Two Chimps Coffee of Pillings Road in Oakham have been shortlisted for two titles in the 2026 Leicestershire & Rutland SME Awards.

Since opening in 2016, Two Chimps Coffee has gone from strength to strength, having already won or been a finalist in several events, including previous editions of the SME Awards. This year, the carbon-neutral roastery is nominated in the Sustainability Award and Business of the Year (less than 50 employees) categories.

The Sustainability Award nomination means a lot to the business. With a target of reaching Net Zero by 2040, Two Chimps recently installed solar panels on the roastery's roof, which could power up to 98 per cent of the business. They have also installed an electric vehicle (EV) charger and a battery that can collect and store solar power for use on cloudy days, saving the business money and reducing its carbon footprint.

In the Business of the Year (less than 50 employees) category, this recognition is a real boost for the seven-person team, which celebrates its 10th birthday later this year.

Head Chimps Laura and Andy, who founded the business, said that: "We are so happy to be a finalist for both of these categories. Sustainability has always been at the forefront here at Two Chimps, from sourcing right through to roasting. Entering our 10th year is a huge milestone for the team and for us, and we're all thrilled."

Two Chimps Coffee will find out if they're successful at the event, held in May this year. The SME Leicestershire & Rutland Business Awards are made up of 22 categories, of which a panel of judges determines the winners.