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October 2025 | Phonebox Magazine 55The Power of Partnerships for local businessesThe Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards (MKBAA) 2026 has offi cially been launched with an announcement that this year%u2019s forward-looking theme: %u2018The Power of Partnerships: Come Together to Achieve More.%u2019The MK Business Achievement Awards, established in 2014, are presented by the Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership every year. Shining a spotlight on collaboration in all its forms %u2013 between individuals, businesses, institutions, cities, and sectors %u2013 their 2026 theme recognises that innovation, sustainable growth and long-term success are most often the result of a collective eff ort. MKBAA has a proud history of setting ambitious themes that refl ect the evolving landscape of Milton Keynes, and the 2026 awards arrive at a moment of unprecedented regional momentum. From the expansion of Luton Airport and the arrival of East West Rail to the announcement of plans for a Universal Studios destination resort, the central Arc is undergoing a transformation %u2013 one that places Milton Keynes and its neighbours at the heart of future opportunities.These developments not only enhance regional connectivity but also demonstrate the power of collaboration to drive progress. As Milton Keynes continues to grow as a dynamic and connected city, MKBAA 2026 provides a platform to highlight how collaboration, of every shape and scale, can unlock potential across the business community.Speaking at the launch, Nicholas Mann, Chair of MKBLP, said: %u201cMilton Keynes has always had an entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit. This year%u2019s theme celebrates how we can achieve more, faster, and with greater impact when we work together. Partnerships create resilience, open new opportunities, and drive innovation. That%u2019s something we%u2019re seeing across the city and the wider region.%u201dEntries for MKBAA 2026 are now offi cially open. There are 16 award categories available for nominations. In addition, the prestigious Business of the Year Award will once again be selected by the independent panel of judges, recognising the standout organisation that has demonstrated exceptional performance across multiple areas. The fi rst round of nominations will close at midnight on Friday, 7th November 2025, and the awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 19th March 2026, at Stadium MK. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses looking to align their brand with the city%u2019s most prestigious business awards. Supporting MKBAA off ers a unique platform to showcase commitment to the region%u2019s growth, innovation, and collaboration.Award Categories: Any organisation or individual with an MK postcode can enter a maximum of two categories:%u2022%u2002Celebrating Diversity %u2022%u2002Charity of the Year %u2022%u2002Design and Creativity%u2022%u2002Culture, Arts, and Heritage%u2022 %u2002Innovation and Technology %u2022%u2002Customer Service %u2022%u2002Leisure, Entertainment, and Hospitality %u2022%u2002Professional Services%u2022%u2002Business Impact in the Community %u2022%u2002Small and Medium Business%u2022%u2002Micro Business %u2022%u2002Entrepreneur of the Year %u2022%u2002Manufacturing and Supply Chain%u2022%u2002Built Environment (Property and Construction)%u2022%u2002Skills & Learning%u2022%u2002Outstanding ContributionFor more information and to enter, visit www.mkbaa.co.uk, or for companies interested in sponsoring this year%u2019s awards, please email sponsorship@mkbaa.co.uk for further details.As many will have noticed the Club has now has a smart new fence (replacing the old and somewhat dangerous one), this has allowed us to construct a patio and viewing area and to enclose the Clubhouse. This gives the Club a secure and pleasant place for members to watch the tennis and socialize. The courts have also been cleaned, repainted, and relined which as you can see from the photo makes the Club look very smart.Junior Club Night is also up and running again following a break for the summer holidays. This is a supervised session for Juniors so why not join us from 4.00 pm every Friday %u2013 there is a small charge for non-members who are always welcome.The Box Leagues are about to re-start after a pause to allow the Club Championships (report of these next month) to take place. The Autumn/Winter inter-club matches are also about to re-start after a successful summer season in the MK and Beds Vets leagues.Our courts are available to be booked by the public. This can be done by visiting our website www.olneytennis.club and following the instructions on the booking link. If you would like to know more about membership of the Club or the coaching we off er please go to our website www.olneytennis.club where you can fi nd all the membership details or alternatively contact our membership secretary at otcmembmership@gmail.com. As many will have noticed the Club has now has a smart new fence (replacold and somewhat dangerous one), this has allowed us to construct a patioviewing area and to enclose the Clubhouse. This gives the Club a secure apleasant place for members to watch the tennis and socialize. The courtalso been cleaned, repainted, and relined which as you can see from the phmakes the Club look very smart.Junior Club Night is also up and running again following a break for the suholidays. This is a supervised session for Juniors so why not join us fromevery Friday %u2013 there is a small charge for non-members who are always weThe Box Leagues are about to re-start after a pause to allow the Club Championships (report of these next month) to take place. The Autumn/inter-club matches are also about to re-start after a successful summer sthe MK and Beds Vets leagues.