Barnbrook takes business crown at top awards
Staff at global solutions provider Barnbrook Systems are celebrating after scooping top honours at leading business awards.
The Fareham-based firm won the Company of the Year title at the climax of the 2026 Central South Business Awards.
It beat nearly 100 shortlisted firms across 16 categories to be named the best overall business in Surrey, West Sussex, Kent and Hampshire.
Managing director Andrew Barnett accepted the award in front of nearly 500 business leaders.
He said: ‘Winning this award is the greatest honour, as we were selected from 97 finalists across every category and chosen by the sponsoring judge as the business they believe stands as an inspiration to others.
‘None of this success is possible without our team who have hundreds of years of combined expertise and experience and are the main reason we are still going strong and pushing forward after nearly 50 years in business.
‘My thanks go to them for everything they do, and my congratulations go to all the other finalists and winners.
‘I am very proud to be part of this region. It is an amazing place in which to live and an amazing place in which to work and do business.’
Andrew received the award from comedian Hal Cruttenden, who hosted the event at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Southampton, and category judge Jeff Van Etten, director of GIS.
The awards, organised by the Platinum Media Group in partnership with Business South, were a celebration of innovation, achievement and success.
They also raised money for the Heartbeat charity to provide cardiac care and support for patients and their families.
Fiona Graves, events director of Platinum Media Group, said: ‘These awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable businesses operating across the Central South and it’s inspiring to see so many organisations pushing boundaries, driving innovation and making a real impact within their industries and communities.
‘The judging process was highly competitive this year and every finalist should be enormously proud of what they’ve achieved.’
Barnbrook, founded in 1978 and now with nearly 50 people, was relaunched by Andrew and his leadership team following the death of its founder, his father, Tony Barnett in 2022.
It provides safety-critical technology, such as BlueCube© remote-sensing and tracking systems and E:BAGS with technology firm Flair for the suppression of lithium-ion battery fires, as well as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services.
The firm serves sectors including aviation, aerospace, defence, maritime, rail and commercial industries.
Visit https://barnbrooksystems.com for more information.
ROLL OF HONOUR: 2026 WINNERS
Professional Services Award - Ward Williams
Future Talent of the Year - Jakiat Jitu, Southampton City Council
Business Growth Award - Ridge and Partners LLP
Community Hero Award - North East Surrey College of Technology
International Business of the Year - Wärtsilä Water Systems
Construction Project of the Year - M27 Junction 10 Improvements
Best Customer Service Award - Dignity Pet Crematorium
Best New Business Award - Babyccinos
Employer of the Year - Woodcut Media
Gamechanger of the Year - Lifelight
AI Excellence Award - ICS.AI
Small Business of the Year - Munro & Fox
Medium Business of the Year - Maritime Yacht Services
Large Business of the Year - Sparks Commercial Services
Businessperson of the Year - Siobhan Kiernan, Southern Counties Car Deliveries
Company of the Year - Barnbrook Systems