GBCC Awards 2026: How success opened doors to new opportunities
Past winners of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s awards say recognition from the region’s premier business organisation has “opened doors to new partnerships” and “truly accelerated our journey”.
The ringing endorsements from this year’s winners The Listening Centre and ROSHNI Birmingham come as applications open for the 2026 awards.
Firms have until Friday 12 December to apply for 11 revamped categories.
An overall Greater Birmingham Business of the Year, sponsored by Crowe UK LLP, will also be crowned.
The 2025 Greater Birmingham Business of the Year was Lichfield-based employee assistance programme The Listening Centre, who also triumphed in the Excellence in Customer Service category.
Owner and managing director Sharon McCormick said: “Winning the awards gave our entire team tremendous pride and confidence, reinforcing that our trauma-informed approach to workplace wellbeing truly makes a difference.
“The recognition has opened doors to new partnerships and elevated conversations about the importance of genuine mental health support in the workplace.”
Offering advice to future entrants, Sharon added: “Be authentic in your application - let your passion for what you do shine through, and don't be afraid to highlight what makes your approach unique.
“The judges appreciate genuine insight into your business impact rather than generic corporate speak.”
ROSHNI Birmingham, a charity which supports Black and minoritised communities affected by domestic abuse, won the Excellence in Third Sector award.
Manager Shaila Pervez said: “Winning the Chambers award has amplified our visibility and connected us with a vibrant community of changemakers across Birmingham, it’s truly accelerated our journey.”
She reiterated Sharon’s message to businesses who are considering entering the 2026 awards, stating: “Be authentic and bold in telling your story. Focus on the real impact you’re making, and don’t be afraid to showcase the passion behind your work.”
Next year’s GBCC Awards ceremony takes place at the ICC in Birmingham on Thursday 14 May, 2026.
Chair of the judges for the 2026 awards will be the Chamber’s director of membership Lillian Elekan, who said: “The judges will be sifting through a large number of high-quality applications, so it’s important to make yours stand out.
“A mix of storytelling and data always goes down well with the judges, so share the journey you went on to get to the end result as well as evidence to support your application.
“Most importantly, explain the impact - why does this matter, and why does it stand out in the Greater Birmingham region?”
The revamped categories are:
- Non-Profit Champion 2026
- Community Builder 2026
- Workplace Champion 2026 (sponsored by University College Birmingham)
- Pioneer 2026 (sponsored by Sandwell College)
- Sustainability Trailblazer 2026
- Digital Revolutionary 2026 (sponsored by Gateley PLC)
- Breakthrough Business 2026 (sponsored by runyourfleet)
- Business without Borders 2026 - sponsored by Gowling WLG
- Customer Commitment 2026 (sponsored by Translift Bendi)
- Influencer Award 2026
- Business Ambassador 2026 (sponsored by Turkish Airlines)
Find out more about how to apply for the GBCC Awards 2026.
Pictured: The Listening Centre’s Sharon McCormick and Joanna Benbow
