Business in the Community Award 2025
Category criteria
- This category will recognise businesses that demonstrate an impactful commitment to corporate social responsibility, including contributing to the community within which they’re based.
- Businesses can be of any size and working within any sector.
UTH City
Business in the Community entrant
UTH City is a youth-facing app created to support young people in the community and build dynamic and hopeful communities for tomorrow.
Brought about by a collaboration between two prominent youth organisations in Stoke-on-Trent, the app is designed to offer life-changing support, trusted signposting and a safe digital space to help young people become happier, more engaged and connected in their community.
The app has been created after extensive research into the needs and challenges of young people in Stoke-on-Trent, by a collaboration between King’s Award recipients Ruff & Ruby Urban Youth Charity and Stoke-on-Trent Youth Collective (SOTYC), a consortium of 95 city-based youth organisations.
Ruff and Ruby Urban Youth Charity was founded by Dawn Reynolds, who has 25 years of experience working in the youth sector in the city, to engage and empower young people to achieve their own potential.
With a vision to be a ‘one stop shop’ for young people, the UTH City app has involved young people from day one to support its development. Through extensive research and feedback, they have carefully curated a platform that provides the personal support individuals need as well as a dynamic way for businesses and organisations to engage effectively with users.
At the top of the list of features is the Suicide Prevention button which allows a user quick and robust access to targeted support. The concept has been co-designed with local young people and a working group of mental health specialists including Crisis Care Team, NHS Young People Service, CYPISH, CAMHS, North Staffs MIND and CHANGES. This feature is unique in the UK and is specifically designed to reduce suicide rates in the young.
The app also features latest information about what’s on in the local area, from clubs to activities and help. This feature uses a location-based algorithm that gives the user quick and accurate results first time. The ‘Wotz On Where’ is closely followed by ‘Wotz Appnin’ too, which features youth events and holiday programmes that young people can get involved with.
Support is inside the app at every turn, providing a vital link between young people and those who can help. This includes areas for education and training (Bear Skillz), jobs (Graft) and apprenticeships (Boss Up).
UTH City has entered the Business in the Community and Innovation Award categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Smithfield Works
Business in the Community entrant
Smithfield Works, in Stoke-on-Trent city centre, is not your ordinary co-working and office rental establishment.
Whilst premium managed space is available and is an attraction in itself for start-ups and larger companies, there is something quite unique which has formed since Genr8 developments opened the doors in 2022.
Situated in the heart of the cultural quarter, Smithfield Works has become a networking hub all in itself - not just for businesses in general but for a creative collective who often use the space for exhibitions and collaborative events.
It’s that collaboration which shines throughout and sees partnerships with surrounding businesses with member offers provided and forged via the help of Community Manager Adele Simmons.
Homeware brand Morphy Richards - one of the first office tenants - grew during its time at the Hanley location before relocating in April because it needed larger premises.
A 60-strong team from Ticketmaster Sport joined the business community at Smithfield Works in December 2024 with Barclays Corporate Banking also taking up home earlier that year.
Regular business events add to the buzz with CONNECTS hosting networking events at Smithfield Works for more than 12 months.
Various community events are organised by Smithfield Works, mainly outdoors in the public space between the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery and the Hilton Hotel on the Smithfield estate.
This summer will see a month-long Smithfield Summer event taking place which will be free for families to attend.
Smithfield Works has entered the High Street Impact, Business in the Community and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Midlands Psychology
Business in the Community entrant
Based within University of Staffordshire’s Stafford Business Village, Midlands Psychology is a social enterprise offering community health and mental health services.
It works with people of all ages, including children and young people, and offers an all-age autism service.
Established in in 2009, the team of five includes two staff members who are University of Staffordshire alumni.
Midlands Psychology offer yearlong placements to students from any University, for an undergraduate placement year. They have been fortunate enough to have recent students from both the University of Staffordshire and Keele University.
“We’re based within University of Staffordshire’s Business Village but the majority of our work is done remotely,” said Midlands Psychology Operational Manager and specialist SEND consultant Tracy Harris.
On the clinical side, the team’s work includes autism assessments for people who would often wait at least 18 months to access similar services through the NHS.
They offer EduTherapy, which operates a successful methodology in terms of support for young people all around Staffordshire who are presenting with difficulties in terms of accessing education, accessing mental health support. EduTherapy is a mainly peripatetic service, whereby the staff go out to the children’s homes to work with them on developing their own toolkits for managing their own behaviours.
