questions fully, pick out key points and make sure you include them in your entry text. We want answers to the questions asked, be careful not to go off on a tangent.
These helpful tips could see entrants announced as a finalist in the New Year, and, with the glittering awards ceremony taking place at Stadium MK on March 19, 2026, the stage is open for a new set of winners.
Since MKBAA 2025, many winners have seen the huge benefits that taking home an award can bring. Beth Walthew, owner at Climb Quest Milton Keynes, who won the Leisure & Hospitality Award, said: “Winning our award has raised Climb Quest’s profile in the city and surrounding areas, encouraging new customers to experience Milton Keynes’s Best Leisure and Hospitality Venue for themselves. The award also gives the venue prestige and credibility with groups such as schools, corporates and scouts, who know they will be visiting an award-winning venue.
“The award is also motivating for the team to have won, by recognising their hard work and setting a high standard that we need to keep working to. The award takes pride of place on our reception for everyone to see.”
Another winner, Richard Gordon from Willen Ice Cream Company, who took the Micro Business Award, said: “Winning this award has raised our profile locally. It has opened doors to new collaborations with other local food producers and stockists and encouraged us to create even more new and delicious flavours.”
“We’ve had the opportunity to work with some big brands, including Estee Lauder for one of their product launches with Sephora. This win has given us extra credibility with people trusting us as a business that puts sustainability and local collaboration at the heart of what we do.”
Many past winners and finalists have seen just how the awards can raise their profile and open up doors and opportunities they didn’t know were available. Who will win in 2026? All will be revealed in March, but for now, Stage Two entries need to be completed, which could be the next step to standing on that stage as a proud MKBAA winner.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available – contact sponsorship@mkbaa.co.uk for more information on the awards and to book a table, visit the MKBAA website.
