Shortlist announced for Lichfield District’s Beacon Awards 2025

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 judgesadded: “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 Award

• 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