Other services include counselling and psychological therapies, forensic psychology, child health psychology, trauma services, occupational therapy and supporting looked after children.
Tracy’s own work often sees her working within schools to advise and support their SEND provision.
“Part of my role is going into schools to support SEN leaders. I’m working with children and young people alongside the adults who teach them,” said Tracy.
“It’s very rewarding and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to go into schools and reassure SENCOs that what there is bringing about the best results for the children that they can and that the children and staff would be really struggling without them.”
Midlands Psychology has entered the Business in the Community, Team of the Year and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Centre Space Arts CIC
Business in the Community entrant
Centre Space Arts CIC brings together artists, businesses and communities to form a dynamic, collaborative ecosystem.
Founded in 2013 by photographer, videographer and gallery owner Darren Washington, the team of two work out of Smithfield Works in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre on projects addressing issues such as fuel poverty.
“At Centre Space Arts we believe that creativity is more than just expression, it’s a powerful catalyst for change, connection and community resilience,” said Darren, who turned his business into a Community Interest Company in 2021.
“Rooted in Stoke-on-Trent, our work goes beyond traditional arts programming. We are proud of our grassroots beginnings and equally proud of how far we’ve come.
“Our projects are purposeful. Whether addressing fuel poverty, promoting wellbeing through workplace creativity or empowering young people through real-world experience, our initiatives are grounded in relevance, inclusion and positive social impact.
“By embedding creativity into everyday spaces, from Smithfield Works to the High Street, we challenge outdated perceptions of where art belongs and who it’s for.
“2024 marked a turning point: our most successful year to date, where growth met impact. From flagship projects like Warm This Winter to new partnerships with key stakeholder venues around the city centre, we’ve amplified the voices of local creatives and fostered a network that supports freelance livelihoods and reinvests in the local economy.”
Darren and colleague Sarah Peart work with artists, filmmakers, photographers and other creatives to run workshops, deliver event and offer creative services that connect communities, businesses and the unique stories of Stoke-on-Trent.
He added: “We don’t just do funded projects, we also try to have a commercial element to the work that we do. If a business uses our services then an element of that goes towards community projects.”
Centre Space Arts has entered the High Street Impact and Business in the Community categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
The Inspirational Learning Group
Business in the Community entrant
The Inspirational Learning Group is a Staffordshire-based organisation specialising in providing career development and educational solutions to young people across the world.
Founded by University of Staffordshire alumni Ben and Michael Dyer in 2013 and initially based in a rented office on campus, the team has positively impacted more than 700,000 students through innovative learning programmes designed to develop career readiness and crucial employability skills.
Through collaboration with some of the UK’s most inspiring companies it develops engaging programmes for schools. Its flagship programme The National Careers Challenge is currently sponsored by Air Products, NatWest Thrive, British Airways and Wickes - and more than 50,000 young people across the country will take part in this programme in 2024/25.
In addition to a portfolio of challenges including teambuilding challenges and summer school programmes the team also produces bespoke school programmes for clients including JCB, NHS and the Financial Conduct Authority.
Its delivery teams will engage with more than 50,000 students in 260 schools through programmes during this academic year.
The Inspirational Learning Group co-founder Ben Dyer said: “Taking The National Careers Challenge global has always been an aspiration of The Inspirational Learning Group and following our involvement with China through a partnership with SKT Education and Beyond we were excited to launch TNCC to the UAE with AtkinsRéalis in 2024.
“We are thrilled to have enabled students in the UAE to experience The National Careers Challenge and we look forward to growing the challenge in UAE.”
Despite expanding globally The Inspirational Learning Group remains committed to opening upo opportunities for young people across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
The Inspirational Learning Group has entered the Small Business of the Year, Team of the Year and Business in the Community categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Mission Aviation Fellowship
Business in the Community entrant
From airlifting people bitten by snakes to delivering vaccines to remote parts of the globe, many aircrew who dedicate their lives to humanitarian aid have their training organised from University of Staffordshire’s Stafford Business Village.
Mission Aviation Fellowship, which has around 130 aircraft in some of the most remote parts of the world, coordinates its technical training from Staffordshire.
It is from here that Peter Fryatt, the organisation’s technical training manager, plans the training that leads to people being sent out on missions to places such as Kenya, Uganda, Liberia and Guinea.
A Christian charity, Mission Aviation Fellowship’s aim is to teach remote communities through aviation.
It’s life changing work including enabling cleft palate operations for babies, cataract treatment for the elderly, swift treatment for burns victims and hospital intervention for complicated births.
