Birmingham, 6 February 2026 – For over a decade, the Signature Awards have stood as a beacon of recognition and inspiration across some of the UK’s most vibrant cities – Manchester, London, Birmingham, Leicester, and Wolverhampton.
Founded by entrepreneur Ninder Johal, the awards have become a much-anticipated annual event celebrating the unsung heroes of the business world, particularly those in the Midlands whose entrepreneurial spirit and dedication keep the economy thriving.
This year’s black-tie gala dinner was attended by over 500 guests from across the UK, providing a stunning backdrop for an evening of celebration and networking. The event also successfully raised around £4,000 for the local charity Kaleidoscope Plus Group, further cementing its commitment to community impact alongside business excellence.
Speaking to Brit Punjabi on the occasion of the 11th edition, Johal emphasised the importance of acknowledging businesses that often go unrecognised despite their significant contributions. “What we’re trying to do is bring and celebrate businesses from the Midlands who are doing fabulous work to keep the economy going.
And often these people aren’t celebrated enough. That’s what we do in all the major cities. It allows businesses to connect, to celebrate, and to be educated — not only by the person sitting next to them or the person at the next table, but also by someone on stage.”
This ethos of connection and education lies at the heart of the Signature Awards. Johal believes a strong society depends on a strong economy, which in turn relies on great businesspeople and entrepreneurs. Yet, their efforts often go unnoticed. “Too often we don’t get the recognition that we deserve,” he said. “So what we try to put together is an opportunity to celebrate business and to be educated to and from business.”
The event’s impact was further amplified by the calibre of its keynote speakers. This year, attendees were inspired by Edwina Dunn, the pioneering mind behind the Tesco Clubcard – one of the UK’s most successful loyalty schemes. Johal highlighted the value of learning from such success stories, noting that these experiences foster a culture of shared knowledge and mutual growth.
The awards also serve as a powerful platform for emerging talent. Andrew James Hawin, winner of the Young Businessman of the Year award, shared how receiving the accolade transformed his outlook and business trajectory. “Winning this award uplifted my belief in myself as a businessperson and helped me put more effort into the vision and drive of my company,” he said.
Community impact was another significant theme of the evening. Kevin Davis, chairman of the Ladder Apprenticeship Foundation, spoke passionately after receiving the Excellence in Community Services Award. His organisation champions apprenticeships across Birmingham and the wider Midlands, supporting both young and mature learners. “It’s fantastic to have the award recognise our work in the community,” Davis said. “It spurs us on to do more.”
Similarly, Dr Surwat Sohail, CEO of Roshni Birmingham, accepted an award on behalf of her charity, which amplifies the voices of local communities at regional and national levels. “This award isn’t just for me,” she explained, “it’s for the hard work of the charity and the women we support.”
Innovation and education also took centre stage with Manny Atwell, founder and CEO of the School of Coding and AI, celebrating his team’s Business of the Year 2026 award. “I am incredibly proud of my team for this amazing achievement,” Atwell said. “It means the world to us.” The event provided an excellent opportunity for networking and celebrating shared successes, with Atwell remarking on the passion and dedication evident among the attendees.
The evening was capped by reflections from keynote speaker Edwina Dunn, who noted the palpable energy in the room. “I’ve seen people coming in getting awards for everything that they’ve done. It’s a group of passionate business leaders here. So, that’s a good evening. That’s a good celebration.”
The Signature Awards continue to be more than just a ceremony – they are a movement championing business excellence, fostering community, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. As Ninder Johal poignantly put it, the greatest reward is the friendships and bonds formed along the way. “That’s what gets you through life, and hopefully the money will follow.”
In a challenging economic landscape, the Signature Awards remind us all of the power of recognition, connection, and celebration in driving business success and societal progress. Here’s is many more years of shining a spotlight on those who truly leave their mark.
Many congratulations to all the winners:
1. Promoting Apprenticeships – FBC Manby Bowdler
2. Business Woman of The Year – Ameesha Green
3. SME of The Year – Assured Energy
4. Excellence in Innovation – The Football Safety App
5. Young Business Person of The Year – Andrew Horkan
6. Community Excellence – Ladder Foundation
7. Excellence in Technology – UK Win Media
8. Start up of The Year – Brum-E Car Chargers
9. Excellence in Diversity/Inclusion – Business 2 Business
10. Excellence in Legal Services – RLK Solicitors
11. Highly Commended – Julia Williams, Padel Inn, Jasneet Grover, Neil Lloyd, Edwins Ltd
12. Contribution to the Region – Sat Plaha
13. Entrepreneur of The Year – Nitesh Somani
14. Excellence in Real Estate/Architecture – Lockwell Housing
15. Business Person of The Year – Iain McCallister
16. Excellence in Financial Services – Invocap
17. International/Enterprise of The Year – Bueno Europe
18. Business of the Year – School of Coding
By: Romail Gulzar