GBCC Awards 2026: Firms back region’s biggest celebration of business

High-profile businesses from across Greater Birmingham have confirmed their backing for Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s 2026 annual awards.

The event – the region’s biggest celebration of business – takes place at the ICC on Thursday 14 May.

And businesses have been lining up to sponsor the award categories, which have been revamped for this year.

Category sponsors include:

• South & City College Birmingham (Community Builder)
• University College Birmingham (Workplace Champion)
• Sandwell College (Pioneer)
• Caledonian Sleeper (Sustainability Trailblazer)
• Gateley PLC (Digital Revolutionary)
• Runyourfleet (Breakthrough Business)
• Gowling WLG (Business Without Borders)
• Translift Bendi (Customer Commitment)
• Turkish Airlines (Business Ambassador)
• Midland Eye (Non-Profit Champion)

One of the category winners will be crowned overall Greater Birmingham Business of the Year, sponsored by Crowe UK LLP.

Andy Kay (pictured), corporate finance manager at Crowe UK LLP, said: “Sponsoring the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Awards 2026 is our way of recognising the incredible talent and tenacity within the local business community.

“Crowe UK is committed to helping businesses thrive, and this partnership reflects our belief in celebrating those who lead with purpose, drive innovation, and make a lasting impact across the region.”

Mike Hopkins, principal and CEO, South and City College Birmingham, sponsors of the new Community Builder category, said: “South and City College Birmingham, is a Birmingham College for Birmingham people and we have supported the GBCC and been a patron for over 20 years.

“We are really pleased to be sponsoring this year’s Community Builder 2026 award as we are a college focused on our locality, communities and local business community.

“It is fitting that for this year we are sponsoring an award that recognises businesses going above and beyond to make a committed and proactive contribution to the enhancement and benefit of their community.

“Hopefully it will encourage more businesses to do this.”

Find out more information about remaining sponsorship opportunities and how to buy tickets.