Derby Impact Awards 2026
The Awards are Back!!
Following the success of the 2025 Awards, the Derby Impact Awards return on Thursday 19 November 2026 to celebrate the individuals, charities, social enterprises, businesses and community organisations creating positive change across Derby and Derbyshire.
What began as an ambitious idea has quickly become one of the region's leading celebrations of social impact, bringing together people from across sectors who share a commitment to making a difference.
Date: Thursday 19 November 2026
Venue: The Library on the Wardwick, Derby Museum
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Award applications open on 7 September 2026.
Register your interest now to be the first to hear when nominations open.
Nimbus Disability Announced as Strategic Partner
We are proud to announce that Nimbus Disability has become Strategic Partner for the Derby Impact Awards 2026.
Nimbus Disability is one of the UK's leading disability consultancy and accreditation organisations, helping businesses and public services improve accessibility and inclusion.
Their support represents a significant endorsement of the Awards and our shared commitment to creating a more inclusive, enterprising and impactful Derby and Derbyshire.
Martin Austin MBE, Managing Director of Nimbus Disability, said:
"The Derby Impact Awards shine a light on the incredible organisations and individuals making a real difference in our communities. We are proud to support an event that celebrates innovation, inclusion and social impact."
Our Speakers
Mayor Claire Ward
Mayor of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, representing Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Martin Austin MBE
Founder and Managing Director of Nimbus Disability, one of the UK's leading disability equality organisations.
Catherine Atkinson MP
Member of Parliament for Derby North, Catherine is a strong supporter of organisations creating positive social impact.
Mark Simms OBE
Chief Executive of P3 Charity and former Interim Chair of the Charity Commission.
Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill CBE
His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire and the King's representative in the county.
Sonam Sandhu
Founder of Manasi Foundation and winner of the New Start Impact Venture Award 2025.
Why the Awards Matter
The Derby Impact Awards are more than a celebration. They help raise the profile of social impact in Derby, strengthen connections between organisations, and showcase the people creating real economic and community value across the city.
The 2025 awards showed that recognition matters.
Winners reported increased visibility, stronger credibility, new partnerships, fresh enquiries, and a real boost in confidence for their teams.
2025 Impact Awards by the Numbers
• Sold-out event
• More than 170 attendees
• Winners from across business, charity and social enterprise
• New partnerships and collaborations created
• Increased visibility and credibility reported by winners
Why Apply?
Applying for the Derby Impact Awards is a practical step towards growing your organisation.
Recognition increases your visibility with customers, funders and partners, helping you open doors that are often difficult to access.
It strengthens your credibility, giving you a trusted signal you can use in funding bids, marketing and stakeholder conversations.
Just as importantly, it connects you into a wider network of like-minded organisations across Derby, creating opportunities for collaboration, shared learning and new ventures.
Whether you are established or just starting out, applying puts your work on the map and positions you as part of a growing movement shaping Derby’s future.
Who Should Apply?
The 2026 Derby Impact Awards will recognise a range of impact through categories including Enterprising Charity, Social Entrepreneur, Social Enterprise, Impact Business, Creative and Cultural Enterprise, B-Corp or Purpose-led Business, New Start Impact Venture, Environmental Impact and Impact Innovation.
Applications are open to anyone creating positive impact in Derby through business, charity, social enterprise, arts and culture, environmental action, inclusive employment, innovation or partnership working. You do not need to be established or well-known—we welcome individuals and organisations at any stage who are making a difference.
Applications open on Sept 7th
SEEKING SPONSORS
We are seeking sponsors to partner with the Derby Impact Awards 2026 and play a visible role in supporting the growth of Derby’s impact economy.
This is an opportunity to align your organisation with some of the city’s most inspiring businesses, charities and social enterprises, while demonstrating a genuine commitment to social value, innovation and community impact.
Sponsorship packages start from £500 and include category sponsorship, drinks sponsorship, supporting sponsorship and headline partnership opportunities.
Sponsors gain visibility among business leaders, charities, social enterprises, local government and civic stakeholders while demonstrating a commitment to social value and community impact.