Charity begins at work Reward for help and support
THE charitable work of businesses and employees has been recognised with nominations for an annual award.
Launched in 2014, the Local Business Charity Awards – supported by insurance specialists Jelf and Ageas Insurance – recognise the support given to charities in the county.
Nominations in the three awards are made by charities for businesses and individuals who have helped them throughout the year.
The Jelf Award is for nominations for any county charity with an annual turnover of more than £200,000 with The Ageas Award for those with a turnover of less than £200,000.
» The Jelf Award finalists
Cheltenham Borough Council (nominated by LINC) Coventry Building Society (nominated by National Star) Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service (nominated by Cheltenham & Gloucester Hospitals Charity) Hooray Recruitment (nominated by Cheltenham Animal Shelter)
» The Ageas Award finalists
Creed Foodservice (nominated by Wiggly Worm) Disability Care & Mobility (nominated by Goals Beyond Grass) Kingscott Dix Cheltenham (nominated by Together in Matson)
Z’s Salon (nominated by Heart Heroes)
» Individual Award finalists
Jason Mather – 101 Battalion REME, Army Reserve Centre (nominated by Gloucester Rugby Community Charity) Kevin Mannion – Gloucester Rugby Club (nominated by Gloucester City Mission) Ross Nicholl – Generation Events (nominated by Heart Heroes) Jerry Marsden – MBE Installations (nominated by Sunflowers Suicide Support)
Nichola Thomson, managing director of Jelf Midlands & South West, was among the judges.
She said: “Our praise and admiration goes to all the businesses that were put forward.
“The work you do behind the scenes is truly inspirational and we thank you for your altruism and kindness.
“All nominees should be very proud because you really do make a difference to a great many people in the communities you serve.”
Cathy Taylor, head of commercial underwriting and operations at Ageas Insurance, was also among the judges.
She said: ‘Six new charities have participated in the awards, nominating the businesses they are working with.
“While it’s a challenge to judge entries from such a diverse range of charities it was really inspiring to read the testimonies of how support from businesses is making a very real difference to our community.”
The judging panel was completed by Lord-lieutenant of Gloucestershire Edward Gillespie, Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk and Rachael Sugden, senior editor of Reach Plc Gloucestershire.
Finalists and the charity will be invited to the award finals on Thursday, September 19 at the Tithe Barn, Bishop’s Cleeve.
The charities who nominated the winners will each receive a donation of £1,000.
Charities and businesses can continue to list themselves for free on the Support A Local Charity page at localbusinesscharityawards.co.uk/supporta-local-charity-in-gloucestershire.
Charities list their wants and businesses what they can offer a charity in the way of help or donated services.
Successful matches reach the Hall of Charitable Fame.