The awards, organised by the council, have received a record 174 nominations, a 41% increase on last year and more than double the number from 2024. The ceremony will take place on Thursday 3 December at the Royal British Legion Remembrance Gardens, celebrating outstanding contributions to the district.
Roxane UK, known for bottled water brands Aqua Pura and Gill Beck, is sponsoring for the second consecutive year. Based at Fradley Park, the company has invested £249 million in Lichfield since 2012, transforming its site into one of Europe's largest bottling facilities, with plans for a further £100 million investment between 2027 and 2028.
Terri Cooper, Commercial Director at Roxane UK, expressed pride in supporting the awards, stating, “We’re delighted to return as headline sponsor of the Beacon Awards for another year. As a business based here in Lichfield District, we’re proud to be part of such a vibrant and ambitious business community. Most of our staff live within 15 miles of our site, investing in Lichfield is investing in them. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the hard work, innovation and dedication of people across the district, from growing businesses to those making a real difference in their communities. We’re looking forward to another brilliant evening celebrating everything that makes Lichfield District such a great place to do business.”
Palletways UK is sponsoring the pre-dinner drinks and the Young Professional of the Year award. The company is preparing for a new chapter with plans for a 640,000 sq ft national headquarters at Fradley Park. Having operated in Lichfield for over 30 years, this investment will secure around 250 jobs.
Rob Gittins, Managing Director of Palletways UK, commented, “Lichfield has been home to Palletways for more than 30 years, and we're proud to continue investing in our future here. With plans for our new headquarters moving forward, it’s an exciting time for our business. We’re delighted to support the Beacon Awards and particularly pleased to sponsor Young Professional of the Year, recognising the next generation of talent who will help shape the future of our local economy.”
Other sponsors include Crystal Care Collection (Community Hero), OnTick Events (Community Impact), MPS (Hospitality Business), Shire House (Industry & Enterprise), Vista Planning (New Business), Print & Digital (Small Business), and South Staffordshire College (Tourism & Visitor Attraction).
Councillor Richard Holland, Cabinet Member at Lichfield District Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many businesses getting behind this year's Beacon Awards, and I’d like to thank all our sponsors for their generous support. With a record 174 nominations, there’s clearly so much to celebrate across Lichfield District. These awards give us the opportunity to recognise the businesses, organisations and individuals who make our district such a great place to live, work and do business.”
Nominations have closed, and an independent judging panel is reviewing entries. Finalists will be announced in early November, with winners revealed at the ceremony on Thursday 3 December. More information is available at www.beaconawards.co.uk.