“I manage the training process here at Stafford, including developing courses and apprenticeship schemes” said Peter. “The current training programme started in 2021. We have four people currently on the course, two who have just finished the theory part of training and two who are coming up to finishing the practical part of the training.
“I get the pleasure of going on the journey with the trainees, seeing them have a sense of calling and purpose, and then seeing them go into the field and have the fulfilment that this sort of work gives.
“It’s hugely rewarding, not just for them but for the programmes they will go on to work on around the world. A lot of the work they will go on to do is literally lifesaving.”
Peter has entered Mission Aviation Fellowship UK into the Skills For The Future and Business in the Community categories of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Inspired Film and Video
Business in the Community entrant
From funding an annual filmmaking grant for students at University of Staffordshire to supporting the LoveStoke100 initiative to help celebrate Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary year, Inspired Film and Video is determined to support communities within its home city.
Comprised largely of University of Staffordshire alumni, the company works for high-profile clients including Bostik, Waterworld, NHS Trusts and the University of Oxford.
In addition to employing a large number of local graduates over the years, Inspired regularly offers paid placements, freelance opportunities and structured work experience for young people across the city and county.
It has welcomed students from Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College, University of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent College into real productions on real sets and working on live briefs.
Business Development Director Michael McDonald said: “Our work is shaped by the place we call home. Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire have always been creative communities, grounded in industry and hard work.
“Whilst the region’s economic landscape has changed, we believe its spirit hasn’t. That same creativity now drives a new kind of industry, our industry, digital, visual and full of opportunity.
“We’re committed to helping young people across the area find their place within it. As a proud local business, our team draws direct inspiration from the people, places and stories of Staffordshire. It influences our storytelling, our visual approach and our sense of purpose.
“We know that to build a thriving digital sector here, we need to invest in talent, nurture ambition, and make sure that the next generation sees a future in creative services without having to leave the place they love.”
Michael has entered Inspired Film and Video into the Business in the Community category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards and has entered the company’s production crew into the Team of the Year category.
He added: “I see first-hand the direct link between the quality of our work and the strength of our team. Our production crew, Severin Gammon, Adam Georgiou, Jordan Mountford and Matt Hackney, aren’t just talented professionals. They are the driving force behind our continued growth, creative success and national reputation.
“It’s a privilege to nominate them for the Team of the Year award because they truly embody everything great teamwork should be: collaborative, committed, flexible and relentlessly passionate about delivering high-quality content.
“All four team members are graduates of University of Staffordshire and since joining Inspired they’ve become a core unit that defines what it means to work together. They don’t just co-exist, they collaborate.
“Whether they’re working on set, editing in post or brainstorming new creative directions they support one another fully. Their individual strengths complement each other perfectly but more importantly they’re always looking out for one another on set, in the office and outside of work.”
Wavemaker
Business in the Community entrant
Wavemaker is innovating to tackle digital poverty right in the heart of the Stoke-on-Trent communities where it is most needed.
It places digital resources directly into communities, ensuring learning is accessible where people already feel comfortable. By combining face-to-face support with an online learning platform, it helps community spaces deliver digital skills training independently, creating long-term impact.
Over the past 12 months Wavemaker has distributed more than £100,000 of digital equipment to local communities, to hubs and organisations as well as to individuals who lack access to computer equipment at home.
It was launched in June 2015 by co-founders and directors Alex Rowley, who was born and bred in Stoke-on-Trent, and University of Staffordshire alumni Ben McManus.
Alex said: “By taking a fresh, innovative approach to digital inclusion we are not just helping people get online, we are transforming lives, strengthening communities and ensuring no one is left behind in the digital world.”
Wavemaker is revolutionising the delivery of digital skills training with its DigitAll learning platform and Wavemaker Connect hubs.
By empowering community organisations with equipment, training and ongoing digital support it has created a sustainable model that fosters digital inclusion at grassroots level.
Wavemaker Connect empowers established community organisations and spaces to become a hub of digital inclusion. Instead of asking people to come to them, Wavemaker equips community organisations, libraries and community lounges with digital devices, training and access to its DigitAll platform, allowing them to deliver training independently.
The innovation lies in shifting digital training from a centralised model to a community-led one, ensuring digital skills support is sustainable and scalable.
Wavemaker has entered the Innovation Award and Business in the Community categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Sharon Whiston Family and Divorce Lawyer
Business in the Community entrant
University of Staffordshire law alumna Sharon Whiston left her role as head of family law at a firm to set up her own business because she wanted to make a difference in the community where she was born.
