There are moments in a company’s journey that feel defining — not because they arrive suddenly, but because they reflect years of quiet work, steady growth and shared belief. For BC SoftWear, the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) Business Awards 2026 was one of those moments.

At this year’s black‑tie ceremony at East Hampstead Park Hotel, BC SoftWear was honoured with three major awards: International Trade Business of the Year, SME Business of the Year and the Chamber’s highest accolade, Thames Valley Business of the Year. A hat‑trick that recognises not only the company’s performance, but the way it has grown — responsibly, internationally and with a deep connection to its Thames Valley roots.

“Winning any one of these categories would have been a proud moment for myself, Sam and the whole BC SoftWear team,” says Founder and CEO Barbara Cooke. “To win all three – recognising our overall performance, our SME growth and our international trade success in the same evening – is something else entirely, and incredibly humbling. Each award tells a different part of our story, but together they reflect the same thing: a team that has worked relentlessly to grow our business the right way, at home and internationally.”

The judging process spanned financial performance, innovation, sustainability, international expansion and community impact — a broad lens that reflects the complexity of modern business. BC SoftWear was also shortlisted for the Sustainability Award, highlighting its ongoing investment in lower‑impact manufacturing and responsible luxury. It’s a thread that runs through the company’s work: thoughtful production, long‑lasting textiles and partnerships built for the long term.

The International Trade Business of the Year award recognises businesses that have successfully navigated global markets and achieved measurable overseas growth — a testament to BC SoftWear’s expanding presence across Europe, the Middle East and other key hospitality destinations. SME Business of the Year celebrates consistent performance among businesses with up to 250 employees. And Thames Valley Business of the Year is the Chamber’s top honour, awarded to the organisation judged to have excelled across all criteria.

“These awards wins are the result of years of investment in our people, in our products and in doing right by our customers and the planet,” adds Cooke. “I would like to thank every member of the BC SoftWear team for making this possible, and the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce for the recognition. We’re excited to keep building on this momentum — and proud to represent the Thames Valley Chamber at the national finals later this year.”

For BC SoftWear, the evening marked more than a celebration. It marked a moment of reflection — on the team in Maidenhead and beyond, on the partners who have grown with the brand, and on the future that continues to unfold both in the UK and internationally.