Events > Business awards finalists announced

Business awards finalists announced

The Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards (MKBAA) 2026 has officially revealed the finalists ahead of this year’s highly anticipated awards ceremony, which will take place on Thursday March 19 at Stadium MK.

With the bold and forward-looking theme, The Power of Partnerships: Come Together to Achieve More, MKBAA 2026 is set to celebrate the strength of collaboration across the Milton Keynes business community. This year’s awards shine a spotlight on organisations and individuals who are achieving outstanding results through teamwork, strategic alliances, shared innovation, and collective impact.

Reflecting the city’s continued growth and momentum, from major infrastructure developments to increasing regional connectivity, MKBAA 2026 highlights how collaboration is driving innovation, resilience and long-term success across sectors.

The judging panel has once again been impressed by the exceptional quality and diversity of entries, showcasing the breadth of talent, creativity and ambition across Milton Keynes.

“The standard of entries this year has been exceptional and truly reflects the spirit of collaboration that sits at the heart of MKBAA 2026,” said MKBAA Head Judge Anita Nadkarni.

“We’ve seen inspiring examples of organisations working together to innovate, support their communities, and drive meaningful impact across Milton Keynes. The finalists represent not only business excellence, but the power of partnerships to create lasting success. It has been a real privilege for the judging panel to review such a diverse and high-calibre group of submissions.”

The winners across 16 categories will be announced on March 19, alongside the prestigious Business of the Year Award selected by the independent panel of judges.

mkbaa 2026

MKBAA 2026 FINALISTS

Business Impact in the Community

  • HK Hair & Wellness
  • Makewell
  • Horwood House Hotel
  • Howes Percival

Celebrating Diversity

Sponsored by Forvis Mazars

  • HK Hair & Wellness
  • Q:alliance
  • ID:MK
  • Yamaha Music Europe GmbH

Charity of the Year

  • Camphill MK Communities
  • MK SNAP
  • Spinal Injuries Association
  • Milton Keynes Hospital Charity
  • Willen Hospice

Culture, Arts, and Heritage

  • The Stables
  • Stantonbury Theatre
  • Milton Keynes Music Academy

Customer Service

  • Mirus IT Solutions
  • Unity Place
  • Hair Host
  • Holiday Inn Milton Keynes Central
  • SMC

Design and Creativity

  • Destination Milton Keynes
  • Inond
  • Ifour
  • Spinks Creative

Entrepreneur of the Year

  • Daxa Patel – HR Results Ltd
  • Richard Convery – Ascendr
  • Shane Saunders – Saunders Gardening Services
  • Janine Coney – Janine Coney Consulting

Innovation and Technology

Sponsored by Niftylift

  • Clearview Intelligence Group Ltd
  • Inond
  • Stratos Creative /Playbound

Leisure, Entertainment, and Hospitality

  • Horwood House Hotel
  • Unity Place
  • Solo Connects

Manufacturing and Supply Chain

Sponsored by Barclays

  • SMC
  • Milton Keynes Pressings

Micro Business

  • Solo Connects
  • The Green Way Solar Ltd
  • Spinks Creative

Professional Services

  • Opus Business Advisory Group
  • BlueZeon
  • Onyx People Services

Skills and Learning

Sponsored by MK College Group

  • Autotech Training
  • Works for Us
  • Cranswick Convenience Foods
  • First Class Athletics

Small and Medium Business

Sponsored by Stratstone BMW

  • Plumbing & Gas Solutions
  • First Class Athletics
  • Mirus IT Solutions

Built Environment (Property and Construction)

Sponsored by Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP)

  • Facilities Management Solutions
  • The Green Way Solar Ltd
  • Warner Planning

Business of The Year

Sponsored by MHA Advisory Limited

  • To be announced on the night

Nominations remain open for the Outstanding Contribution Award until February 20. This special award, which will be announced on the night, recognises an individual who has demonstrated sustained, active and meaningful involvement in the Milton Keynes community over several years. Nominees will have shown outstanding leadership across community, business, organisational or civic life, and made a contribution to Milton Keynes that goes truly over and above the majority.

MKBAA 2026 is proudly delivered by Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership (MKBLP), with the continued support of headline sponsors, The Open University, Brioche Pasquier and Milton Keynes City Council.

Bookings for the awards ceremony are open.

For more information about the awards, finalists, or to reserve places for the ceremony, visit the MKBAA website, or for companies interested in sponsoring this year’s awards please email sponsorship@mkbaa.co.uk for further details.