Market Drayton manufacturer crowned company of the year

A manufacturing and construction business has been named Shropshire's company of the year.

Market Drayton-based Fowler & Gilbert took the top honour at last night's Shropshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2026.

It is the 20th different name to be added to the company of the Year roll of honour since the awards were launched in 2001 and the first from Market Drayton.

Fowler & Gilbert specialises in high-quality, steel-framed industrial, agricultural, equestrian and commercial buildings which are designed and built custom made and supplied nationwide.

It was founded by managing director Lee Gilbert whose family comes from a farming background and started life in a small cabin in Middlewich from where Mr Gilbert grew the team, now employing around 50 staff.

Celebrating its 15th birthday this year, it also won a King's Award for promoting opportunity in May in recognition of its commitment to widening access to engineering careers through apprenticeships.

Around 650 guests gathered at Telford International Centre for the annual awards ceremony which recognised achievement across 14 different categories.

Other winners included the Buildwas-based team behind Shrewsbury Food Festival and Shropshire Business Festival, food manufacturer Planet Doughnut in Shrewsbury and The Hundred House country pub in Norton.

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.

The accolade came just days after she was also presented with a British Empire Medal.

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.

"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."

The 2026 chamber award winners are:

Company of the Year

Fowler & Gilbert, Market Drayton

New Business

The Salwey Lodge, Ludlow

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

Business Growth

Shuker Building & Development, Shrewsbury

Customer Service

Dulson Training, Rodington

Sustainability

Wild Shropshire, Whitchurch

Retail, Leisure and Hospitality

The Hundred House, Norton

Innovation

Planet Doughnut, Shrewsbury

Best Place to Work

Lingen Davies Cancer Support, Shrewsbury

John Clayton Award

Katie Foster