Businesses across Lichfield District are coming together to support this year’s Beacon Awards, with Roxane UK returning as headline sponsor and Palletways UK joining as the pre-dinner drinks sponsor.
The awards, which we organise, have attracted a record 174 nominations, an increase of 41% on last year and more than double the number received in 2024.
Taking place on Thursday 3 December at the Royal British Legion Remembrance Gardens, the Beacon Awards celebrate the 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, continuing its commitment to recognising and celebrating local achievement.
Based at Fradley Park, Roxane UK is one of the district’s major employers and has established strong roots in the local community. Since opening in 2012 Roxane UK has invested £249 million in Lichfield, transforming the site into one of Europe’s largest and most technologically advanced bottling facilities. There are plans to invest a further £100 million between 2027 and 2028.
Its continued backing of the Beacon Awards demonstrates the important role established businesses can play in supporting others, championing local success and helping the district’s business community thrive.
As headline sponsor, Roxane UK will play a leading role in this year’s celebrations, helping to shine a spotlight on the businesses, community groups and individuals whose achievements deserve recognition.
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. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the hard work, innovation and dedication of people across the district, from growing businesses to those making a real difference in their communities.
“We’re looking forward to another brilliant evening celebrating everything that makes Lichfield District such a great place to do business.”
Palletways UK has also confirmed its support as this year’s pre-dinner drinks sponsor, alongside sponsoring the Young Professional of the Year award.
The announcement comes as the company prepares for an exciting new chapter, following the recent approval of plans for its new 640,000 sq ft national headquarters at Fradley Park.
Having operated in Lichfield for more than 30 years, Palletways’ latest investment will secure around 250 jobs and provide room for future growth, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the district.
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. We’re delighted to support the Beacon Awards and particularly pleased to sponsor Young Professional of the Year, recognising the next generation of talent who will help shape the future of our local economy.”
A number of other businesses and organisations have also stepped forward to sponsor individual award categories, helping to make this year's celebrations possible.
They 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. These awards give us the opportunity to recognise the businesses, organisations and individuals who make our district such a great place to live, work and do business.”
Nominations have now closed, with an independent judging panel reviewing entries before the finalists are announced in early November.
Winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony on Thursday 3 December.
For more information, visit www.beaconawards.co.uk.