Businesses making practical changes to reduce waste, conserve energy or operate more responsibly are being encouraged to enter the Sustainability Award at the Test Valley Business Awards 2026.
Organisers are particularly keen to hear from businesses with a sustainability story to tell – whether they have introduced major environmental initiatives or simply made sensible, measurable improvements to how they operate. The Sustainability Award is sponsored by Test Valley Borough Council for the third consecutive year and is open to businesses of all sizes operating across Test Valley.
Businesses do not need to be completely carbon neutral or work within the environmental sector to qualify. Relevant initiatives could include reducing energy consumption, cutting waste, changing packaging, sourcing materials locally, improving recycling, reducing unnecessary travel or encouraging employees and customers to adopt more sustainable practices.
A spokesperson for Test Valley Borough Council said: “Test Valley Borough Council is excited to be sponsoring the Sustainability Award at this year’s Test Valley Business Awards for the third year. In previous years we have met some amazing businesses with some inspiring stories about their sustainability journey. “We are keen to meet more, so please take a moment and nominate your business or a business that inspires you for the Test Valley Business Awards 2026 Sustainability Award.”
The 2025 Sustainability Award was won by Cobra Hydro UK, which was recognised for placing environmental responsibility and sustainable working practices at the heart of its operations.
Cobra Hydro UK also won the Business Innovation and Technology Award in 2025 and has since returned to the awards as a Gold Sponsor for 2026. Katie Brooks, Chairman of the Test Valley Business Awards, said:
“We know there are businesses throughout Test Valley already doing excellent work around sustainability, but they may not necessarily think of themselves as an environmental business. This award is not about being perfect. It is about recognising genuine progress, responsible decision-making and businesses that are working to reduce their impact while encouraging others to do the same. Even relatively straightforward changes can produce measurable benefits, and we would love to hear those stories.”
Organisers are also encouraging further entries for several other categories:
- The Business Innovation and Technology Award, sponsored by University of Southampton Science Park, recognises businesses using innovation or technology to improve products, services, processes or performance.
- The Corporate Business Award, sponsored by Cobra Hydro UK, celebrates larger businesses with a turnover above £1 million that demonstrate strong leadership, responsible business practices and investment in their workforce.
- The Rural Business Award, sponsored by Parker Bullen LLP, recognises businesses thriving within Test Valley’s rural communities while contributing to the local economy and community.
- Businesses can enter themselves, while customers, employees, suppliers and members of the public can nominate an organisation they believe deserves recognition.
To find out more or submit an entry, visit:
