Essex Cricket is proud to share that six staff members were shortlisted as finalists for the 2026 Business of Cricket Awards.
The annual Business of Cricket Awards were held at the Kia Oval on Thursday 12 November to shine light on the exemplary work across the county network this summer.
The event celebrated a summer of excellence across the First-Class Counties, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and The Hundred, whilst recognising the key contributions of those behind the scenes. Amongst those recognised were six Essex Cricket representatives, who were shortlisted for the Rising Star, Values Champion and Dinesh Patel MVP Awards.
Sarah Bendall, Partnership Executive:
Sarah is an exceptional asset to the commercial engine at Essex Cricket. Entrusted with managing and executing the contract assets of over 60 commercial partners, Sarah has systematically redefined how Essex Cricket nurtures its corporate network.
Balancing meticulous mutli-tier contract delivery with an energetic approach to matchday hospitality and special event execution, she plays a pivotal role in driving partner retention and commercial growth. Sarah's blend of operational precision, relationship-first account management, and strategic execution makes her a stellar example of off-field excellence in the county network.
Oakley Bromfield, Media Officer:
Oakley is the definitive 'Rising Star' within the professional county network. Serving as the Media Officer for Essex Cricket, Oakley manages the intense, fast-paced media demands of a First-Class County with maturity and expertise well beyond his years.
Remarkably, over the past two years, he successfully balanced these full-time, high-pressure matchday and operational responsibilities with full-time university study, recently graduating with a First Class degree in Sports Journalism & Media. Oakley's work ethic, storytelling prowess and exceptional talent for building media relationships have made him an indispensable asset to Essex Cricket and a future leader in sports communications.
Kirsty Norfolk, Commercial Marketing Executive:
Kirsty is a phenomenal asset to the commercial and marketing operations at Essex Cricket. In her role as Commercial Marketing Executive, Kirsty has completed elevated how Essex Cricket bridges the gap between on-field sporting success and commercial visibility.
Working behind the scenes, she has successfully designed and executed highly impactful digital campaigns, maximised value for major brand partners, and completely re-energised Essex Cricket's B2B networking landscape. Kirsty's proactive leadership, exceptional commercial acumen, and innovative drive make her a standout future leader in sports administration and the definitive choice for the ECB Rising Star award.
Sam Woolmer, Safety Officer:
Sam is an exceptional emerging leader whose rapid professional growth and dedication to operational excellence have transformed the safety culture at Essex Cricket. As well as seeing a positive increase in our T20 and international feedback, Sam has also been a rising star in her work with the Anti-Corruption team at the ECB.
The pinnacle of her achievements this year is qualifying as a Level 4 Safety Officer, a prestigious and highly demanding standard usually reserved for veteran sector professionals. Sam has seamlessly translated this elite qualification into day-to-day staff development, elevating safety standards while empowering colleagues across every department. She perfectly embodies the 'Rising Star' ethos - working tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver outstanding, foundational outcomes for our people, partners and spectators.
Kelly Dawes, Retail Manager:
As the Retail Manager for Essex Cricket, Kelly does far more than manage inventory and drive commercial revenue. She acts at the frontline gatekeeper of Essex Cricket's identity and brand values.
In a role that intersects directly with members, supporters, community foundations and commercial partners, Kelly consistently champions the ECB's core values of passion, integrity and inclusivity. Whether negotiating long-term, community-minded kit partnerships, transforming the club shop into a welcoming space for all demographics, or mentoring matchday staff, Kelly models the exact culture the game strives to cultivate. She is a true values champion who turns everyday retail interactions into deep community connections.
Stuart Kerrison, Head Groundsman:
Stuart embodies the definition of a 'Most Valuable Person' in the professional game. Currently in his 42nd year of continuous service at Essex Cricket, Stuart has spent more than four decades quietly underpinning Essex Cricket's on-field success and off-field operational viability.
Responsible for the preparation of over 470 first-class matches, hundreds of white-ball fixtures and numerous international games, his meticulous work at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground has consistently produced some of the highest-rated pitches in the country. In an era of intense climate unpredictability, Stuart's tireless work ethic, modern agronomic approach and peerless leadership make him a priceless asset to Essex Cricket and the wider game.
Congratulations to Sarah, Oakley, Kirsty, Sam, Kelly and Stuart on being shortlisted and named finalists at the 2026 Business of Cricket Awards!
