Writers, innovators and a businessman who makes construction materials from Christmas trees were among the winners at the prestigious Dyslexia Awards 2026.
The awards, which shine a light on the incredible achievements of dyslexic individuals across the UK, marked its tenth anniversary year with an awards ceremony held at Telford’s Mercure Hotel on October 17.
Awards were handed out to artists, entrepreneurs, innovators, community champions, along with special judges’ recognition awards.
Among the winners 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 was also awarded in the STEMM category, while London’s Hugo Knox, whose firm develops sustainable construction materials made from recovered Christmas tree biomass, scooped an innovation award.
There were also three special judges’ recognition awards handed out on the night – including a trailblazer award to writer and advocate Charlotte Austwick, for her outstanding contribution in raising awareness of dyslexia and neurodiversity.
On collecting her award Charlotte said: ”When I heard I had won I was overwhelmed.
“This recognition is not mine alone and represents a community of people who have supported my journey so far. They were there with me in spirit to collect the award and so, to all of them and to the Dyslexia Awards, I would like to say thank you.
“I look forward to sharing this news with my students and will continue to positively change narratives towards dyslexia.”
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.
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.
