The CIA Chemical Industry Awards, Manchester
On Thursday, 18th June 2026, industry leaders from across the United Kingdom gathered at The Kimpton Clocktower in Manchester to celebrate the very best of the UK’s chemical and pharmaceutical businesses at the Chemical Industries Association’s (CIA) Chemical Industry Awards.
This year’s ceremony was a truly standout occasion, attracting a record number of entries and a packed evening, demonstrating the depth of talent across the country and reflecting both the strength and resilience of the sector.
The celebration highlighted not only the outstanding achievements of today’s businesses and professionals but also the enduring resilience of an industry that has continued to adapt, evolve and deliver. Often described as the “industry of industries,” the chemical sector remains fundamental to economic growth, sustainability and national resilience.
During the evening, CIA Chief Executive Steve Elliott welcomed guests with a powerful speech urging Government policy change to deliver a truly competitive UK chemical sector, highlighting that “no industry is more essential to this country’s resilience than ours.”

Thank you to every company and employee who has entered for our awards, to all of our sponsors and to our judges for giving your time and your commitment. This event would not have been possible without you.
We also congratulate the Year 10 students at Bridgewater High School, Warrington, who have once again designed our Award trophies, sponsored by Solvay.
Congratulations to all our winners:
| Awards | Winners |
| CIA Company of the Year Award, Sponsored by CIA | Synthomer |
| Manufacturing & Resource Efficiency Award | Celtic Renewables, Falkirk |
| Young Ambassador Award, Sponsored by The Salters’ Company | Bethany Hales, Verdant Specialty Solutions |
| Chemical Industry Service Provider Award | AXIOM, Stockton-on-Tees |
| ED&I Award | Synthomer, Harlow |
| Sustainability Award, Sponsored by On-site Energy | Victrex, Thornton Cleveleys |
| Innovation Award – MNC, Sponsored by GSK | INEOS Electrochemical Solutions, Runcorn |
| Innovation Award – SME, Sponsored by GSK | Epoch Biodesign, London |
| Skills Award, Sponsored by Cogent Skills | Urenco ChemPlants Ltd, Capenhurst |
| Best Workplace Health Initiative Award | CF Fertilisers, Billingham |
| Responsible Care Award | Lubrizol Limited, Huddersfield |
| Special Responsible Care Award for Process Safety Leadership, Sponsored by AXIOM | Synthomer, Harlow |
| Nick Sturgeon Unsung Hero Award, Sponsored by CIA | Sharran Jones, Gower Chemicals |










