Entrepreneurs celebrated at The Business Elevator Awards 2026
Entrepreneurs and start-ups were recognised at a special awards evening, which took place at the Hilton Garden Inn, Hanley.
The Business Elevator – which was launched in April following a collaboration between Smithfield Works, the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub and PR firm BabaBaboon – was created to support and nurture start-ups under three years old.
UK promotional merchandise company Brandily were announced as the overall winners at the awards evening on Friday 26 June.
In addition TOJO’s Jamo & Naija Ltd – a Jamaican and Nigerian fusion catering business – and electrical services firm – Woodward Electrical Ltd —were Highly Commended for their innovation and drive.
(Images via Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub. Main image Rachel Wood Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub, Adele Simmons Smithfield Works, Helen Lythal Brandily, Tom Nadin Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Sonya Farrall BabaBaboon)
“We were so pleased to see so many entries for The Business Elevator competition,” said Adele Simmons Community Manager at Smithfield Works.
“Smithfield Works supports startups and entrepreneurship, we are keen to support more, and this competition has been another great way to do just that.
“The standard of businesses was amazing and it was great to be able to celebrate with everyone at our Awards evening where inspiration shone throughout.”
All applicants were invited to attend the celebration event along with members of the wider business community. Guests also included the Deputy Lord Mayor for Stoke-on-Trent Cllr Chris Robinson and the Deputy Lady Mayoress Joy Robinson, Deputy Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council and cabinet member for City Pride, Enforcement and Sustainability – Cllr Amjid Wazir OBE, Chief Executive of the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Stuart Elford and Stoke-on-Trent BID.
Helen Lythal Brandily and Jodie Ferguson and Tobiloba of Tojo’s
Head of Project and Business Services at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Tom Nadin said: “Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has been proud to support The Business Elevator competition.
“The Awards evening was great as this event shone a spotlight on the entrepreneurial talent and ambition which drives our local economy forward.
“We congratulate all of this year’s entrants, winners and highly commended businesses, the calibre has been extremely high across a range of sectors. Their success is a testament to the hard work, innovation and resilience that define the best of our business community.”
As the overall winner, Brandily, which launched in 2024, will receive a 12 months free hot desk space at Smithfield Works in Hanley, 12 months free start up membership at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, plus a two-hour PR strategy session with Sonya Farrall of BabaBaboon.
Support will also be provided by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub.
Plus, a brand new Galaxy A37 smartphone from Complete Communications, a brand audit and 400 business cards from Fenns, and a free Marcomms Playbook – which includes marketing tools to identify a businesses vision, mission, unique selling point and target audiences – by Chatty Duck, were kindly donated to the prize offering.
Sonya Farrall of BabaBaboon said: “As a business owner myself I understand what it is like to start off on your own and take that leap.
“Trying to find the support you need to help you on your journey is not always easy. The Business Elevator is a competition which aims to showcase our inspiring and amazing young businesses and provide invaluable support.
“It has been amazing to be a part of this initiative and to learn about others journeys has been a true delight. The Awards event was a great celebration for everyone and I cannot wait to see what each and every one of the applicants achieve in the future.
Sonya added: “Brandily’s enthusiasm was contagious and impossible to ignore. There was a real honesty about challenges faced from starting out to growing a business – not just professionally, but personally too. It was Clear from every detail which was included in the application, and in the presentation, what the plans, aims and ambitions are for this business.
“For a company still in its early stages, the calibre of clients already attracted was genuinely impressive and it is clear that access to the right workspace and structure could unlock the next stage of growth.”
Rachel Wood, Growth Hub Manager at Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub, added: “The Growth Hub is delighted to champion the Business Elevator Awards in Stoke-on-Trent. It shows the outstanding strength and diversity of our local business community and we extend our sincere congratulations to all of this year’s winners and highly commended businesses.
“Their achievements highlight the ambition, innovation and determination that define success in our city. Stoke-on-Trent remains one of the best places to start and grow a business, with its strong support networks, skilled workforce and thriving entrepreneurial spirit. It is inspiring to see so many businesses not only succeed, but truly elevate and contribute to the continued growth of our local economy.”
