Lichfield District Council's Beacon Awards have attracted a record 174 nominations ahead of the ceremony on Thursday 3 December at the Royal British Legion Remembrance Gardens. The figure represents a 41% increase on the previous year and more than double the number received in 2024.

The awards recognise businesses, organisations and individuals making an outstanding contribution to the district. Roxane UK, the company behind national bottled water brands Aqua Pura and Gill Beck, is returning as headline sponsor for a second consecutive year.

Major local employers backing the awards

Roxane UK, based at Fradley Park, is one of the district's major employers. Since opening in 2012 it has invested £249 million in Lichfield, transforming the site into one of Europe's largest and most technologically advanced bottling facilities. The company has plans to invest a further £100 million between 2027 and 2028.

Terri Cooper, Commercial Director at Roxane UK, said: "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."

Palletways UK has confirmed its support as this year's pre-dinner drinks sponsor and sponsor of the Young Professional of the Year award. Having operated in Lichfield for more than 30 years, the company is preparing for expansion following recent approval of plans for its new 640,000 sq ft national headquarters at Fradley Park. The investment will secure around 250 jobs.

Rob Gittins, Managing Director of Palletways UK, said: "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."

Category sponsors announced

Additional businesses and organisations sponsoring individual award categories 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."

Timeline

Nominations have now closed. An independent judging panel will review entries, with finalists announced in early November. Winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony on Thursday 3 December.

For more information, visit www.beaconawards.co.uk.