Petrel, the Birmingham-based specialist in hazardous area lighting, has been shortlisted in the Investment category at the West Midlands Business of the Year Awards 2026.
The prestigious black-tie awards ceremony, where winners will be announced, will take place on 26 February 2026, celebrating the organisations driving growth, innovation and investment across the region.
After a rigorous judging process, Petrel’s submission was shortlisted down to a group of three, recognising the significant investment that has strengthened business performance, innovation and regional impact of the award nominees.
Founded in the 1930s and operating under the Petrel brand since 1984, Petrel is a leading British manufacturer of ATEX, UKCA and IECEx-certified lighting solutions for hazardous and industrial environments. Operating from its 3,650 sqm manufacturing facility in Birmingham, the company delivers end-to-end design, engineering, testing and production for safety-critical sectors such as renewables, chemical processing, distilleries, manufacturing and heavy industry.
The nomination follows a major period of investment after Petrel became part of Pioneer Safety Group (PSG) in early 2024. Phase one of a multi-stage investment programme has included refurbishment of its Birmingham site, upgrades to IT and supply chain infrastructure, expansion of research and development and testing capability. Investment at Petrel has extended beyond infrastructure and systems to its people, with enhanced benefits, wellbeing initiatives and clear progression opportunities reinforcing its commitment to being a responsible and supportive employer. These improvements have enhanced productivity, reduced lead times and positioned the business for sustainable growth in both UK and international markets.
Petrel hopes the investment category win will recognise not only the scale of this transformation, but the impact it has had on British manufacturing, innovation in hazardous area lighting and its role as a strong regional employer in the West Midlands.
Commenting on the shortlist, Mark Pemberton, Petrel’s Managing Director said, “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised alongside such respected organisations and to represent the strength of advanced manufacturing in the West Midlands.”
Mark also wished the best of luck to fellow nominees Debrett’s and Likewise Group and thanked the West Midlands Business of the Year Awards organisers for the opportunity to showcase the region’s outstanding businesses.
