Isle Of Wight Business Leader Joins National Awards Judging Panel

The chief operating officer of an Isle of Wight-based business has been invited to judge a category at this year's Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards.

Sophie Jackson, from WRS, will help decide the winner of the Gerald Edelman Family Business of the Year Award.

The invitation comes after WRS was named Business Enabler of the Year at the national awards in 2025.

This year, Sophie has taken on a different role, hearing from finalists about their businesses, people and values as part of the judging process.

The category has particular relevance for Sophie, as WRS has been family-owned since it was established in 2003.

The company works with a number of businesses and organisations, including Cornish Bakery, Costa Coffee, Red Funnel, Mountbatten, Away Resorts and Wightlink.

Sophie says it was a privilege to hear the stories behind the shortlisted businesses, and that choosing between the finalists was difficult.

She was joined on the judging panel by Adam Walsh, Helen Tonks MBE, Daniel Hildebrand and Fiona Graham.

The Family Business of the Year finalists include Champions UK plc, Kendamil, Nyton House, RCP Parking, Resolve Care, Sandwich Sandwich, Tulleys, Rock Fall, Arthur C Towner and Little Foxes.

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in November.