A word from our sponsors:
“I am delighted to announce that Staffordshire University is staging a business awards campaign with the support of 14 sponsor organisations and businesses. This reinforces our commitment to being a Civic University and a ‘Catalyst for Change’ not only for our own students and staff but for the communities within which we are based."
Professor Martin Jones, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Staffordshire University
“I am incredibly proud that we are able to sponsor the Staffordshire University Business Awards. I see it as a brilliant opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of both our new and established businesses and all they have achieved in what has been one of the hardest economic and social periods in recent history.
“One of our Stronger Together priorities is to help business growth so it’s great to see how so many have adapted to the changing landscape to grow business while providing jobs to our residents.
“I am looking forward to hearing some amazing success stories and wish all the nominees the best of luck."
Councillor Abi Brown, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council
“KMF are delighted to be able to sponsor the Staffordshire University Business Awards Apprentice of the Year category. Apprenticeships are an integral part of our business and we look forward to celebrating the success of the very best apprentices in Staffordshire.”
Gareth Higgins MBE, Managing Director of KMF Group
"Stoke-on-Trent College is delighted to be supporting the inaugural Staffordshire University Business Awards. The College wishes to reward businesses for their commitment to skills through their work with adults and young people in work-placements, apprentices and supporting the curriculum. We value the opportunity to engage with local businesses, many of whom we enjoy great partnerships with. We look forward to celebrating the wonderful achievements of these businesses and the significant role they each play in skills development across key sectors which contribute to Stoke-on-Trent’s vibrant and prosperous economy. "
Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and Principal of Stoke-on-Trent College
“We are really pleased to be supporting the Staffordshire University Business Awards. We have so many successful businesses and entrepreneurs in the county who are achieving some great things and it is good to have a platform to celebrate and champion their successes.”
Ryan Yates, Group Operations Director of Beswicks Legal
"It’s a real honour for Stoke City to be involved in the Staffordshire University Business Awards. It’s a wonderful event that gives us all the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of so many local businesses, which we believe is hugely important."
Simon King, Chief Operating Officer of Stoke City FC
"It is critical that businesses across the county have a platform from which they can share their own and one another’s successes. We are delighted to be sponsoring the Staffordshire University Business Awards and truly look forward to helping to judge some of the region’s most ambitious organisations."
Fiona Hawkins, Managing Director of Plinkfizz
"Dains are delighted to be sponsoring the Staffordshire University Business Awards. The Growth category sponsored by Dains gives an insight into some of the truly entrepreneurial businesses locally where, critically, the award does not simply differentiate by top line revenue. In our experience successful growth is based on the underlying drive and vision of the management and commitment of the team."
Daran Harding, Director and Head of Business Development at Dains Accountants
"As a visionary, business-led partnership working to enhance and promote the city centre, Stoke-on-Trent BID is committed to supporting businesses across many sectors, celebrating their success and boosting pride in our city.
"We are delighted to sponsor the Staffordshire University Business Awards which will enable the BID to strengthen its relationship with the connected University and strategic partners, highlight the importance of localism and loyalty as key attributes for a prosperous city centre, as well as showcasing the region’s spirit of innovation, creativity and resilience."
Paul Williams, Director of Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID
"Following the success of our summer business awards, we are pleased to support Staffordshire University in the launch of their Business Awards this year. Every year we receive hundreds of applications from fantastic businesses across Staffordshire, and the Staffordshire University Business Awards will provide yet another great opportunity for the innovation and ingenuity shown by Staffordshire businesses to be recognised on a regional level."
Chris Plant, Deputy CEO at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
"Staffordshire is full of excellence within the business community, much of which goes unrecognised. I feel we underestimate just how good our area is at producing phenomenal businesses so there is a real need to promote, celebrate and acknowledge the talent we have in Staffordshire. The success of our business community should be an inspiration to others and the Staffordshire University Business Awards is a great place to showcase these local businesses."
Mark Inskip, Senior Financial Planner at RBC Brewin Dolphin
"Rydale Roofing are thrilled to be sponsoring the first Staffordshire University Business Awards. It's so important to celebrate the successes of our fantastic local businesses and highlight their achievements."
Julie Mirowski, Director of Rydale Roofing Ltd
“SG Fleet UK are delighted to support the inaugural Staffordshire University Business Awards and to be the category sponsor of the Innovation Award. I personally look forward to celebrating the achievements of the most innovative business people from across the region and shouting about the successes of Staffordshire businesses.”
Peter Davenport, Managing Director of SG Fleet UK
"For over 15 years we have been recruiting Staffordshire’s best people and now it’s an honour to be sponsoring these awards recognising the area’s most successful organisations."
Ryan Jardine, Managing Director of KPI Recruiting
"Over 30 years ago, myself and Kevin chose to locate Synectics Solutions within the close proximity of Staffordshire University given the quality of its graduates. To this day that relationship continues to flourish and with us both being rewarded Honorary Doctorates ourselves, we take huge pride in sponsoring the Alumni Business Person of the Year Award at this year’s ceremony."
Carol Shanahan OBE, Chair at Port Vale Football Club and Synectics Solutions
"Netbiz Group is proud to have its roots and headquarters in Staffordshire and understands the importance of celebrating and showcasing the county’s businesses. Staffordshire has a rich industrial history and in the last 30 years has diversified into many more sectors. This, along with the county's proximity in the UK, has led to the growth of local economies, employment and skill levels which should be celebrated. Netbiz are delighted to sponsor this event and look forward to recognising Staffordshire businesses and the people behind them."
Will Hayes, Managing Director of Netbiz Group
Timeline

January 2024
The Staffordshire University Business Awards 2024 are officially launched and nominations open.

January to June 1, 2024
Nominations are open across all categories. Nominee articles about individuals and businesses are published on a daily basis to share positive news about the Staffordshire business community.

June 1, 2024
Nominations close and the judging process begins. Judges may visit entrants in some categories ahead of a judging day.

August, 2024
A pre-event drinks reception for finalists, judges and sponsors will be staged at the offices of Beswicks Legal.