Strong leadership sits at the heart of every successful organisation, and our 2026 Business Leader Awards are all about recognising the people and businesses setting the pace across the UK and beyond. From digital transformation and innovation to people-first cultures and international growth, this year’s awards highlight leadership that delivers real-world results. As always, we’re proud to showcase our Winners and Finalists whose work continues to shape modern business.
Our 2026 Business Leader Awards Winners
Taking the top honour of Business Leader of the Year, Gtech was recognised for Nick Grey’s long-standing leadership, innovation, and resilience. From a self-funded start-up to a globally recognised brand, the business exemplifies how creativity, disciplined growth, and hands-on leadership can deliver lasting success.
Innovation was firmly in focus with Giovanni Soffietto of BMABA CIC winning Most Innovative Business Leader. Under Soffietto’s leadership, the organisation has combined strong governance, digital infrastructure, and social impact, building scalable systems that professionalise a fragmented sector while delivering sustained growth without compromising values.
International growth and responsible leadership earned Jordon Munro of Havwoods International Inc the title of International Business Leader of the Year. Munro’s work overseeing multi-market expansion, acquisition integration, and enterprise-wide transformation demonstrated a clear ability to lead at scale while maintaining operational discipline and cultural alignment across borders.
The Newcomer Business Leader of the Year award was presented to Brooke Pinkney of Broadley Speaking. Pinkney’s leadership journey, from apprentice to Managing Director, stood out for its resilience, adaptability, and ability to stabilise and modernise the business during challenging market conditions.
Awarded Director of the Year, Jonathan Fowler was recognised for his people-centred leadership style, focus on team development, and commitment to building confidence, visibility, and resilience within his organisation. Judges highlighted the balance of commercial ambition with genuine support for individual growth.
Driving meaningful digital change, Bodi.Me Ltd took the title of Best Business Leader in Digital Transformation thanks to its highly specialised approach to fit technology, data-driven consultancy, and integration across complex supply chains. The business has demonstrated how advanced technology, when paired with deep technical expertise and client-focused delivery, can significantly improve efficiency, sustainability, and user experience at scale.
Taking Best Business Leader in Training & Education, Johnny Hussain of Barclay & Mathieson Limited stood out for internally built, business-led training frameworks have transformed development across multiple organisations. The judges were particularly impressed by the embedded nature of learning, the focus on measurable outcomes, and the way education has been aligned with real commercial and leadership demands.
The award for Best Business Leader in Consultancy went to Simon Wingfield of Wingfield Consultants Ltd, recognised for its purpose-driven model and consistent commitment to sustainable growth. Wingfield has shown how consultancy can balance commercial success with community impact, embedding pro bono support and ethical principles into the core of its operations.
Bestuition Ltd CEO and Founder Amando Brown claimed Best Family Business Leader. Brown’s leadership was praised for its authenticity, inclusivity, and long-term social impact, particularly in supporting vulnerable learners and embedding equity into the organisation’s mission.
The Best Young Business Leader award was claimed by Naomi Dallas of The Alchemist Bars and Restaurants, recognised for delivering consistent growth in a challenging hospitality landscape. Her calm, strategic approach to leadership, combined with a strong emphasis on culture and wellbeing, has helped teams perform while navigating significant industry pressures.
In the technology category, Best Business Leader in Technology went to Phil Race of Totalmobile. Under Race’s leadership, the company has strengthened its global position through product innovation, international expansion, and a clear investment in people and culture, setting a strong platform for long-term growth.
Hospitality leadership was recognised with Corporate Peaks winning Best Business Leader in Hospitality. The business impressed judges with its hands-on, end-to-end approach to hosting, delivering high-quality, people-focused experiences across international destinations while maintaining consistency and care under pressure.
2026 Business Leader Awards Finalists
- Rathbones Group Plc – Business Leader of the Year
- LetPlant Technology Ltd – Best Young Business Leader
- Nick Grey, Gtech – Most Innovative Business Leader
- Sota Solutions Limited – Director of the Year
- Brand Cult – Newcomer Business Leader of the Year
- Rachael Lawrence, Brand Her Edit – Best Business Leader in Consultancy
- Simon Wingfield, Wingfield Consultants Ltd – International Business Leader of the Year
- Nevari Limited – Best Business Leader in Digital Transformation
- Educateme Group Limited – Best Business Leader in Training & Education
- Truesync IoT Systems Global Ltd – Best Business Leader in Technology
- B&B Hotels UK – Best Business Leader in Hospitality
Looking Ahead
This year’s Business Leader Awards reflect the evolving nature of leadership in today’s business landscape. Across all categories, we’ve seen a strong emphasis on adaptability, responsibility, and people-focused decision-making, alongside innovation and commercial performance.
Our Winners and Finalists demonstrate that effective leadership isn’t defined by scale alone, but by the ability to build resilient organisations, invest in people, and create lasting value. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to seeing how their leadership continues to influence their sectors in the years ahead.
