Opening doors: how the Disability Smart Impact Awards spark business collaboration
Events like the annual Disability Smart Impact Awards, organised and hosted by Business Disability Forum (BDF), are more than just celebrations of disability inclusion and the impact that has for disabled people – they are also catalysts for change. By spotlighting innovation, inclusion and impact, these awards create a collaborative environment where businesses and individuals get together to share stories, forge partnerships and challenge the status quo.
It is for this reason that, for 2026, BDF has decided to change the name of the awards to include the word “impact”. In a world where accessibility and inclusion are regarded as important, the Disability Smart Impact Awards give winners and finalists a chance to have inspiring conversations that often lead to longer-term business interactions. Two such companies are Purpl and Mobility in Motion, who met at the 2025 awards ceremony and have since signed a business partnership together.
Bruce Lauder, Head of Sales and Marketing at Mobility in Motion, captured this sentiment perfectly after his team won the Inclusive Customer Experience Award:
“It was fantastic and surprising to win the Inclusive Customer Experience Award. The Business Disability Awards was the first event of its type we had attended, and what we were met with was a room full of inspiring stories and passionate individuals wanting to help. It became clear very quickly that there exists a whole world of companies and people wanting to support but struggling with raising awareness. One such inspiring person we met was Georgina from Purpl, who shared our willingness to educate the wider community into what is available and the resources out there to help. We have formed a partnership that will not only support the community, but together we are working hard to educate the wider industry on how to work with and support each other.”
That spirit of collaboration was echoed by Georgina Colman, Founder of Purpl, the UK’s first disabled discount platform. Georgina took home the Leader Award:
“Attending the Disability Smart Awards was an outstanding experience, and receiving the Leader Award was both an honour and a wonderful surprise. The most valuable part of the evening, however, was the opportunity to connect with like-minded businesses and form meaningful partnerships. During the event, I had the pleasure of speaking at length with Bruce and Lynsey from Mobility in Motion, and it was clear that we share the same commitment to supporting the community. This shared vision made our partnership a natural step forward, and we are delighted to introduce an exclusive new customer discount with Mobility in Motion, helping Purpl members make instant savings the very first time they use their services.”
These awards don’t just recognise progress – they ignite it. By bringing together passionate changemakers, they help shape a more inclusive future for everyone.
Entries for the Disability Smart Impact Awards 2026 open on 3 December 2025. There are 14 categories to enter and a Lifetime Achievement Award will also be announced. Entry is free and membership of Business Disability Forum is not required to enter any of the categories. Winners will be announced at our awards ceremony in London and online in April 2026.