The winners of the 2026 Central South Business Awards, held in partnership with Business South, have now been officially announced.
The region’s leading businesses took centre stage on May 13th as the awards returned for another sold-out celebration of innovation, achievement and success across the Central South.
Held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour, the prestigious black-tie ceremony welcomed hundreds of business leaders and professionals from across Surrey, West Sussex, Kent and Hampshire. Hosted by acclaimed comedian Hal Cruttenden, the evening was a joyous celebration of regional business success while also raising money for Heartbeat, a charity that supports cardiac care for patients and their families across the Wessex region and beyond.
This year’s awards celebrated achievement across 16 categories, spanning Customer Service, Innovation, Construction, Startups and Professional Services. The evening’s top honour, Company of the Year, was awarded to Barnbrook Systems, the Fareham-based electronics manufacturer recognised for its outstanding business performance and industry impact.
Andrew Barnett, CEO of Barnbrook Systems, commented on his success: “To win this award, is the greatest honour for us. We were selected from 97 finalists across every category, chosen by the sponsoring judge as the business they believe stands as an inspiration to others. None of this happens without our team.”
Fiona Graves, Events Director of Platinum Media Group and organiser of the awards, said: “It’s incredible to see the Central South Business Awards continue to grow year after year, with another completely sold-out event and such an exceptional standard of entries.
“These awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable businesses operating across the Central South and it’s inspiring to see so many organisations pushing boundaries, driving innovation and making a real impact within their industries and communities.”
Winners were selected following a rigorous judging process involving detailed scoring, finalist interviews and deliberation by an independent panel of industry experts and sponsors, including Kier Construction, Blake Morgan, Lester Aldridge, Heartbeat, Moneycorp, Omni, HSDC, Aura Technology Group, Tetra Tech, Business South, City of Portsmouth College, Lionel Hitchen, Surrey Business Magazine, Occupational Health Consultancy, James Cowper Kreston, Southampton Solent University and Mildren.
THE 2026 WINNERS
Professional Services Award – Ward Williams
Future Talent of the Year – Jakiat Jitu, Southampton City Council
Business Growth Award – Ridge and Partners LLP
Community Hero Award – North East Surrey College of Technology
International Business of the Year – Wärtsilä Water Systems
Construction Project of the Year – M27 Junction 10 Improvements
Best Customer Service Award – Dignity Pet Crematorium
Best New Business Award – Babyccinos
Employer of the Year – Woodcut Media
Gamechanger of the Year – Lifelight
AI Excellence Award – ICS.AI
Small Business of the Year – Munro & Fox
Medium Business of the Year – Maritime Yacht Services
Large Business of the Year – Sparks Commercial Services
Businessperson of the Year – Siobhan Kiernan, Southern Counties Car Deliveries
Company of the Year – Barnbrook Systems
