As the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards 2026 move ever closer, taking place at Stadium MK next month on 19 March, the focus switches to the theme of the awards for this year.
Partnership working can be an incredible force that unlocks creativity, empowerment and growth…and Milton Keynes has this in spades.
Yes, individual effort can yield results, but it’s usually when we create partnerships with peers that we start to unlock even greater potential. The myriad benefits of partnerships include reducing risks and maximising rewards, so, whether it is between individuals, organisations, regions, or even nations, working in partnership is often heralded as the cornerstone of sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Partnerships create the ability to combine resources and expertise which, collectively, empower the group to achieve more, and with greater efficiency. Further, by leveraging the diverse strengths of each partner, organisations can often deliver services more efficiently and at a higher quality. When multiple perspectives come together, they are more likely to identify novel solutions and challenge conventional thinking. Partners can amplify their impact beyond what could be achieved individually, and working in partnership allows for a more balanced distribution of risk. Each partner can share the burdens of decision-making, financial commitment, and implementation.
The benefits of partnerships are evident on the world stage, where complex challenges, from geopolitical conflicts to global health crises and climate change, demand collaboration between nations, organisations, and sectors. No single individual or country can solve these intractable problems alone. The same principle applies to our local economy, especially within the context of the Ox-Cam Arc: sustainable growth and shared success will only be achieved through co-operation and collective action.
Located in the middle of the region and being the only other city, Milton Keynes is also the powerhouse economy. Yet, mentions of it, and the other interstitial towns between the two famous, ancient cities at the ends of the Arc, are often muted, or even omitted. In addition, spread across the Central Arc are numerous groundbreaking businesses, professional sports teams, airports, universities, and even the largest leisure development in Europe. These are just a few of the ‘jewels’ in the Central Arc’s crown, but there are many more, which, coupled with our geographical space for development and our extant transport infrastructure, place the Central Arc as an extremely strong candidate for inward investment, jobs, and wealth creation.
Whether you’re collaborating across city lines or forming deeper alliances within your local supply chain, partnerships of all kinds have the power to transform businesses, which is why ‘The Power of Partnerships’ is the theme for the awards this year.
With MKBAA finalists being announced at the end of last month, the judging panel has already been spoilt by examples of partnership working across the region. From micro businesses partnering with each other to forge a stronger voice in the marketplace to larger organisations linking with charities to help the local community – the examples have been impressive.
Nicholas Mann, Chair of MKBLP, commented, “Our finalists for 2026 show just how committed to partnership working the businesses across Milton Keynes are. The examples that our judges have seen, made it very difficult to choose those making it through to awards night.
“What struck me was the breadth and depth of the partnerships out there. Many happening without a fanfare, just businesses quietly working together to create opportunities for them and their staff. The awards allow us to all celebrate these achievements and find out more about how the partnership came about and what the future can hold.”
There is one award where nominations haven’t yet closed. The Outstanding Contribution award goes to an individual who has had a sustained, active, and deep involvement in the communities of Milton Keynes over several years. They will have provided outstanding leadership in a number of ways including in the community, in business, or organisational life or in civic life. Above all, they must have demonstrated a contribution to Milton Keynes ‘Over and Above’ the majority of us.
In 2025, the award went to Monica Ferguson, CEO at The Stables and Artistic Director at IF: Milton Keynes International Festival. For over 20 years, Monica has shaped a new artistic vision for the entertainment venue, and propelled Milton Keynes onto the international stage, through her foresight and sheer determination – changing the perception of the city and its cultural offering forever.
Previous winners of the Outstanding Contribution award include Dame Ann Limb DBE, David Foster, former CEO at The Parks Trust, Dr Julie Mills, former principal at Milton Keynes College, and Louisa Hobbs from Milton Keynes Foodbank.
Nominations are still open until 20 February, you can email outstanding@mkbaa.co.uk.
The headline sponsors for MKBAA 2026 are Milton Keynes City Council, The Open University and Brioche Pasquier UK.
Limited sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 awards are still available, please email sponsorship@mkbaa.co.uk. To buy tickets for the event go to www.mkbaa.co.uk.
