By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2026 recognised outstanding achievement from businesses and individuals across the Island, at the IW Chamber Business Awards, on Friday evening.
Hosted by Denise Van Outen, the event brought together businesses from across the Island celebrating success, innovation, growth, and the people behind leading organisations.
The standard of entries was extremely high, with the short list reflecting the breadth of the Island’s business community. From start-ups and micro businesses to established employers, manufacturers and exporters, the awards recognised achievement across a wide range of sectors.
Rob Johnson, chief executive of the IW Chamber of Commerce, said: “What a fantastic evening, and a brilliant celebration of Island businesses.
“The quality of our finalists demonstrates just how much talent, ambition, and innovation we have within our business community. Congratulations to every one of our winners and finalists.
“I would also like to thank our sponsors, judges, and everyone who has worked so hard to make the awards possible. Their support allows us to showcase success, recognise achievement, and provide a platform for Island businesses to celebrate together.”
Among the major winners was IFPL Group Ltd, which claimed Technology & Innovation Business of the Year and Manufacturing & Export Business of the Year, before being named overall Business of the Year. WightFibre and Wight Coaches each secured two wins.
The President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution, was presented to Paul Thomas of Isle of Wight Tomatoes, while Meridian 3 was named Chamber Member of the Year 2026.
The winners were:
Start Up Business of the Year – JMD Building Consultancy, Tourism & Leisure Business of the Year – Robin Hill Adventure Park, Growth Business of the Year – WightFibre, Creative Impact Award – Robertson Foster, Entrepreneurship Award – Wight Coaches, Employer of the Year – Yokogawa Marex, Community Award – Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, Environment & Sustainability Award – Isle of Wight Tomatoes, Technology & Innovation Business of the Year – IFPL Group, Customer Service Award – Tolchards, Manufacturing & Export Business of the Year – IFPL Group, Training & Development Award – Captiva Homes, Hospitality Business of the Year – The Blacksmiths, Business Social Impact Award – WightFibre, Micro Business of the Year – Newclose Cricket Ground, Small Business of the Year – Wight Coaches, President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution – Paul Thomas, Isle of Wight Tomatoes, Chamber Member of the Year 2026 – Meridian 3, Business of the Year – IFPL Group.
Mal Butler