Oswestry's Pave Aways up for top Shropshire Business Award

The 2026 finalists include several companies from Oswestry and Knockin, reflecting the strength and diversity of the business community in north Shropshire.

Pave Aways, based in Knockin, is in the running for two awards, including the flagship Company of the Year title, which recognises overall excellence in business performance.

The construction firm is joined by GWR Fasteners of Oswestry, shortlisted for Best Small Business, and UserBoost, also from Oswestry, who will compete for the Trailblazer – Innovation Award.

Ruth Ross, chief executive of Shropshire Chamber, said: "We have once again been amazed and delighted by the volume and quality of entries.

"It’s really refreshing to see so many first-time entrants and finalists this year.

"They represent the very best of the Shropshire business community – organisations that are innovating, investing in their people and driving growth across."

The awards will be presented at a ceremony at Telford’s International Centre on June 19, with 14 categories celebrating achievement across the county’s business landscape.

Other nominees for the prestigious Company of the Year award include Telford-based Aviramp and Kraft Heinz, Riverside Cabins of Shrewsbury, Fowler & Gilbert from Market Drayton, Bridgnorth Aluminium, and Shropshire Festivals of Buildwas.

Pave Aways is also shortlisted in the Best Place to Work category, highlighting its commitment to creating a positive and supportive working environment.

GWR Fasteners is in the running for Best Small Business, while UserBoost has been recognised for its innovative approach in the Trailblazer category.

Across all categories, this year’s finalists reflect the depth and dynamism of Shropshire’s business community.

Independent judges will now visit each finalist over the coming weeks before making their final decisions.

The Chamber is not involved in shortlisting or judging.

Ms Ross said: "Being shortlisted is a significant achievement in itself, and it reflects the hard work, resilience and ambition that underpin our local economy.

"This competition matters because it shines a light on businesses across all corners of Shropshire who are pushing standards higher, year after year.

"The judging process is rigorous, and the calibre of entries continues to rise.

"That tells us something important: our county is home to exceptional talent, and businesses here are not just keeping pace but leading the way.

"As a Chamber, we see first-hand how these awards inspire confidence, collaboration and pride.

"They celebrate success, but they also encourage businesses of all sizes to raise their aspirations.

"Shortlisting each category was a really tough task for our panel – we’re so grateful to all of our independent judges from the local business community for giving up their time to help.

"This year’s finalists set a powerful example of what can be achieved, and we are delighted to recognise their contribution to the prosperity of our county."

The full list of finalists covers a wide range of sectors and locations, including Telford, Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Whitchurch, Bridgnorth, Market Drayton, Bishop’s Castle, Shawbury, Newport, Buildwas, Broseley, Rodington, Myddle, Cosford, and more.

Other categories include Best New Business, Outstanding Customer Service, Outstanding Business Growth, Community Champion, Excellence in Manufacturing and Engineering, Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Achievement, Sustainability Achievement, Young Business Person, and Excellence in Tourism and Leisure.

Exotic Zoo of Telford leads the field with three nominations, while Jesmonite of Bishop’s Castle, The Hundred House at Norton, R1 Construction from Shrewsbury, Lingen Davies Cancer Support, Pave Aways, Shropshire Festivals, Aviramp and CEL of Telford have each been shortlisted in two categories.

Nearly 500 tickets have already been reserved for the event.

More information and tickets are available at www.shropshire-chamber.co.uk/awards.