On Thursday, May 7th, 2026, the Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce officially kicked off the 2026 ICON Awards with an inspiring launch event at Gourock Golf Club. The evening brought together business leaders, sponsors, and Chamber members for a preview of what to expect at this year’s highly anticipated awards. Attendees enjoyed a welcome drink and a networking buffet, creating a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere for connecting with local businesses.

We are thrilled to announce Diodes as our first confirmed headline sponsor for 2026. Diodes is a long-standing supporter of both the Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce and the Awards, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their continued partnership.

We would also like to thank our first five confirmed category sponsors - James Walker Devol, Business Gateway, Global Port Holdings, CVS Inverclyde and Clyde Eats - for their invaluable support this year.

Lizzy Todd, President of Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce, commented,

"We are very pleased to officially launch the 2026 ICON Awards and recognise the hard work of our local business community. This year features 11 distinct categories, including the Rising Star Award to highlight the outstanding potential of our young people in Inverclyde. We would like to thank Diodes as our first confirmed headline sponsor for 2026, alongside our category sponsors confirmed so far, Business Gateway, Clyde Eats, CVS Inverclyde, Global Port Holdings and James Walker Devol, for their support. We are also proud to announce Ardgowan Hospice as our official 2026 charity partner to help support the vital work they do in our community. Entries are welcome from any Inverclyde-based business or organisation or Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce member. We look forward to seeing your submissions."

New Categories and How to Enter

During the launch, we outlined our exciting plans for the 2026 ICON Awards, which includes a streamlined entry process and several brand-new award categories.

This year features 11 distinct categories designed to recognise a wide array of business achievements and community contributions. A key highlight is the Rising Star Award (Under 25s), dedicated to young entrepreneurs who have made an outstanding start in business or are showing exceptional potential within an Inverclyde-based enterprise or organisation.

The 2026 Award Categories - Click here to enter

• Rising Star Award (Under 25s)
• Health & Wellbeing Award Most
• Promising Start-Up Business of the Year
• Tourism & Hospitality Award
• Innovation Excellence Award
• Business Growth Award
• Journey to Net Zero Award
• People & Workplace Excellence Award
• Third Sector Organisation of the Year
• Community Impact Award
• Retail & E-Commerce Award

To learn more about what the judges are looking for, read the full category descriptions, and submit your online entry, please click here to visit the Inverclyde Chamber website.

2026 Charity Partner: Ardgowan Hospice

A major highlight of the evening was the announcement of Ardgowan Hospice as our official 2026 charity partner for this year’s awards. A true cornerstone of our community, the hospice supports around 1,000 local patients and their families each year. They provide a vital range of services, from palliative and end of life care in the community or the inpatient unit, to supporting carers. On the right of the award, all raffle donations will go towards Ardgowan Hospice. If you would like to support them in the meantime, visit their website and donate online.

Call for Entries

With the launch event a success, the Inverclyde Chamber is officially accepting entries and nominations for the 2026 ICON Awards!

We strongly encourage local businesses and organisations to step forward and showcase their hard work. Entries are welcome from any Inverclyde-based business or organisation, including sole traders and the third sector. You do not need to be a Chamber member to enter.

Get in Touch for press inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or further details about the 2026 ICON Awards, please contact Caroline Wengel, Business and Membership Executive, at membership@inverclydechamber.co.uk.