Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce receives national outstanding achievement award
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has received the Outstanding Achievement award at the British Chambers of Commerce Chamber Awards 2026, in recognition of the success of its Rising Stars leadership programme, delivered in partnership with The University of Edinburgh.
The programme is designed to help emerging professionals build the skills, confidence and networks needed to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.
Developed by the Edinburgh Chamber and delivered with the The University of Edinburgh through the Edinburgh Futures Institute, the six-part programme was shaped directly by the needs of Edinburgh’s business community.
Insights from the Chamber’s membership survey identified leadership and management; communication; and AI and digital skills as key development priorities for employers.
The programme explored topics including AI-enhanced strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, team dynamics, communication, personal brand and innovation.
The Rising Stars leadership programme builds on the success of the Chamber’s wider Rising Stars network, which has engaged more than 500 professionals from over 200 organisations and 23 sectors since 2022.
The inaugural leadership cohort comprised 20 participants from across the private, public and third sectors. Every participant reported increased confidence as a leader. They also said the programme met or exceeded expectations, and that they would recommend it to others.
Participants now remain connected through a dedicated Rising Stars alumni network.
Liz Dalton (McAreavey), chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition. Rising Stars was created in response to a challenge facing organisations across all sectors – of how to prepare people not only for the roles they hold today, but for the leadership responsibilities they’ll take on in the future.
“As workplaces and technologies continue to evolve, future leaders need more than
technical expertise. They need adaptability, sound judgement and the confidence to lead through change. By investing in those capabilities early, we’re helping organisations nurture talent, build resilience and support long-term economic success.
“This award also highlights the value of collaboration between business and academia.
Working with The University of Edinburgh, we’ve combined employer insight with world-class expertise to create a programme that is already making a meaningful impact.”
Applications for the 2027 Rising Stars Leadership Programme are now open.
Pictured: Liz Dalton (McAreavey), chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
Comments