Market Drayton manufacturing business Fowler & Gilbert has been crowned Shropshire’s 2026 Company of the Year.

The company, which designs and supplies custom steel framed buildings for the agricultural and industrial sectors, celebrated in front of more than 650 people at Telford International Centre at the Shropshire Chamber Business Awards.

Fowler & Gilbert employs around 50 staff at its Western Way base and is celebrating its 15th anniversary. It has already won a prestigious King’s Award this year, and featured on the second season of Jeremy Clarkson’s TV show, Clarkson’s Farm.

Managing director Lee Gilbert said: “We are absolutely over the moon to have won, particularly given the fierce opposition in this category.

“It’s been a really good year for us. Moving to our own purpose-built base in Market Drayton has pushed things further for us, but it’s the team that makes us what we are. I have got a fantastic group of staff, and I can’t thank them enough.”

A total of 14 awards were handed out on the night, with other winners coming from Telford, Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Whitchurch, Newport, Norton, Buildwas and Rodington.

The John Clayton Award, given to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the Shropshire business community over a number of years, went to long-time tourism and charity campaigner Katie Foster – just days after she was also presented with a British Empire Medal.

Telford-based winners this year included manufacturing and engineering winner Kraft Heinz, tourism and leisure champion Exotic Zoo, and McPhillips which won the community champion award for firms which support their local communities.

From Shrewsbury, Planet Doughnut won the trailblazer award for innovation, Shuker Building and Development was recognised for outstanding growth, Lingen Davies Cancer Support was voted best place to work, and Jack Ryan from Sygneus won the young business person of the year award.

Shropshire Festivals was crowned best small business, The Salwey Lodge from Ludlow won the best new business title, Dulson Training won for outstanding customer service, Wild Shropshire took the sustainability prize, and The Hundred House lifted the retail leisure and hospitality achievement trophy.

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce president Piran Littleton said: “These awards stand as a beacon of excellence, recognising the resilience, innovation, and outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals across our county.

“Year after year, we see organisations grow, adapt, and push boundaries - and we are incredibly proud to continue celebrating that success.

“Businesses across Shropshire, and beyond, are navigating difficult trading conditions, shaped by economic uncertainty, rising costs, and ongoing global pressures.

“Yet, in the face of this, our local business community has shown remarkable strength. The resilience, ingenuity, and determination on display across the county is truly inspiring.”

He added: “More than ever, this is a time that highlights the importance of working together. Collaboration, support, and shared ambition are what enable our businesses not just to endure, but to thrive.”

Fowler & Gilbert is the 20th different name to be added to the Shropshire Company of the Year roll of honour since the awards were launched in 2001, and the first from Market Drayton.

THE 2026 AWARD WINNERS

  • COMPANY OF THE YEAR: Fowler & Gilbert, Market Drayton
  • BEST NEW BUSINESS: The Salwey Lodge, Ludlow
  • BEST SMALL BUSINESS: Shropshire Festivals, Buildwas
  • YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON: Jack Ryan from Sygneus, Shrewsbury
  • MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING: Kraft Heinz, Telford
  • COMMUNITY CHAMPION: McPhillips, Telford
  • TOURISM AND LEISURE: Exotic Zoo, Telford
  • OUTSTANDING BUSINESS GROWTH: Shuker Building & Development, Shrewsbury
  • OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE: Dulson Training, Rodington
  • SUSTAINABILITY ACHIEVEMENT: Wild Shropshire, Whitchurch
  • RETAIL, LEISURE & HOSPITALITY: The Hundred House, Norton
  • THE TRAILBLAZER – INNOVATION AWARD: Planet Doughnut, Shrewsbury
  • BEST PLACE TO WORK: Lingen Davies Cancer Support, Shrewsbury
  • THE JOHN CLAYTON AWARD: Katie Foster