Hook Norton Brewery Celebrates Apprentice of the Year Success

Hook Norton Brewery is celebrating a major achievement after its brewer, Robin Underwood, was named Apprentice of the Year at the Cherwell Business Awards 2026.

Sponsored by Siemens Healthineers, the Apprentice of the Year award was presented at the 14th annual Cherwell Business Awards Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at The Chesterton Hotel on Friday 18 September 2026.

Robin’s success was made even more special by a second achievement for the brewery, which was named a finalist in the Large Business Award, sponsored by SE-Solicitors.

The awards brought together more than 200 guests from across the district to celebrate the achievements of businesses, individuals and charitable organisations within the Cherwell community.

Hook Norton Brewery said it was thrilled to see Robin recognised for his achievement and thanked the organisers, judges and wider Cherwell business community for an evening celebrating local innovation, growth and success.

The evening was opened by Councillor Lesley McLean, Leader of Cherwell District Council, who welcomed guests before Darren Rea, Youth Chair and SEND Lead at Gosford All Blacks RFC, spoke about the value and benefits of winning an award and the recognition it brings. Gosford All Blacks RFC were the 2025 winners of the Charity and Community Award.

The ceremony also included the presentation of the Becky Moyce Tribute Award, presented by Placi Espejo, Chair of the Cherwell Business Awards, in memory of Ben Jackson, who sadly lost his battle with illness earlier this year. Ben’s daughter, Jenni Jackson, accepted the award on his behalf. Ben was a much-valued member of the Oxfordshire business community and made a lasting contribution through his work supporting business owners, training and public speaking. Describing himself as the “Satnav for business owners”, he helped people find the direction they needed. He was a founding member of Bicester Vision, former President of Bicester Chamber of Commerce and a founding member of Wednesday Business Club. He was widely respected for his kindness, support, wit, humility and professionalism, and his contribution to the local business community will be remembered for many years to come.

This year’s finalists represented nine award categories, reflecting the breadth and diversity of Cherwell’s business community. Over the past 14 years, the awards have provided a platform for recognising achievement and celebrating the businesses and individuals helping the local economy to thrive.

Councillor Lesley McLean said:
“It has been fantastic to see so many talented and hardworking businesses and individuals recognised at the awards this year. I’d love to extend my congratulations to all the winners and everyone who was shortlisted. Local businesses make an enormous contribution to our communities and economy, and it is wonderful to hear about great practices being shared and results being achieved.”

The Cherwell Business Awards congratulated all of the 2026 winners and finalists and thanked Cherwell District Council as headline sponsor, along with the individual award sponsors, judges, partners and everyone who contributed to making the 14th annual awards a success.

For Hook Norton Brewery, the evening was a particularly memorable one — celebrating Robin Underwood’s success as Apprentice of the Year while also being recognised as a finalist in the Large Business Award.

It was a night that showcased not only the brewery’s continued contribution to the local business community, but also the talent and commitment of the people behind one of Oxfordshire’s best-known independent breweries.