GBCC Awards 2026: Region’s top celebration of business returns
The region’s flagship celebration of business success- the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce annual dinner and awards – is set to return in 2026.
A revamped set of 11 new award categories will be up for grabs at the ICC in Birmingham on Thursday, 14 May 2026.
Among them is the Business Ambassador Award, voted for by GBCC members in recognition of an individual or organisation who make a difference to the regional business community.
'Earlybird' ticket prices for the event have also been announced – with a table of 10 costing £999 (plus VAT). Individual tickets are priced at £170 (plus VAT).
Businesses will be in with a chance of winning 11 sector awards, as well as the overall Greater Birmingham Business of the Year.
This year's 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
The Greater Birmingham Business of the Year - picked from the winners of the above categories - is sponsored by Crowe LLP .
Applications for the category awards must be submitted through the awards application portal on the Chamber website. Applications close on Sunday, 12 December.
Last year’s overall GBCC Business of the Year was The Listening Centre, who also won the award for Excellence in Customer Service category.
Speaking about the impact of winning, Sharon McCormick, owner and managing director of The Listening Centre said: "Winning the awards has given 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.
"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."
Speaking about the awards, GBCC events manager Marcella Meehan said: “We are so excited to launch the GBCC Awards 2026. It comes round so quickly!
“The awards really are the biggest celebration of business in our region, shining a light on the outstanding work that goes on.
“From one-man bands to multinational firms, it is amazing to bring the business community together in this spectacular celebration. We really can’t wait!”
A range of sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Click here for more information.
Pictured: All of the 2025 award winners
