Supplier Awards 2026: SME Brand of the Year – Arolite

The winner of the SME Brand of the Year is a shining example of a modern, sustainability‑driven SME that is making a measurable positive impact on the environment.

Arolite, founded in 2009, is a family-owned, ISO 14001-certified equipment lifecycle partner, which positions itself as a whole lifecycle equipment partner – setting it apart from its traditional competitors.

The firm manages more than 40,000 assets across UK hospitality, leisure and retail operators, including Warner Hotels, Picturehouse Cinemas, English Heritage and Betty’s, which gives it significant potential to make a sustainable impact in the industry.

Unlike traditional suppliers that sell new equipment, Arolite’s whole-lifecycle model fundamentally reduces the hospitality industry’s environmental impact by preventing premature equipment disposal, enabling refurbishment over replacement, and providing operators with carbon data they’ve never had access to before.

It offers the true definition of a circular economy, representing hundreds of tonnes of avoided manufacturing emissions and waste. It estimates that more than £300,000 of capital expenditure has been avoided by operators opting for refurbishment, repair or redistribution, and when units do come to the end of their life cycle, they are disposed of responsibly at an approved treatment facility, avoiding associated disposal emissions.

But Arolite doesn’t just claim sustainable impact – it proves it with data, third‑party verification, operational achievements and clear industry leadership. Judges were impressed by the company’s preventative maintenance strategy and its carbon database of equipment to help operators choose the appropriate model, while also working with them to share learnings so operators can understand and report equipment-related emissions.

Additionally, Arolite recognises how even the most green-thinking operator can struggle with reducing third-party supply chain emissions, so the business offers tailored client sessions explaining how equipment procurement, maintenance and disposal contributes to Scope 3 footprints.

Ultimately, Arolite is solving a big problem for the sector – and a complicated one at that – making it truly worthy of winning SME Brand of the Year at The Caterer’s Supplier Awards 2026.

Judges’ comments

“This business solves a problem in the industry which many have probably never thought of, and it seems to occupy a fairly unique niche in the market. The services provided, such as mapping the environmental impact of new equipment purchases, will help businesses achieve their carbon mapping and reporting targets.”

Paddy Gardiner, business development manager, Boutinot Wines

“Arolite states it is a responsible, family-owned business, with ‘people come first’ values and a focus on doing the right thing. Especially at the moment, when hospitality businesses are under financial pressure, it’s valuable to have a consultant who can advise you with the right insights and support with budget control.”

Margriet Vandezande-Crump, co-owner, the Greyhound at Beaconsfield

The shortlist

• Arolite

• Oranka Juice Solutions

• Planglow