An engineering consultancy expecting to grow its turnover by more than 90% over two years has been named Business of the Year at the University of Staffordshire Business Awards 2026.
Newcastle-under-Lyme-based Drayton Beaumont Group was presented with the top award at a ceremony at the University’s Catalyst building last night (3 September).
The firm, which has a projected turnover of £75 million in 2026, also won the Growth Award in recognition of its expansion through acquisitions, new markets and investment in technology and its workforce.
More than 360 guests attended the black-tie dinner and awards ceremony, where Stafford Engineering Services was named Small Business of the Year in a category which attracted more entries than any other at this year’s awards.
Valentine Clays picked up the Innovation Award for its work addressing challenges facing the ceramics industry, while KMF Group received the Skills for the Future Award for its long-standing commitment to apprenticeships.
The Team of the Year award went to The Courtyard by Marriott, Keele, which has been ranked number one for staff service among its UK hotels and 21st across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Weather Wise Solutions, which launched with an initial investment of £3,000, was named Start-up Business of the Year, and Appetite received the High Street Impact Award for its contribution to civic pride in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Wolstanton’s AMB Insurance Services won the Business in the Community Award (Business) for its work encouraging employees to support good causes, while Stoke-on-Trent charity Alice Charity won the Business in the Community Award (Charity) for a second year running.
Thirty-three-year-old George Lowe, founder of Lowe’s on Carter Street, in Uttoxeter, was named Young Business Person of the Year, and Craig Wilkinson, whose portfolio of businesses includes Barlaston’s Lunar restaurant, won Entrepreneur of the Year.
Rachel Hayward, a business graduate and the founder of Ask The Chameleon, received the Alumni Business Person of the Year Award, while Apprentice of the Year went to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Hannah Caulfield for supporting other women to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated profession.
A special Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to Mo Chaudry in recognition of his entrepreneurial success and contribution to the region.
The University of Staffordshire alumnus and Honorary Doctor has built businesses across several sectors, including Waterworld and M Club, while supporting local talent such as Eddie Hall and actress Rachel Shenton and has launched a £5 million fund to support local entrepreneurs.
Professor Philip Plowden, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at the University of Staffordshire, said: “These awards provide an important opportunity to celebrate the businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals who are making a real difference across Staffordshire.
“This year, we attracted an incredible 225 entries which were reviewed by our 19-strong panel of judges – and choosing the winners was not an easy task! Each category demonstrates the strength and diversity of our local business community, from ambitious start-ups and apprentices to established organisations driving growth, innovation and employment.
“A huge thank you to our generous sponsors and dedicated judges, and congratulations to every winner whose achievements we are proud to celebrate.”
