Businesses across Colmore were firmly in the spotlight at this year’s Birmingham Business Magazine Best Places to Work Awards 2026, with several organisations from the district earning top honours and reinforcing its reputation as one of the region’s most dynamic and people-focused business communities.
Celebrating excellence in workplace culture, leadership and employee development, the awards recognise companies that are setting the standard for what modern working environments should look like. This year, Colmore-based organisations stood out across multiple categories, showcasing a collective commitment to investing in talent, innovation and inclusive growth.
Among the evening’s standout achievements was Elisabeth Lewis-Jones, founder of Liquid, who was named Inspirational Leader of the Year.
Lewis-Jones has built Liquid into one of the Midlands’ most respected communications agencies, with a reputation not only for delivering impactful campaigns but also for cultivating a strong, values-driven workplace culture. Now a global agency, with offices based in London and Australia, her leadership style, centred on creativity and professional growth, has been widely credited with fostering a high-performing team environment.
Judges praised her ability to balance commercial success with a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing and development, noting that her approach exemplifies the forward-thinking leadership increasingly required in today’s business landscape.
Another major accolade for the district came with Heligan Group being recognised as Best Company for Training, Education and Apprenticeships.
The award reflects Heligan’s sustained investment in nurturing talent and creating meaningful career pathways. Through its structured training programmes, partnerships with education providers and commitment to apprenticeships, the company has played a key role in addressing skills gaps while supporting individuals at all stages of their careers. This recognition underscores the growing importance of continuous learning within successful organisations.
Across the district, companies are increasingly prioritising flexible working, mental health support, diversity and inclusion, and clear pathways for progression. This people-first ethos is helping to drive both talent retention and business performance, positioning Colmore as a destination of choice for ambitious professionals.
Events like the Best Places to Work Awards play an important role in spotlighting best practice and encouraging organisations to innovate in how they support their teams. The achievements of Liquid and Heligan Group demonstrate what is possible when businesses invest in leadership, training and culture.
As Birmingham continues to evolve as a leading UK business hub, the example set by Colmore organisations will be instrumental in shaping future workplace standards. The district’s strong showing at this year’s awards not only celebrates current achievements but also sets a benchmark for others to follow.
