Bagnalls Earns Spot as Finalist for Employer of the Year at 2026 British Business Awards

Bagnalls, a national painting contractor, has been shortlisted for the Employer of the Year award at the British Business Awards 2026, a prestigious recognition within one of the UK’s most competitive business awards.

This announcement positions Bagnalls alongside seven other finalists in the same category, which includes notable companies such as Sodexo, Stagecoach, and Highland Spring Group. This year’s awards attracted a record-breaking 400 entries, with shortlisted firms evaluated based on five key criteria: business performance, innovation, workforce and culture, customer impact, and societal contributions.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for 30 April 2026, taking place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC). The event is expected to draw up to 2,000 business leaders and will feature a fireside chat with Oscar-winning actor and humanitarian George Clooney, a keynote speech from Sir Bob Geldof, and co-hosting duties shared by Rob Brydon and Elaine C Smith. Additionally, the ceremony aims to raise funds for Social Bite, a charity focused on tackling homelessness in the UK.

Companies shortlisted for the awards will also be included in the inaugural British Business Leaders List, created in collaboration with The Times and The Sunday Times, which highlights organisations that exemplify modern business excellence across the UK.

With over 150 years of experience in the painting and decorating sector, Bagnalls has established a reputation that transcends its quality of work. The company’s Community Paintbrush initiative reached over 49,000 individuals nationwide through charitable painting projects and donations last year.

Bagnalls is also known for its esteemed apprenticeship programme, which has seen a significant number of its current management team start their careers as apprentices within the company. This dedication to nurturing talent was acknowledged last year when Bagnalls received the Aptem Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Award at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025, outperforming major competitors like Tesco and Kier Group.

In 2025, the company was also honoured with a Princess Royal Training Award for its apprenticeship and Management Trainee schemes, further reinforcing its commitment to EDI, which was recognised with an EDI Commendation at the same event—one of only seven companies to receive this accolade out of 57 nominees.

Stephen Bagnall, Group Managing Director at Bagnalls, expressed his pride in the nomination, stating: “Being shortlisted for Employer of the Year at the British Business Awards is a huge honour – and one that belongs to every member of our team. Our people are what set Bagnalls apart, and this recognition reflects the culture we have worked hard to build: one that champions apprenticeships, values diversity, rewards hard work and gives individuals the opportunity to build long and rewarding careers. To be shortlisted alongside businesses of this calibre, in a year that attracted more than 400 entries, tells us we are definitely doing something right! We look forward to representing the painting and decorating industry in Edinburgh on 30 April.”