Writers, innovators and a businessman who makes construction materials from Christmas trees were among the winners at the prestigious Dyslexia Awards 2026 held in Shropshire.

The awards, which shine a light on the incredible achievements of dyslexic individuals across the UK, were launched in Shropshire ten years ago by founder and local businesswoman Elizabeth Wikinson MBE.

A ceremony was held at Telford’s Mercure Hotel on October 17 with awards handed out to artists, entrepreneurs, innovators, community champions, along with special judges' recognition awards.

Among the winners from Shropshire were Shrewsbury’s Jane Pickworth, an artist, puppeteer and voice actor who works in TV, theatre and children’s entertainment.

Agricultural technology leader Tullis Matson from Whitchurch was named as the winner of the STEMM category. The managing director of Stallion AI, Tullis was recognised as a pioneering agricultural technology leader specialising in artificial intelligence and livestock innovation.

Jane who picked up the Amazing Artist Award said: “There’s no words to explain how incredibly emotional and happy I am feeling. I was only diagnosed last year and it is an honour to be here and be recognised.”

On collecting the STEMM Award Tullis added: “Winning the STEMM Award really does mean the world to me. Dyslexia has played such a significant role throughout my life, shaping the way I think, the challenges I've overcome and, most importantly, the opportunities it has brought me. To receive this recognition is incredibly special and reinforces something I've always believed: dyslexia isn't a disadvantage, it's a superpower that can open doors to extraordinary things.”

Awards founder and dyslexia champion, Elizabeth Wilkinson MBE, who operates as the Dyslexic Dyslexia Consultant, congratulated the award winners and hailed the diverse range of talented finalists.

She said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to meet and see so many talented dyslexic individuals celebrated.

“Our awards ceremonies are always a special event for us to get together, meet with incredible people and mark amazing achievements.

“A massive congratulations to all of the winners and finalists.”

It was an evening double for Cheltenham’s Nicola Lathey, who won the entrepreneur (21+) award, as well as a lasting legacy award.

Founder and CEO of The Owl Centre in Cheltenham, Nicola is a speech and language therapist who has built a nationwide organisation supporting neurodivergent children, young people and adults.

The Community Shining Star award (20+) was handed to Andrew Willis from Oxfordshire, founder of the Banburyshire Advice Centre, which has helped individuals and families access support, advice and guidance for 25 years.

Other winners included Hugo Knox from London, who founded two companies and came up with the innovative idea of developing sustainable construction materials made from recovered Christmas tree biomass.

A full list of award winners is below:

Community Shining Star (20+) – sponsored by Bespoke Computing Ltd - Andrew Willis from Twyford,Oxfordshire

Judges Special Recognition: Trailblazer Award Sponsored by SEAH - Charlotte Austwick from Brighton

Innovation (18+) sponsored by Transcon ltd - Hugo Knox from London

Amazing Artist (18+) sponsored by In The Loop - Jane Pickworth from Shrewsbury, Shropshire

STEMM (18+) Sponsored by The DDC - Tullis Matson, FRAgS, HonDTech, DL from Whitchurch, Shropshire

Entrepreneur (21+) sponsored by CGR Business Solutions - Nicola Lathey from Cheltenham

Community Shining Star 13-19 Sponsored by Be Bold Media – Mollie Irons

Young Entrepreneur 16-19 Sponsored by Darwin Wealth Management ltd - Alicia Renton

Judges Special Recognition: Role Model Award – Sponsored by Bespoke Computing Ltd - Daisy Mae-Lee

Judges Special Recognition: Lasting Legacy Award – Sponsored by SEAH – Nicola Lathey from Cheltenham