ICON Awards 2026
Entries are now open for the 2026 ICON Awards hosted by Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce.
The ICON Awards are an annual celebration of the outstanding achievements and talent within Inverclyde's business community.
Known as "Inverclyde's premier business event," the awards spotlight exceptional local businesses.
Last year, 11 winners emerged from a field of 75 entrants. We are looking forward to honouring even more remarkable winners this year at Greenock Town Hall on Friday 18th September 2026.
Diodes, the leading global manufacturer and supplier of semiconductor products is one of three headline sponsors this year!
Countdown to the Awards!
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Key Dates and Deadlines for Entries
Entries Open: 7th May 2026
Entries Close: Midnight 30th June 2026
Judging begins: 1st July Onwards
Shortlisted Finalists Announced: By 28th July 2026
ICON Awards Final: 18th September 2026
Category Sponsors
Business Growth Award
Most Promising Start Up Business of the Year
People & Workplace Excellence Award
Third Sector Organisation of the Year
Tourism & Hospitality Award
If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor (Headline, Category or Table) for the 2026 ICON Awards, please get in touch by contacting Caroline at membership@inverclydechamber.co.uk
Award Categories
Apply for the Categories
1Young Rising Star Award (Under 25)
Celebrating the achievements of an individual under 25 who has excelled in their field and made a significant impact on their company's growth and development over the past year.
Who should enter?
Open to inspiring young people (under the age of 25), whether they be an employee, trainee, graduate or apprentice, within any sector or business. Also open to young business owners and entrepreneurs.
What are the judges looking for?
Apply here: https://forms.gle/mVrWurJ8wFcamYHb7
Who should enter?
Open to inspiring young people (under the age of 25), whether they be an employee, trainee, graduate or apprentice, within any sector or business. Also open to young business owners and entrepreneurs.
What are the judges looking for?
- Individuals with innovative ideas and the ability to bring them to life, whether through their own ventures or within a business setting.
- Individuals who have played a significant role in driving growth and success within a business environment.
- Individuals who demonstrate leadership qualities and make a positive impact on their teams or workplaces.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/mVrWurJ8wFcamYHb7
2Most Promising Start-Up Business of the Year
What are the Judges looking for?
- Have been established and operating in Inverclyde for three years or less;
- Are privately owned and operated;
- Provide goods/services;
- Demonstrate innovation and uniqueness in meeting market demand; and
- Demonstrate growth potential in their sector/industry
3Tourism & Hospitality Award
This award celebrates the positive contribution of local tourism or hospitality related businesses in encouraging local spend, attracting visitors to the area and enhancing the profile of the Inverclyde area through what they can offer.
What are the judges looking for?
Apply here: https://forms.gle/tvgyWUDL7VcBcsyQ9
What are the judges looking for?
- Can demonstrate why & how their business, product, and/or service contribute positively to Inverclyde’s visitor experience;
- Can evidence how their offering attracts and retains tourists’ custom in Inverclyde for the duration of their stay or returning visitors;
- Enhance the profile of Inverclyde through their offerings, promotions, and events; and/or
- Collaborate with other local businesses to promote Inverclyde.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/tvgyWUDL7VcBcsyQ9
4Innovation Excellence Award
What are the Judges looking for?
Apply here: https://forms.gle/3amYggb8vTcwgoXYA
- Idea / project / business demonstrates creative thinking
- Idea / project / business is unique and original
- Idea / project / business provides an innovative alternative to existing solutions or an evolution of an existing solution
- Idea / project / business makes use of emerging digital technologies for the benefit of the end user
- Idea / project / business benefits the company / profits / environment / wider economy or local area
- Idea / project / business shows longevity in the product / service / business and legacy
Apply here: https://forms.gle/3amYggb8vTcwgoXYA
5Journey to Net Zero
This category recognises excellence in companies of any size that has created business opportunities through its sustainability measures, as well as supporting the environment.
What are the judges looking for?
Apply here: https://forms.gle/eCJrm2MupE7Zufhn7
What are the judges looking for?
- Can demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Displays leadership in projects that may include, but are not limited to:- Carbon footprint reduction; Ethical recycling and upcycling practices; Promoting a circular economy;
- Onboarding alternative sources of electricity and energy production.
