Aico to run next Community Awards Ceremony in April 2026

Photograph © Aico

Open to all, Aico’s Community Awards provide entrants with the opportunity to showcase inspirational colleagues, projects and innovations from the housing sector.

The last iteration of the Community Awards, held in 2024, raised over £9,000 for the Electrical Industries Charity, with Aico matching the donation to result in a total contribution of £18,000. Since 1905, the charity has offered vital support to those who work within the electrical and energy industries.

Nest year’s ceremony will welcome over 450 guests, including the inspirational finalists from all award categories. The evening will feature a formal dinner, influential guest speakers and live entertainment. The host for the event is Carl Jones from SBLTV.

Real difference

“We’re proud to bring the Community Awards back in 2026,” said Neal Hooper, managing director at Aico. “These awards are about recognising the real difference individuals and organisations make every single day in improving lives and communities across the UK.”

New for 2026, the People’s Choice Award introduces an exciting interactive element to the evening. This special category will be voted for exclusively by attendees on the night, affording guests the chance to play a direct role in recognising excellence.

The 13 other award categories are now open for entries from either groups or individuals across the UK. All entries must be submitted by 20 February 2026.

• Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative
• Neighbourhood Transformation
• Resident Engagement
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Woman in Fire Safety Award
• College Initiative of the Year
• Rising Star Award
• Electrical Contractor of the Year
• Inspirational Colleague of the Year
• Sustainability Project of the Year
• Best Distributor Community Initiative
• Collaborative Partnership
• Apprentice of the Year

Previous Woman in Fire Safety Award winner Georgina Homer from Wolverhampton Homes was commended for her passion and dedication to resident engagement. Homer commented: “I’m thrilled to have won this award and incredibly humbled to be in this position. A moment I’m going to remember for a very long time.”

Marc Redfern, managing director of Service Electrical Distributors (a previous winner of the Best Distributor Community Initiative Award) added: “We don’t do social value to win awards. We do social value to give back to people who are less fortunate. To be recognised for what we do is probably one of my proudest moments in business.”

Entry process

Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this inspiring celebration of excellence, community spirit and innovation. Submit your entries by 20 February 2026 and join Aico’s representatives – in addition to professionals from across the housing industry – for what will be a memorable evening.

*Further information (and entry forms) can be found online at www.aico.co.uk/news-and-events/aico-community-awards-2026