Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has won the Outstanding Achievement Award at the British Chambers of Commerce Chamber Awards 2026.
The Chamber Awards are a highlight of the business calendar, celebrating the people and organisations that strengthen the Chamber Network and help companies grow and prosper.
This year’s awards have been organised with support by Quest. It provides outsourced HR, health and safety, employment law and business compliance support to organisations across the UK.
Edinburgh Chamber was recognised for its Rising Stars Professional Development Programme, delivered with the University of Edinburgh to develop early and mid-career professionals.
The six-part programme combines academic expertise with practical insight from business leaders, covering strategic thinking, artificial intelligence, emotional intelligence, communication, personal branding and innovation.
The inaugural cohort brought together 20 people from a wide range of sectors, with every participant reporting increased confidence as a leader and recommending the programme. It has already created an alumni network, strengthened engagement with Chamber activities and established a pipeline for future cohorts and membership.
On receiving the award, Liz McAreavey, the Chamber’s CEO, said:
“We’re thrilled to receive this award for our Rising Stars Professional Development Programme. Working with the University of Edinburgh, we’ve created something that helps emerging leaders build practical skills and confidence while strengthening the pipeline of talent that Edinburgh businesses need for the future.”
Michael Hayman MBE, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce said:
“Edinburgh Chamber has responded to a clear business need with a programme that is innovative, practical and commercially strong. Rising Stars brings together academic rigour and real-world leadership experience to help employers retain and develop talent. It is an excellent example of what a modern Chamber can deliver.”
Des Shaw, CEO of Quest, said:
“The Rising Stars programme stands out for the quality of its partnership, the strength of its participant outcomes and its clear potential to grow. Edinburgh Chamber has created an initiative that benefits individuals, employers and the wider business community. Quest congratulates the team on this outstanding achievement.”