Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has revealed the finalists for the Start-Up & Step-Up Business Award at the 2026 Business Awards.
Sponsored by Staffordshire County Council, the award acknowledges outstanding achievements in business growth and market entry for companies with less than five years of operation, recognising exceptional resilience, effective leadership, innovation and measurable growth with a strong and consistent trajectory.
Now in its 11th year, the Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards is the largest business awards programme in the region. Winners will be crowned at a gala awards ceremony at Uttoxeter Racecourse on Thursday 9 July 2026.
The four finalists are:
NBe Brokers – Founded in March 2023, NBe Brokers has grown from 2 employees to 20 in three years, with turnover up a projected 185% and profitability up a projected 2,016%. The Newcastle-under-Lyme firm has nearly doubled its client base to almost 1,200 accounts and is on course to reach £2 million in turnover before its fourth birthday. Find out more about their application, here.
Chef Lucas Catering Services – Launched as a sole trader in 2023, Chef Lucas Catering Services grew turnover from £107,000 in 2024 to £286,000 in 2025, with projections pointing toward £617,000 in 2026. A 5-star Google rating and growing corporate client base reflect a business that has moved quickly from start-up to credible regional player. Find out more about their application, here.
Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn – Founded in 2024 as a farm diversification project, Hockerhill projected 50,000 visitors in its first year and has welcomed over 160,000 across two years, with turnover growing from £102,000 to over £1 million. It won the Best Food and Beverage category at the National Farm Attractions Network awards in 2026. Find out more about their application, here.
VIP Education – Founded just ten months ago, VIP Education has built a 47-strong team delivering alternative provision for children and young people with SEND and SEMH needs. Repeat commissioning, strong retention and a larger specialist site in development point to an organisation that has moved rapidly from launch to trusted partner. Find out more about their application, here.
To find out more about the 2026 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards, visit staffordshirechambers.co.uk/awards.
