United Colleges Group’s (UCG) students and staff have been shortlisted for an array of prestigious London awards, recognising excellence, leadership and innovation across the capital.
At the upcoming West London Business Awards 2026, three members of the UCG community have been named as finalists:
Talvin McClunie, Carpentry Apprentice at the College of North West London (CNWL) an employee of the Size Group, is a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year (16–29) category. Talvin previously won a student award at CNWL last year, reflecting his continued dedication to his craft and professional growth.
Nadia El Atrash, UCG’s Interim Head of Human Resources, who was a finalist at the recent Investors in People® Awards, has been shortlisted for the West London Hero Award, recognising her leadership and contributions to workplace culture.
Beheshta Bakhtari, UCG’s Student Union President, is a finalist in the Teenpreneur of the Year category, celebrating her entrepreneurial spirit and advocacy for student empowerment.
These recognitions come as part of a highly competitive judging process, which saw more than 70 businesses and individuals shortlisted across multiple sectors – from manufacturing to advanced computing – reflecting the diversity and innovation that define the West London economy.
The winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Friday, February, 27, 2026, held at the iconic Allianz Stadium (formerly Twickenham Stadium).
Commenting on this year’s awards, Andrew Dakers, CEO of West London Business and judging panel member, said: “This marks the thirteenth year of the West London Business Awards, and I am proud that the calibre of entries and shortlisted businesses and entrepreneurs goes from strength to strength.
“The diversity and creativity showcased this year demonstrate the dynamism of our local economy. Our Gala Awards ceremony on 27 February will once again be a celebration of talent and entrepreneurial drive across West London.”
United Colleges Group is also delighted to announce that City of Westminster College has been shortlisted for two categories at the London Eco Champion Awards: Performing & Production Arts students in the Junior Heroes category, while the college has been named as a finalist in the Super Schools category.
Earlier this year, CWC’s Performing & Production Arts students completed a project on how to create low impact, environmentally friendly theatre. Learners worked with a portable lighting rig, recycled materials, and rechargeable batteries as part of taking part in the annual UK-wide, National Theatre Connections Festival.
And the college’s efforts after being crowned Planet Earth Games Further Education winners for 2025 have been recognised in the Super Schools shortlist.
These nominations are further recognition of the college group’s dedication to environmental sustainability which included signing up to the Camden Breathing Better Charter this year.
The London Eco Champion Awards honour individuals and organisations driving real environmental impact across the capital ─ from community gardening initiatives to net-zero business strategies.
Stephen Davis, CEO and Group Principal, United Colleges Group, said: “Our students and colleagues have demonstrated exceptional dedication and talent by being named finalists at both the West London Business Awards and the London Eco Champion Awards.
“It underscores our mission to foster not only academic and professional excellence but also civic responsibility and entrepreneurial leadership. We wish all our finalists the very best of luck at the ceremonies.”
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
