Kris Wainwright has been announced as a finalist for the Employee of the Year Award at the 2026 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards, sponsored by Ornua Foods.

Ten years ago, Kris joined Eden Holistic Pet Foods as a warehouse operative. Today, as Head of Operations, he is widely regarded as the person the business simply could not function without. Operational improvements he drove delivered £70,000 in savings in a single year across warehouse and delivery alone. Beyond the numbers, Kris has stepped into export, accounts, HR and IT support, each time acquiring the skills needed and ensuring continuity with minimal disruption to the business.

A committed mentor as much as a manager, his coaching helped a colleague achieve a distinction in their HR qualification. He also introduced a staff pet food perk that has meaningfully boosted team morale. Calm, adaptable and deeply invested in the people around him, Kris sets the standard for everyone at Eden.

Stuart Elford, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Kris Wainwright’s story is one of the most compelling in this year’s awards. A decade of service, £70,000 of savings in a single year, and a reputation as the person who steps up every time the business needs someone to. The fact that he has done all of this while bringing colleagues with him, mentoring, supporting and investing in the people around him, makes him a truly deserving 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.