The Essex Housing Awards return in 2026, continuing to recognise excellence across the county’s public, private and voluntary housing sectors.

Established in 2019, the awards have evolved from a small-scale initiative into one of Essex’s most established housing sector events. They provide a platform to celebrate high-quality developments, services and individuals, while promoting best practice and collaboration across the region.

White Label is pleased to continue its involvement with the programme for a further year, supporting the ongoing development and delivery of the awards in partnership with Essex Developers Group (EDG), South Essex Housing Group (SEHG) and Essex Housing Officers Group (EHOG), alongside principal sponsors Birketts LLP and Delta Housing. This year’s awards are also sponsored by Kind & Company and Re-Gen (UK) Construction.

Since 2022, White Label has supported the transition of the awards into a more structured and established programme, providing strategic and operational support across branding, marketing, sponsorship coordination, entry management, judging processes and full event delivery.

During this period, the awards have continued to grow significantly in scale and profile, reflecting the strength and ambition of the sector across Essex. In 2025, the programme received 75 entries, representing an 87% increase on the previous year and marking the highest level of engagement to date. The ceremony welcomed more than 250 guests and has most recently been hosted at Hylands House in Chelmsford, reflecting the continued expansion of the programme.

While the awards have developed in scale, their core purpose remains consistent: to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievement within Essex’s housing sector and to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and sector-wide learning.

The 2026 programme will continue to build on this foundation, with the introduction of new categories including Partnership of the Year and Inclusive Growth and Social Value Award, reflecting the sector’s evolving priorities and the increasing importance of collaborative delivery and measurable social impact.

We will continue to work alongside partners to deliver a programme that reflects the ambition and innovation of the Essex housing sector, supporting the creation of a platform that celebrates achievement and promotes long-term sector collaboration.

Entries for the 2026 Essex Housing Awards are now open and will close at 5pm on 12 June 2026. Full details of categories, criteria and entry requirements can be found here:
https://www.housingessex.org/essex-housing-awards-2026/

For organisations interested in developing similar programmes, campaigns or events, further information is available by contacting: eventssupport@wlcreative.org.uk