As Milton Keynes continues to grow in confidence and ambition, there is one date firmly in the diary for the region’s business community.
On Thursday March 19, the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards (MKBAA)
will return to Stadium MK, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, charities and innovators from across the MK postcode for an evening that celebrates not only success, but the spirit behind it.
With this year’s theme, The Power of Partnerships: Come Together to Achieve More, MKBAA 2026 reflects the reality of how business in the region truly thrives. Collaboration between sectors, shared expertise across industries, and strong civic and commercial relationships which are all helping to shape Milton Keynes into one of the UK’s most dynamic economic centres.
Significantly, while the awards have always been open to any organisation or individual with an MK postcode, 2026 marks the first time there has been such a deliberate and confident regional push. The spirit of collaboration that defines this year’s theme stretches well beyond the city centre, spanning parts of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire. From Bedford to Bletchley, Cranfield to Newport Pagnell, MKBAA is actively championing the shared identity of the wider MK region and amplifying its collective voice at the heart of the Oxford–Cambridge Arc.
Now more than ever, the MK postcode represents one of the UK’s most dynamic and connected economic regions, a central hub within the Arc that is rapidly becoming a magnet for innovation, talent and investment. Major infrastructure projects and increasing connectivity are accelerating growth, but it is partnership that will ensure opportunity is felt across the full region.
A night that brings the region together
The finalists for MKBAA 2026 have already been announced, with businesses and organisations across 15 categories preparing for the ceremony later this month.
From innovation and technology to culture, professional services and community impact, the breadth and quality of entries once again demonstrates the diversity and ambition that defi ne the MK region.
Crucially, those categories are open to nomination. Businesses and individuals put themselves forward, share their stories and make the case for their achievements. It is an opportunity to reflect on progress, articulate impact and stand alongside peers in a spirit of healthy competition and mutual respect. That open, accessible process reinforces MKBAA’s core principle; that excellence can be found across every size of organisation and every corner of the postcode.
Around 500 guests are expected to gather at Stadium MK, making the awards one of the largest and most influential business events in the local calendar. Being in the room matters. In a fast-moving, digitally connected world, MKBAA off ers something increasingly valuable; a moment for genuine, in-person connection. It is where conversations begin, partnerships are strengthened and new opportunities take shape.
Yet while every category winner represents a signifi cant achievement, one accolade stands apart.
The significance of Business of the Year
The Business of the Year Award, sponsored by MHA Advisory Limited, is not open to direct nomination. Unlike the other 15 categories, businesses cannot enter them-selves or campaign for consideration. Instead, the award is selected by the independent panel of judges from among the winners of the evening’s categories. It is a deliberate decision that underlines the weight of the title.
By removing the application process, Business of the Year becomes a pure judges’ choice, an accolade bestowed rather than pursued. The independent panel reviews each category winner in depth, considering leadership, financial performance, innovation, culture, sustainability and contribution to the wider community before reaching its decision. It is not simply about scale or turnover; it is about the overall story of the organisation and the example it sets for the region.
In many ways, Business of the Year encapsulates the spirit of MKBAA itself. It celebrates organisations that not only succeed commercially but also play an active role in shaping the future of the MK region through partnership and collaboration.
As sponsor of the category, MHA Advisory Limited continues to champion that broader definition of success. The firm’s involvement reflects its long-standing commitment to supporting businesses across the region and recognising that sustainable growth is built on strong governance, sound strategy and meaningful relationships. By aligning with Business of the Year, MHA is helping to spotlight organisations whose influence extends beyond their own operations and into the wider economic and community landscape.
Learning from recent winners
The impact of the award is perhaps best illustrated by its most recent recipients. In 2024, Bletchley Park was named Business of the Year, an honour that followed its success in the Culture & Arts category. Reflecting on the achievement, CEO Iain Standen described the moment as ‘a completely unexpected delight’ and ‘an incredible honour and a great accolade for the whole team of staff and volunteers.’
He emphasised that the recognition came after a landmark year, yet what mattered most was what the award represented; a testament to the hard work, passion and creativity of the entire organisation. For Bletchley Park, it validated not only operational success but its wider mission to connect heritage with the technologies shaping the future.
In 2025, the honour went to Niftylift, a global manufacturer headquartered in Milton Keynes. Niftylift’s win showcased the strength of advanced engineering within the MK region and demonstrated how a locally rooted business can achieve international reach. Its success highlighted investment in innovation, sustainability and people – all qualities that resonate strongly with this year’s partnership theme.
Together, these winners demonstrate that Business of the Year transcends sector. From heritage and culture to engineering and manufacturing, the common thread is leadership, resilience and a commitment to collaboration.
On March 19, when the finalists gather at Stadium MK, there will be anticipation across the room. Category winners will be celebrated for achievements they have proudly put forward. Then, at the culmination of the evening, one organisation will be recognised by the judges as Business of the Year – not because it applied, but because it stood out among the very best.
Whoever takes to the stage will embody more than individual excellence. They will represent a region that is increasingly confident in its identity, ambitious in its outlook and united in its belief that partnership is the key to achieving more.
To see a list of all this year’s finalists and for more information on ticket sales for MKBAA 2026, visit the MKBAA website.
