Samuel J Shirley has been announced as a finalist for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the 2026 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards, sponsored by the University of Staffordshire.

Starting with a laptop in a spare bedroom in December 2019, Sam Shirley built Shirley Transport Solutions from nothing into a business projecting £2m turnover in 2026. Now in its seventh year, the Cannock-based logistics firm sits in the top 5% of UK freight forwarders by revenue and the top 2% by volume on the UK’s largest freight forwarding platform.

That growth has come through repeated reinvestment, with Sam consistently drawing below-market salary to fund expansion rather than personal reward. Aged 29, he was selected as one of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport’s 35 Under 35 in 2024. The business has completed around 10,000 dedicated jobs with a 100% five-star satisfaction rate, now serves approximately 400 customers, and provided work to around 2,500 hauliers in 2025.

Stuart Elford, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Sam Shirley’s story is exactly what this award is about. A spare bedroom, a laptop, and the determination to build something from nothing. In seven years he has reached the top 5% of UK freight forwarders by revenue, consistently put the business before his own salary, and earned recognition from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport as one of the brightest young minds in his sector. We are very pleased to see him recognised as a finalist.”

The winners will be revealed at a gala awards ceremony at Uttoxeter Racecourse on Thursday 9 July 2026, followed by The After Party, a late-night celebration for finalists, winners and partners.

To find out more about the 2026 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards, visit staffordshirechambers.co.uk/awards.