Andover-based engineering firm Stannah is once again backing the next generation of business leaders as a Gold Sponsor of the Test Valley Business Awards 2026.
The family-owned company is sponsoring the Young Business Person Award, which recognises young professionals making an impact across Test Valley through leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation and business development.
The category is designed to celebrate individuals who are already demonstrating significant potential within their chosen sector, whether they are building their own company, leading a team, introducing new ideas or helping an established organisation grow.
It also recognises the importance of personal and professional development, highlighting young people who are investing in the skills and experience needed to progress further in their careers.
For Stannah, supporting the category has a particular connection to the company’s own history.
Founded in 1867 and headquartered in Andover, Stannah has remained a family-owned engineering business for more than 150 years, passing knowledge, experience and responsibility between generations.
The company also has a longstanding commitment to apprenticeships and career development, providing opportunities across engineering, manufacturing and a range of other business roles.
Through its apprenticeship programmes, young people are able to combine practical workplace experience with recognised professional qualifications, creating routes for employees to develop their careers within the business.
Fiona Neil, Head of Group Communications at Stannah, has previously described the company as passionate about supporting “young people who are forging their own paths in business”.
Stannah’s continued sponsorship of the Young Business Person Award reflects that commitment, while helping to shine a spotlight on emerging talent elsewhere in the Test Valley business community.
Katie Brooks, Chairman of the Test Valley Business Awards, said: “One of the things I love about the Young Business Person Award is that it gives us a glimpse of the future of business in Test Valley.
“These are people who may still be at an early stage in their careers but are already demonstrating the ambition, ideas and leadership that can make a real difference to a business.
“Success doesn’t necessarily mean owning your own company. We want to recognise young people who are creating opportunities, taking responsibility, bringing new ideas into established businesses and showing just how much they are capable of achieving.
“Stannah is such a natural partner for this award. As a business with generations of experience behind it and a long history of investing in apprenticeships and developing talent, it understands how important it is to give people opportunities to learn, grow and realise their potential.
“We’re delighted to have Stannah returning as a Gold Sponsor and helping us celebrate some of the exceptional young business talent we have here in Test Valley.”
Nominations for the 2026 awards closed on Sunday, 2 August, with Stannah and the other Gold Sponsors now reviewing entries as part of the judging process.
The Young Business Person category attracted nominations from across the borough, recognising individuals whose achievements, leadership, innovation and commitment to development are already having an impact on the local business community.
Judges will now select the finalists who will represent the category at this year’s awards ceremony.
Winners will be announced at the Test Valley Business Awards Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, 17 October 2026, bringing together businesses, sponsors and finalists from across the borough.
Details of the 2026 finalists are expected to be announced following the completion of judging.