At a glittering awards dinner last month, Aico celebrated the people and organisations that are making a difference in their communities
There were a lot of nice touches at the Aico Community Awards, from the string quartet adding ambience at the reception, to the snazzy entrance ‘portal’ for the event itself – but it was the human element that really stood out.
As it should, of course, given the event’s themes and purpose. The awards, held every two years, are very much about celebrating that human touch, not just the professional excellence of those contending for a prize, but making a difference in a more personal, community sense. It’s a people thing.
For Aico, the awards represent Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), not as business jargon if you will, but as something that is grounded in a real commitment to put people first.
As Neal Hooper, Aico’s managing director, said: “We are passionate about supporting both the sector and our communities, and recognising inspirational people, organisations, and initiatives is a powerful way to champion excellence, share knowledge, and foster collaboration in creating safer homes.”
He added: “Corporate social responsibility remains a central part of Aico’s ethos, and a driving force behind these awards. It is essential that CSR continues to be championed, encouraging greater involvement from individuals and organisations in supporting their local communities and building a more resilient future.”
On the night, the Aico Community Awards 2026 certainly lived up to those aims. The event, hosted at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham, was the third occasion it has celebrated sector excellence, with 450 guests in attendance to applaud the 14 winners (see below).
The evening was hosted by award-winning media man, Carl Jones, who steered proceedings and ensured everyone was welcome and settled in for the show.
The heart and soul of the evening – the purpose of the awards aside – was provided by special guest, former rugby Super League player and Leeds Rhinos captain, Kevin Sinfield.
In conversation with Jones, he spoke movingly about his work advocating for the charities that support people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
For Sinfield, it’s become something of a personal calling, inspired by his friend – and fellow Leeds Rhinos player – Rob Burrow, who passed away from the condition in 2024 aged only 41 – four years after being diagnosed with the condition.
Since retiring from the sport, Sinfield has thrown himself into his advocacy work, raising millions through his extraordinary endurance challenges. Hearing him speak, it’s clear that Burrow very much remains with him in spirit.
The thoughtful and poignant conversation – in which he discussed his relationship with Burrow, the effects of the MND, and his work to raise awareness and funds – clearly plucked heartstrings among the audience.
Thanks to the staggering generosity of guests, and contributions from Aico itself, a total of £20,000 was raised to support the work of the evening’s chosen charity, the MND Association. That in itself deserves a round of applause.
The MND Association is a charity dedicated to improving care, support, and research for people affected by the progressive and life-limiting neurological condition. It works tirelessly to fund pioneering research aimed at understanding the causes and improving treatments – ultimately to find a cure.
As mentioned, the Community Awards was unafraid to flourish the human touches, something even the awards trophies themselves encapsulated. Each one was designed and crafted bespoke by students at the Severndale Academy in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
The specialist school is dedicated to supporting children and young people with a range of learning needs. Pupils regularly take part in community projects, giving them the opportunity to experience real-world learning – and show off their creativity.
Entertainment for the evening, which featured a hearty three course dinner, was provided by Spanish-Welsh comedian, Ignacio Lopez. As the awards drew towards their close, guests were offered some lively tunes for their dancing delight courtesy of the Soho Collective.
Before we move on the winners, there’s one final touch to mention. This year Aico introduced a new category – the People’s Choice Award – and in the spirit of community, the winner was chosen by audience vote.
Each of the four finalists were introduced with a video presentation, with guests voting live via Slido over the course of the night.
Finally, mention must go to the judges for the 2026 awards, who included: Neal Hooper, managing director of Aico; Yetunde Dania, partner at Trowers & Hamlins; Matt Home, chief executive at Willowdene Rehabilitation; Georgina Homer, fire safety adviser, Wolverhampton Homes; and Alexa Scrivener, transformation lead at Stirling Council.
And now, over to the winners…
Community Awards 2026 Winners
- Apprentice of the Year Award: Emily-Jane Simmons
- Best Distributor Community Initiative Award: City Electrical Factors NW London
- Collaborative Partnership Award: Equans
- College Initiative of the Year Award: Cheshire College South and West
- Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative Award: Smith & Byford
- Electrical Contractor of the Year Award: Magnus Electrical Services
- Inspirational Colleague of the Year Award: Steve Messenger from Booker & Best
- Lifetime Achievement Award: June Anderson from Clackmannanshire Tenants & Residents Federation
- Neighbourhood Transformation Award: Mid Devon District Council & Zed Pods Limited
- People’s Choice Award: Wolverhampton Homes & WPS
- Resident Engagement Award: Magenta Living
- Rising Star Award: Alfie Squirrell from Wiggett Group
- Sustainability Project of the Year Award: H&A Group
- Woman in Fire Safety Award: Martina Lydon from WHG
Housing Digital Stakeholder Aico are the European leader in home life safety, pioneering new technologies and offering high quality alarms, developed and manufactured in Ireland.
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