GDBA 2026 Winners Are Announced!

The Winners are Announced!

Gatwick Diamond Business Awards 2026

 

The 2026 winners of the prestigious Gatwick Diamond Business Awards were announced on 19^th March to a packed audience at The Grand Hotel, Brighton.  

 

Now in their 18^th year, the Awards are a well-established highlight of the business calendar and are strongly supported by the Gatwick Diamond business community with Headline Sponsors Birketts LLP, Chichester College Group, Menzies and London Gatwick.

 

Celebrating the achievements of individual businesses and business people across a wide range of categories, they also showcase the success of the Gatwick Diamond economic area as major driver of the regional and national economies.

 

This year’s ceremony was hostedby Comedian Ellie Taylor, a comedian, actress, writer and television personality. She is a regular on panel and stand up shows, appearing on 8 out of 10 Cats, Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week.

 

The Evening started with a Pre-Dinner Reception sponsored by Cleankill Pest Control and was rounded-off with the now highly anticipated After-Show Party.

 

The winners in each category are:

Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Glide Training

Gabriel Silva - Annex Media 

 

SSIoT Graduate of the Year– sponsored by Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology

Tom Miller 

 

Environmental Culture Award - sponsored by MHA 

Denbies Wine Estate 

 

The Award for Customer Delight - Sponsored by Nescot

Advance Online 

 

Professional Services Firm of the Year – sponsored by SOS Systems Ltd 

Vail Williams LLP 

 

Kindness In our Community - sponsored by Chichester College Group 

Jenni Standen, Crowne Plaza London Gatwick Airport 

 

International Business of the Year - sponsored by Irwin Mitchell 

The English Soap Company

 

The Award for Community Contribution – sponsored by Crawley Innovation Centre 

 Olive Tree Cancer Support Group 

 

Manufacturing Business of the Year - sponsored by Menzies LLP 

The English Soap Company 

 

New Business of the Year - sponsored by DigiBubble

Roots Chiropractic 

 

The Award for Innovation – sponsored by Chess Dynamics 

Airware Solutions 

 

Employee of the Year – sponsored by Birketts LLP 

Kellyann McGovern - Aircraft Leasing and Management 

 

Employer of the Year – sponsored by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council

Annex Media 

 

Business Person of the Year - sponsored by Lotus Labels 

Gary Tomlinson - SOS Systems Ltd 

 

Business of the Year (Up to £1M) - sponsored by Carnegie Group

Stribe 

 

Business of the Year (Over £1M) - sponsored by Richard Place Dobson 

Carnegie Group 

 

The Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Gatwick Diamond – supported by Gatwick Diamond Business Council

 

Julie Kapsalis MBE 

 

The last award of the evening was presented by Dee Mathieson, Chair of the gdb Council, and went to Julie Kapsalis MBE for her outstanding Contribution to the Gatwick Diamond. Over the span of two decades Julie’s career in economic development, skills enterprise and inclusive growth has made her one of the region’s most influential and transformative leaders. For her exceptional leadership, her sustained dedication to the region, and the tangible, lasting positive impact of her work, Julie is a profoundly deserving winner.

 

For more information, visit www.gatwickdiamondbusinessawards.com or connect with Gatwick Diamond Business Awards on LinkedIn.