Lichfield District’s businesses, charities and community champions have until this Friday, 10 October to enter this year’s fantastic Beacon Awards.
Now in their third year, the Beacon Awards celebrate the incredible people, organisations, and businesses making a difference across the district – from customer service excellence and sustainable practices to community heroes and thriving new enterprises.
This year’s independent judging panel, moderated by Lichfield District Council brings together four respected local leaders with strong ties to business, education, and community life:
- Claire Boliver, Chief Executive Principal of South Staffordshire College, who has spent her career supporting learners across Lichfield, Tamworth, Cannock and Rodbaston. She is passionate about improving opportunities for young people and adults and supporting them into education, apprenticeships, or employment.
- Mark Ellis, Lead at the National Memorial Arboretum, where he oversees day-to-day operations of the UK’s year-round centre of remembrance. With responsibility for a team of 350 staff and volunteers welcoming more than 300,000 visitors each year, Mark brings expertise in visitor experience, community engagement and place promotion.
- Katrina Cooke, Chief Executive of Kids’ Village, the UK’s first holiday village exclusively for critically ill children and their families. A proud local and former Chief Commercial Officer at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Katrina is a passionate advocate for businesses and communities across Lichfield.
- David Woakes, Head of Commercial Services at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. A tech and innovation advocate, David has over 30 years’ experience spanning engineering, recruitment, consultancy, and commercial leadership. He supports Midlands’ businesses in areas including digital transformation, technology, supply chain, and overseas trade, while championing careers engagement and future talent. David also volunteers as an Enterprise Advisor and serves as cricket chair of the Warwickshire County Cricket League.
Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Parks and Waste at Lichfield District Council, said:
“The Beacon Awards are about celebrating excellence, innovation, and impact across our district. With nominations open until Friday, I’d encourage residents, businesses, and community groups to take this opportunity to showcase the very best of Lichfield.
“We’re also proud to have such an outstanding line-up of judges, bringing expertise from education, business, community and culture. Their involvement ensures the awards will truly recognise the remarkable talent and dedication that makes our district thrive.”
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 27 November 2025 at the National Memorial Arboretum. Tickets are now on sale, priced at £55 per person or tables of 10 for £500.
Categories this year include:
- Small Business of the Year
- Large Business of the Year
- New Business of the Year
- Charity or Social Enterprise of the Year
- Customer Service Award
- Community Impact Award
- Partnership Award
- Sustainable Business Award
- Tourism & Hospitality Award
- Logistics & Transport Award
- Community Hero Award
- Lichfield District Ambassador Award (public vote)
Nominations are open until Friday 10 October 2025 and can be submitted quickly and easily online.
Tickets for the event are also available via the website.