- Make a conscious effort to reduce waste, conserve water & promote recycling.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/eCJrm2MupE7Zufhn7
6Third Sector Organisation Award
This category is open to Inverclyde-based third sector organisations (e.g., registered charities, trusts, SCIOs, social enterprises, CICs, voluntary organisations, etc.), that:-
N.B. - Only registered charities can apply for this award category.
https://forms.gle/oSWf22KgvucyBE9r5
- Can demonstrate how they have achieved their charitable objectives over the past year;
- Can evidence that their work has had a positive impact on a particular community, group or demographic in Inverclyde, and, if so, what kind;
- Where appropriate, cite examples of co-production and/or user-led activities; and/or
- Can provide examples of direct investment, either restricted or unrestricted, that has provided opportunities for those living in Inverclyde.
N.B. - Only registered charities can apply for this award category.
https://forms.gle/oSWf22KgvucyBE9r5
7Community Impact Award
This award will look to shine a light on the businesses that constantly strive to support the local community as well as providing opportunities to local residents.
What are the Judges looking for?
Apply here: https://forms.gle/SStbnjH3pCn3h5zF9
What are the Judges looking for?
- That they have made a measurable difference to local communities
- Have created or engaged with social projects, regeneration initiatives, inclusion programmes, or community collaboration
- Participated in local charitable efforts or community projects
- How have their efforts contributed to their legacy and the future
Apply here: https://forms.gle/SStbnjH3pCn3h5zF9
8Business Growth Award
This category highlights the success of Inverclyde Businesses who can demonstrate year on year growth and how they intend to continue to grow and further establish themselves.
What are the Judges looking for?
Apply here: https://forms.gle/Hb4G1BJ6WmW3zi2R9
What are the Judges looking for?
- Can demonstrate a sustained increase in turnover and profit over recent years
- Can show how the business has created more job opportunities for Inverclyde residents
- Evidence of a robust and effective growth strategy
- Demonstrate that their practices are sustainable and support the business in achieving its future long-term strategic goals.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/Hb4G1BJ6WmW3zi2R9
9People & Workplace Excellence Award
This award is intended for organisations that are dedicated to the development of employees/young individual’s/others skills, creating opportunities and a solid framework to support the learning environment.
What are the Judges Looking for?
Apply here: https://forms.gle/DwDSB3sLvftn5Wdc7
What are the Judges Looking for?
- Demonstrate a link between team development, upskilling, and CPD initiatives with overall business goals and a clear culture of learning.
- Provide diverse and accessible learning opportunities, including upskilling, reskilling, and robust CPD support.
- Evidence improved employee skills, performance, and satisfaction, along with positive effects on team productivity and customer benefit.
- Demonstrates creative and effective methods in team development, utilising technology, and novel learning techniques.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/DwDSB3sLvftn5Wdc7
10Retail & E-Commerce Award
This category is open to Inverclyde businesses that:-
https://forms.gle/9Rdh76dHL2Gb4HbMA
- Operate in the retail sector or industry, either online or offline or both;
- Can demonstrate a year-on-year increase in turnover;
- Can demonstrate their resilience within this sector;
- Can demonstrate what business sustainability plans they have implemented that benefit both the business and the customer;
- Can demonstrate improvements in their operations, marketing, sales or any other area of the businesses that has contributed to overall business growth; and/or
- Can explain what they have put in place and/or adapted to enhance the customer experience which has, in turn, helped the business grow.
https://forms.gle/9Rdh76dHL2Gb4HbMA
11Health & Wellbeing Award
This category recognises organisations who have shown a commitment to health and wellbeing of their employees or support to people within the Inverclyde area.
Who should enter?
Open to all Inverclyde based organisations who can demonstrate a commitment to improving their employees or the wider community’s health and wellbeing.
What are the judges looking for?
Apply here: https://forms.gle/MvwVUKnH37FaJttg8
Who should enter?
Open to all Inverclyde based organisations who can demonstrate a commitment to improving their employees or the wider community’s health and wellbeing.
What are the judges looking for?
- Businesses that can demonstrate a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals within Inverclyde.
- Businesses who offer programs and initiatives that encourage exercise, healthy eating, stress management, and access to mental health resources.
- Innovative businesses using unique or creative approaches to promoting health and wellbeing within Inverclyde.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/MvwVUKnH37FaJttg8