We’re Back! Xpert Resourcing is Proud to Sponsor the Ely Hero Awards 2026

The Ely Hero Awards is back for its ninth year, and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of it.

Paul and Emma from Xpert Resourcing were at the official 2026 launch event on Monday 20th April, held at the gorgeous Poets House in Ely. It was a brilliant evening, full of warmth, good company and community spirit — exactly the kind of thing that makes living and working in this part of the world so special.

The headline award. The big one.

This year, Xpert Resourcing is proud to be sponsoring The Ely Hero Award — the headline award of the night. This is the one that sits above all others. It’s chosen from across all the category winners, going to the individual the judges believe has done something truly remarkable and inspirational. Announcing that winner on the night is going to be a real privilege.

A night to remember — even before the ceremony

The launch itself set the tone perfectly. Guests were joined by Mrs Sue Freestone, His Majesty’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, who spoke about the ongoing support the Lieutenancy Office provides to the awards. It’s a reminder of just how far-reaching the recognition can be — past Ely Hero winners have received royal invitations as a result of their nominations. That’s quite something.

The evening also brought the announcement of this year’s Charity of the Year: Arthur Rank Hospice. The Ely Hero Awards team will be supporting them throughout the season, and it’s a deserving choice. Arthur Rank Hospice does incredible work for families across Cambridgeshire, and having a platform like this shining a light on them really matters.

And then there was the spaghetti tower challenge. Yes, really. Teams competed to build the tallest freestanding tower out of raw spaghetti, and we are absolutely delighted to report that Red Shoes Accounting Services took the crown. Congratulations to the team — truly phenomenal structural engineering from the accountancy world.

Do you know a local hero?

Nominations are now open, and this is the part we really want you to read.

If there’s someone in your life — a neighbour, a colleague, a volunteer, a carer, a coach, a friend — who goes above and beyond for others, now is the time to tell their story. There are eleven categories to nominate in this year:

The Janet Eisold Smiliest Server Award, Colleague of the Year, Caring Companion, Most Amazing Professional, Neighbour of the Year, The Mike Rouse Community Champion Award, Environmental Champion, Best Teacher Award, Child of Achievement, Sporting Hero and The Ely Hero Award.

Nominations are open to anyone who lives or works in Ely and the surrounding villages within a ten-mile radius, and we’d love to see as many people as possible recognised this year.

The awards ceremony takes place in September at The Maltings in Ely, and it is, by all accounts, a proper celebration. Finalists are treated to a glitzy evening where the community comes together to cheer on the people who make it great.

Nominate your hero at www.elyheroawards.org.uk/nominate — they deserve to be celebrated.