Cannock dance school celebrates double finalist success at the UK Small Business Awards 2026

Shortlisted for both Best Social Impact and Best Family Business, the achievement follows the Academy’s Top 10 national placement last year and reflects its ongoing work delivering inclusive, high-quality dance and performing arts opportunities for children and families across Staffordshire.

The double finalist recognition comes during a year of continued growth and impact for the Academy, which operates as a Community Interest Company (CIC) and reinvests its profits directly back into opportunities for children and young people. Through a combination of subsidised classes, funded programmes, community partnerships, and outreach projects, Crystal Academy works to ensure that high-quality performing arts training remains accessible to families from a wide range of backgrounds.

Being shortlisted for Best Social Impact recognises the Academy’s sustained contribution to community wellbeing, inclusion, and youth development. Its programmes support confidence, physical and mental wellbeing, teamwork, and aspiration, while also providing clear progression pathways for dancers who wish to perform and compete at regional, national, and international levels.

The Best Family Business finalist status reflects the Academy’s values-driven leadership and long-term sustainability, highlighting the role of its family-run structure in shaping a supportive, professional, and safeguarding-led environment. This approach has helped the Academy build strong relationships with families, local authorities, and partners across Staffordshire and beyond.

Director Kirsty Kolmer said the recognition was particularly meaningful following last year’s success: “Reaching the Top 10 for Social Impact last year was incredibly special, and to be recognised again — alongside being named a finalist for Best Family Business - feels like a real affirmation of our values. Everything we do is rooted in opportunity, care, and giving young people a space where they feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow.”

Crystal Academy now progresses to the final national judging stage, competing for a place in the UK Top 10 and an invitation to the UK Small Business Awards Grand Final 2026, continuing to represent Staffordshire on a national stage.