Reactiv8 The Nation has been named Overall Winner at the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards 2026, one of the county’s most established celebrations of business achievement.
The awards, organised by Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, brought together businesses, entrepreneurs, charities and community organisations from across the county at The Marquee in Bedford on Thursday evening to recognise success across a wide range of sectors.
Alongside the overall award, Michelle Jackson of Love Hounds Dog Grooming was named Business Leader of the Year following a public vote.
The SME Bedfordshire Business Awards 2026 recognised organisations ranging from start-ups and family businesses to established employers and not-for-profit organisations. Winners were acknowledged for achievements in areas including innovation, growth, exporting, sustainability, community impact and customer service.
Reactiv8 The Nation also collected the Positive Impact Award, while other category winners included Data Privacy Simplified, named Bedford Business of the Year, Active Luton, which secured Luton Business of the Year, and TAG Live®, winner of Business of the Year for organisations employing more than 50 people.
Among the individual honours, Helen Christopher of Beansprout Consultancy was named Business Person of the Year, while Andy Mills-Brown received the Entrepreneur of the Year award. Abbie Watson of Experity Partners was recognised as Young Business Person of the Year.
Justin Richardson, chief executive of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, said the awards highlighted the strength and diversity of the county’s business community.
“The SME Bedfordshire Business Awards are all about celebrating the people and organisations that make Bedfordshire’s business community so special. Every year, we are inspired by the quality of entries and the stories behind them, and this year has been no exception.
“Our winners and finalists represent the very best of Bedfordshire business. They are creating jobs, supporting communities, driving innovation and helping to shape a stronger future for our county.”
The chamber also thanked headline sponsor Essential Workwear, alongside category sponsors, judges and partners who supported the awards programme.
Key winners at the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards 2026 included:
Overall Winner – Reactiv8 The Nation
Business Leader of the Year – Michelle Jackson, Love Hounds Dog Grooming
Bedford Business of the Year – Data Privacy Simplified
Central Bedfordshire Business of the Year – Osborne Morris and Morgan
Luton Business of the Year – Active Luton
Business of the Year (Less Than 50 Employees) – ASK Europe
Business of the Year (More Than 50 Employees) – TAG Live®
Business Person of the Year – Helen Christopher, Beansprout Consultancy
Entrepreneur of the Year – Andy Mills-Brown
Young Business Person of the Year – Abbie Watson, Experity Partners
Exporter of the Year – Endoline Automation
High Growth Business of the Year – crdone
Not-for-Profit Business of the Year – Azalea
Sustainability Award – Frasers Plus Luton
Main Image: Reactiv8 The Nation was named Overall Winner at the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards 2026, recognising its contribution to Bedfordshire’s business community.
