DENISE O’LEARY MBE TAKES CENTRE STAGE TO HOST GREAT BRITISH BUSINESS & COMMUNITY AWARDS 2026

Award-winning Wiltshire entrepreneur celebrates the achievements of businesses, charities and community champions at national awards ceremony

Wiltshire, October 2026 – Award-winning businesswoman, author and international speaker Denise O’Leary MBE, Founder and Managing Director of Purpol Marketing, took to the stage as host of the Great British Business & Community Awards 2026, celebrating the achievements of businesses, entrepreneurs, charities and community organisations from across the country.

The prestigious black-tie awards ceremony took place on Friday 25 September at the Crowne Plaza Marlow in Buckinghamshire, bringing together business leaders, finalists and supporters for an evening recognising business excellence, innovation and outstanding contributions to local communities.

Denise, who has extensive experience as an international awards judge, professional awards writer and multi-award-winning entrepreneur, was delighted to be invited to host the ceremony and help celebrate the achievements of the finalists and winners.

Denise said:

“What a fantastic evening celebrating some truly inspiring businesses and individuals from across Great Britain.

“It was an absolute pleasure to host the Great British Business & Community Awards and share the excitement as the winners were announced.

“I spend so much of my working life helping businesses recognise their achievements and tell their stories, so being on stage to celebrate those successes was particularly special.

“There were some wonderful stories of determination, innovation and people making a real difference in their communities. It was a privilege to be part of it.”

Celebrating business and community success

The Great British Business & Community Awards recognise the achievements of businesses, entrepreneurs, charities and community groups that have demonstrated excellence, resilience and a commitment to making a positive difference.

Categories included Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, SME of the Year, Innovator of the Year, Charity of the Year, Community Impact and Lifetime Achievement.

The evening featured a champagne reception, dinner, live entertainment, award presentations and charity fundraising, providing an opportunity for finalists and guests to celebrate their achievements and make new connections.

Denise added:

“One of the things I love most about business awards is hearing the stories behind the success.

“Every finalist has worked hard to get where they are, often overcoming considerable challenges along the way. It is so important that we recognise that commitment and give people the opportunity to celebrate what they have achieved.

“What makes these awards particularly special is that they recognise not only commercial success, but also the charities, volunteers and community organisations doing extraordinary things to help others.

“Business success and community impact often go hand in hand, and it was wonderful to see both celebrated.”

A passion for recognising achievement

Denise is no stranger to the world of business awards, having won numerous national and international accolades for her work through Wiltshire-based Purpol Marketing.

She is also the author of WINNER – How to WIN Business Awards, a practical guide helping businesses identify suitable awards, create compelling entries and make the most of the recognition they receive.

The updated second edition of WINNER was launched in September 2026 and became an Amazon No.1 bestseller across seven charts.

Denise said:

“I’m passionate about encouraging businesses to enter awards because I have seen first-hand the difference that recognition can make.

“Winning an award can open doors, raise your profile, build credibility and give your team a tremendous boost.

“But even being shortlisted is something to be proud of. It means that independent judges have recognised the quality of what you do.

“As an awards judge, I get to read some incredible stories, but hosting an awards ceremony and seeing the reactions of people as their names are announced is something else entirely.

“Congratulations to all the finalists and winners. You should be incredibly proud of your achievements.”

Supporting the wider business community

The Great British Business & Community Awards also provided an opportunity to raise funds for charitable causes, with profits from the event supporting selected charities and non-profit organisations.

For Denise, who regularly supports charitable initiatives alongside her business activities, this community focus was an important part of the evening.

She added:

“It was a brilliant celebration of British business and community spirit.

“Thank you to the organisers for inviting me to host, and to everyone who helped make the evening such a success.

“Most importantly, congratulations to everyone recognised. I hope the experience encourages even more businesses and community organisations to put themselves forward and celebrate the fantastic work they do.”