• Swindon & Wiltshire Awards
• Tuesday July 7 2026

Thames Valley’s best businesses named at glittering ceremony

The best businesses in the Thames Valley were celebrated at a glittering ceremony last week, as Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce held its annual Business Awards.

Hosted by Olympic gold medallist Tessa Sanderson CBE, the evening brought together businesses of all sizes to celebrate success, share achievements and recognise the exceptional talent that continues to make the Thames Valley one of the UK’s most dynamic business regions.

The Awards showcased excellence across a wide range of sectors, highlighting businesses that are leading the way in innovation, sustainability, international trade, skills development, customer service and community impact.

Maidenhead-based luxury towel-maker BC SoftWear was crowned Thames Valley Business of the Year, having also secured both the SME Business of the Year and International Trade Business of the Year Awards, recognising its outstanding business performance and continued success in international markets.

The category winners included:

• Commitment to the Community Award (sponsored by Buckinghamshire New University) – Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation
• Commitment to Skills Award (sponsored by University of Reading) – MCFT
• Employer of the Year Award (sponsored by R3vamp) – Berkshire Consultancy
• Excellence in Innovation Award (sponsored by Goringe Accountants) – Syngenta
• Excellence in Sustainability Award (sponsored by Morgan Sindall Infrastructure) – Terraguard Technologies
• International Trade Business of the Year (sponsored by Heathrow) – BC SoftWear
• Micro Business of the Year (sponsored by SDO Associates) – Berkshire Menopause Clinic
• Most Promising New Business Award (sponsored by Goringe Brokers) – Know Your Dosh
• Multi-National/Large Business of the Year (sponsored by MHA) – RSSL
• SME Business of the Year (sponsored by James Cowper Kreston) – BC SoftWear
• Excellence in Customer Service Award – DRC
• Rising Star of the Year Award – Martyn Masters, The Electrical Compliance Collective Ltd (TECC Ltd)
• Thames Valley Business of the Year (sponsored by Knights) – BC SoftWear

Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Britton said: “Our Business Awards are always one of the highlights of the Chamber calendar, and this year’s event was no exception.

“The calibre of entries demonstrates the remarkable ambition, resilience and innovation that exists across the Thames Valley.

“It was fantastic to see so many businesses coming together to celebrate each other’s success, make new connections and recognise the positive contribution they make to our regional economy and communities.

“Congratulations to every finalist and especially to this year’s winners, whose achievements should inspire businesses across the region.”

Picture by Philip Benton