Shortlist announced for Lichfield District’s Beacon Awards 2025

Lichfield District Council is delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2025 Beacon Awards, recognising outstanding achievements from businesses, individuals and community organisations across the district.

Now in its third year, the Beacon Awards shine a spotlight on the talent, innovation and community spirit that make Lichfield District a great place to live, work and do business. From small family-run firms to large employers and community organisations, this year’s finalists represent the very best of the district’s creativity, resilience and enterprise.

More than 120 nominations were received across 11 categories, with judges commenting on the exceptional standard of entries and the inspiring stories behind them.

The shortlisted businesses and organisations will now go forward to the Beacon Awards Celebration Evening on Thursday 27 November at the National Memorial Arboretum, where the winners will be revealed.

Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Parks and Waste at Lichfield District Council, said:

“The Beacon Awards showcase the incredible people and organisations who drive our local economy and community forward. The passion, innovation and determination shown in this year’s entries is truly inspiring, and we’re proud to celebrate their success.”

The awards are judged by an independent panel of local business leaders and partners from across Staffordshire, who reviewed entries against clear criteria including growth, innovation, community impact and sustainability.

Claire Boliver, Chief Executive Principal at South Staffordshire College and one of the external judges added: “The quality and diversity of entries this year was exceptional. It’s inspiring to see so many businesses and community organisations achieving real impact across the district. Narrowing down the shortlist was no easy task, and the incredible response shows just how much pride, passion and talent there is within Lichfield District. These finalists truly represent the best of the area’s energy, creativity and commitment.”

The 2025 Beacon Awards shortlist is as follows:

Charity & Social Enterprise Award

Burntwood Memorial Community Association
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
Lichfield Round Table
Pathway Project
St Giles Hospice

Community Impact Award

JC Academy
Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Outrider Games
Rymans Christmas and Pumpkins
St Anne’s Church Chasetown

Community Hero Award

Charlotte Aspley
Darren Lennon
Daniel White
Joan Fairley
Maggi Huckfield

Customer Service Award

Kembla Limited
Lichfield Maize Maze, Sunflowers & Pumpkins
Outrider Games
Play Days Dog Daycare
The Listening Centre

Large Business of the Year

Autosmart International
Hawkins Group
Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Palletways
Roxane UK

Logistics & Transport Award

Hawkins Group
Palletways

New Business of the Year

Cathedral Hearing Limited
Mangia Mangia Italian Deli
Outrider Games
The Dirty Cow
The Pottery Cave Ceramic Studios

Partnership Awards

Adept Central Ltd
Back the Track
Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Logan Khan and St Giles Hospice

Small Business of the Year

Adept Central Ltd
Clarion Information Systems Ltd
JC Academy
Lichfield Maize Maze, Sunflowers & Pumpkins
Rymans Christmas and Pumpkins

Sustainable Business Award

Buzzards Valley
Clarion Information Systems Ltd
CocoonFMS Ltd
Kembla Limited
Lichfield Maize Maze, Sunflowers & Pumpkins

Tourism & Hospitality Award

Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Lichfield Maize Maze, Sunflowers & Pumpkins
Patty Freaks
The Boat
The Dirty Cow

Lichfield District Council Recognition Award

Animal Rescue Volunteers
Beacon Street Garage
Tudor Row Tattoos

The Beacon Awards are delivered by Lichfield District Council and supported by local sponsors and partners, as part of the council’s ongoing commitment to supporting business growth and community excellence across the district.

For more information about the Beacon Awards or to book tickets for the celebration evening, visit: www.beaconawards.co.uk