Backing our future award winners!
BUSINESSES from across Stoke-on-trent and Staffordshire have shown ingenuity, resilience and astonishing tenacity throughout the uncertainty of the last two years.
Now companies and individuals who have truly thrived in 2021 have the chance to have their success recognised at the Stoke-on-trent Businesslive Awards 2022.
The annual event – which culminates with a black tie celebration on Thursday, April 28 – rewards the hard work put in by entrepreneurs and organisations of all shapes and sizes.
And entries are being accepted until Monday, January 10 via the dedicated awards website at www. stokeontrentlivebusinessawards. co.uk.
Dozens of local businesses have pledged their support for the awards and are playing a huge part in helping to showcase the brilliance of the city.
First up is headline sponsor Staffordshire University, which is also sponsoring the Science and Technology category.
Associate dean of employer partnerships and enterprise, Marek Hornak, said: “We have sponsored this event over a number of years and see it as a brilliant opportunity to recognise the achievements of new and established businesses. This is central to our commitment as a civic university and it’s important we are engaging with our wider business community at every level.”
The Staffordshire Business Innovation Centre encourages and promotes innovation within Staffordshire, so it’s no surprise that the organisation has once again agreed to sponsor the Innovation in Business category.
CEO Geoff Riley said: “We are delighted to be a part of the business awards once again.
“Innovation is at the forefront of what we do and we are pleased to see companies in Stoke-on-trent continuing to develop innovative new products or services.”
Midlands accountancy firm Dains has stepped up to support the Growth Award for another year.
Audit partner Jon Dudley said: “The Growth category, which we have sponsored for many years, gives an insight into some of the truly entrepreneurial businesses locally, where, critically, the category does not differentiate by headline revenue. It highlights those businesses experiencing strong and positive growth and, in our experience, this trend is propelled by the underlying drive
and vision of the management and commitment of the team.
“North Staffordshire has had its fair share of well-known businesses that have enjoyed exceptional growth over the past few years and it is incredibly exciting, and a privilege, to be part of this journey.”
Previous business awards finalist and first-time sponsor Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld has signed up for the Entrepreneur of the Year category.
Managing director Ross Edwards said: “Succeeding in these difficult times has required entrepreneurial spirit, something that my team has shown in spades.
“It’s for that reason that we are proud to be backing the Stoke-ontrent Businesslive Awards 2022, and particularly the Entrepreneur of the Year category, to recognise those in our region who have quickly adapted to the changing landscape to grow business, turn profit and provide jobs to the local community. I am looking forward to the awards and hearing some amazing success stories.”
The Business in the Community category is being supported by
Rydale Roofing. Director Julie Mirowski, below, said: “We know companies in the area covered by The Sentinel are generous with their time and we’re looking forward to reading about what business leaders are doing.
“Social responsibility in business is part of our ethos and we believe that putting back into the community is a business essential and that local companies should be embedded in their communities.”
Marketing agency Plinkfizz has returned to sponsor the High-performing Team of the Year award.
Managing director Fiona Hawkins said: “We’re looking for businesses that have delivered innovation through effective team working and have embraced the opportunity that the last 12 months has provided, particularly in the use of new processes, systems and digital channels.
“We believe that with the right
culture, this can be achieved by businesses of any size, from start-ups to corporates and every business in between.”
The Small Business of the Year category is being sponsored by Newcastle-under-lyme Borough Council.
Leader Simon Tagg said: “We provide a lot of support to local businesses and want to help shout their fantastic achievements from the rooftops, especially as they recover from the impact of the pandemic. “Small businesses are an important part of our local economy. They also bring some muchneeded diversity to a high street and are starting to thrive again, something which is really evident in Newcastle-under-lyme as we embark upon an ambitious, once-in-a-lifetime regeneration programme.
“As well as a variety of established
names, including traders based on our growing market, we’re seeing a number of new venues opening up which is a clear sign of increased confidence in the town centre. I’m sure our category is going to attract a lot of competition, not only from the borough but the wider area as well.”
And last but not least, wealth management firm Brewin Dolphin is sponsoring the coveted Business of the Year award.
Mark Inskip, divisional director and senior financial planner, said: “Brewin Dolphin has been involved with the business awards for many years because we believe that there are fantastic businesses in our area that need to be recognised for their success and celebrated.
“We have chosen to sponsor Business of the Year as it enables us to highlight the very best of these businesses and give them the recognition they deserve.”
In addition, Stoke-on-trent City Centre BID is sponsoring drinks for all awards attendees and We Are Staffordshire has signed up to be this year’s brochure sponsor.