Finalist for Northamptonshire Innovative Business of the Year Award

 

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the UK GDP Association C.I.C. has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Innovative Business of the Year category at the Northamptonshire Business Awards 2026.

Sponsored by North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council, the award recognises organisations that are driving innovation, making a positive impact and helping to shape the future of business across the county. To be recognised by the judges alongside some truly outstanding organisations is an incredible honour, and we couldn't be prouder.

This announcement is particularly special for us because it is the first award nomination in the history of the UK GDP Association!

As a Community Interest Company, we have always focused on making a meaningful difference rather than chasing accolades, so to receive this recognition is both humbling and hugely encouraging. It tells us that the work we're doing to improve productivity, promote collaboration and support businesses across the UK is making an impact.

We are delighted to be sharing the shortlist with three exceptional organisations:

   •    Marsh Industries 
   •    MW Legacy Group  
   •    Zinc Digital 

Each business has earned an impressive reputation for innovation within its sector, making this an incredibly strong category. Congratulations to our fellow finalists on this well-deserved recognition, and we look forward to celebrating with you all at the awards ceremony.

The Northamptonshire Business Awards is the county's biggest and most prestigious celebration of business excellence, recognising organisations that are making a significant contribution to the local economy through innovation, leadership, sustainability and growth. Simply reaching the finalist stage is something we're immensely proud of, particularly knowing the calibre of businesses represented across every category.

Innovation has always been at the heart of everything we do

The UK GDP Association was established with a clear mission: to help organisations understand, measure and improve productivity while creating opportunities for collaboration between business, academia and the public sector. We believe that improving productivity isn't simply about working harder; it's about working smarter, embracing new ideas and sharing best practice to create long-term, sustainable growth.

Over the past few years, we've been fortunate to build a growing community of business leaders, professionals, academics and policymakers who all share that vision. Together we've developed initiatives, resources and events that encourage organisations to think differently about productivity and continuous improvement.

One of the highlights of our year was hosting our flagship UK GDP Conference in Northampton earlier this year.

The conference brought together delegates from across the UK for 2 days of inspiring keynote presentations, engaging panel discussions and practical insights into the future of productivity. It was fantastic to welcome so many regulators; including representatives from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and General Pharmaceutical Council, business leaders and quality professionals from across the pharmaceutical industry to Northamptonshire, showcasing not only the importance of improving productivity but also the county itself as a thriving location for business, innovation and collaboration.

The energy throughout the event was incredible. Conversations continued long after the sessions had ended, new partnerships were formed, ideas were exchanged and everyone left with fresh inspiration to take back into their own organisations.

Looking back, the conference perfectly reflected everything the UK GDP Association stands for, bringing people together, encouraging collaboration and creating opportunities to learn from one another.

Hosting such a successful national event in Northampton makes this finalist announcement feel even more meaningful. We've received tremendous support from businesses and organisations across Northamptonshire, and we're proud to have strengthened those relationships over the past year.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible people who support the UK GDP Association every single day.

To our members, partners, speakers, sponsors, volunteers and everyone who has believed in our mission, thank you. Your encouragement, expertise and commitment have helped us grow into the organisation we are today, and this recognition belongs to every one of you.

We would also like to thank our dedicated team, whose passion and hard work often happens behind the scenes. From organising events and developing new initiatives to supporting members and building valuable partnerships, their commitment to improving productivity across the UK is what makes everything possible.

As our very first award nomination, reaching the finals already feels like a remarkable achievement. While, naturally, we'd love to bring the trophy home, being recognised among Northamptonshire's most innovative businesses is something we'll always be proud of.

Awards are about more than winning, they are an opportunity to celebrate the people, organisations and communities that are making a positive difference. The Northamptonshire business community is full of inspiring organisations that continue to push boundaries, embrace innovation and support one another, and we're honoured to be part of that celebration.

We'd like to congratulate every finalist across this year's Northamptonshire Business Awards and, in particular, wish Marsh Industries, MW Legacy Group and Zinc Digital the very best of luck in the Innovative Business of the Year category. We look forward to meeting everyone and celebrating the achievements of Northamptonshire businesses together.

As we count down to the awards evening, we're taking a moment to reflect on what has already been an unforgettable year. From delivering our biggest and most successful conference to date in Northampton, growing our national community and now receiving our first-ever award nomination, it's been an exciting journey and one that is only just beginning.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the UK GDP Association along the way. Your belief in our mission continues to inspire us every day. Whatever happens on awards night, we are incredibly proud to be finalists. We can't wait to celebrate with our fellow nominees and look forward to continuing our work to champion productivity, innovation and collaboration for businesses across Northamptonshire and the UK.

Here's to an unforgettable evening and fingers crossed!