Based in Basford, she now works as a freelance family and divorce lawyer and has introduced various strategies to make it easier for people to access free or low-cost legal advice.
She offers pro bono advice, low fixed fees, pay as you go and now legal coaching to support clients who want to represent themselves to save costs.
Sharon has even trained in CBT and therapy so that she can offer a holistic service to clients going through family or divorce proceedings.
“I don’t know anyone else who offers therapy to clients alongside legal services,” she said. “Family law clients are often going through an emotional time with stress and anxiety, I am able to offer something unique to support them.
“Clients used to jokingly thank me for the therapy after receiving legal advice and now, using therapy I am trained to deliver, I can help them to feel empowered and better able to deal with the situation which can them help them to save costs.”
Sharon studied at Stoke-on-Trent College and was eight months pregnant when she started her law degree at University of Staffordshire. She has also completed a Masters in Legal Practice Management and has given birth to two children while studying at the University.
After completing her studies she founded her own business, Whiston Law, which later merged with Hacking Ashton LLP.
Her two decades as a lawyer have also included time as Director and Head of Wills and Probate at GT Law and later Head of Family Law at Salmons Solicitors.
Sharon has entered the Business in the Community and Allumni Business Person of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
She added: “Everyone should be able to access legal advice and this is my motivation for setting up my business.”
IN2Health and Wellbeing CIC
Business in the Community nominee
A community interest company founded by University of Staffordshire alumni through the University’s Be-Inspired project is helping to improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged young people in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
IN2Health and Wellbeing was co-founded in 2021 by Ben Gibson, who graduated in Sports Development and Coaching in 2008.
Ben now runs the CIC alongside three fellow directors.
A group of around 20 freelancers and volunteers use sport, physical activity and mentoring to improve the lives of six to 18-year-olds.
Sessions such as holidays clubs, growth clubs, employability skills, mindfulness and nutrition classes aim to improve the physical and mental health of children and young people.
The project is delivered in locations including Guerrilla Training and The Yard in Meir, which IN2Health and Wellbeing recently took over and has helped to restore.
IN2Health and Wellbeing has been nominated in the Business in the Community category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Ben said: “I feel quite proud and surprised that we’ve been nominated for an award. It’s good to be recognised but it obviously isn’t why we do what we do. We’ve worked hard to build what we do.”
Tomasz Putynkowski, who nominated IN2Health and Wellbeing for the award, said: “I am honoured to nominate IN2Health and Wellbeing CIC for the Business in the Community Award. As a social enterprise committed to improving the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged young people in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, IN2Health and Wellbeing has made a significant positive impact on the community.
“Through sport, physical activity, mentoring and education, the organisation engages and empowers young people, helping them to become the best versions of themselves.”
Middleport Matters
Business in the Community entrant
Middleport Matters offers practical, social and environmental support for the communities of Middleport, Longport, Dalehall and Burslem in Stoke-on-Trent.
It began as a volunteer group in 2015 and became a registered charity in 2024 thanks to successful funding and grant applications as well as partnerships with other local organisations.
In 2024 Middleport Matters ran 243 regular social sessions and hosted eight large-scale events, with 162 people attending weekly sessions.
3,170 individuals received support with food, hygiene products and other essential items. At Christmas, 105 selection boxes, 30 chicken dinner bags, 150 books, 36 hampers, 50 boxes of biscuits and more than 150 toys and games were distributed to the local community.
Middleport Matters is supported by 45 formal and 294 informal volunteers who collectively contributed 3,361 hours of their time in 2024.
Additionally, 56 young people regularly attended the newly established youth program from September 2024. This year Middleport Matters is opening a new youth hub, co-designed by young people in the local community.
Ongoing activities include social sessions to help reduce isolation and foster community connections, creative workshops that promote wellbeing and environmental initiatives that encourage people to use local green spaces.
Other activities include gardening, toddler groups, family support, community fun days, youth groups, heritage sessions and canal water activities.
Middleport Matters has entered the Business in the Community category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
John Pass Jewellers
Business in the Community entrant
In an age when many similar companies have moved online, third-generation family-owned business John Pass Jewellers is committed to having a strong, visible high street presence.
Launched in Crewe in 1948 the business is now run by Andrew Pass, the great-grandson of the original founder. A Newcastle-under-Lyme branch was opened 13 years ago. Having a strong, visible presence within the community in both areas is part of the business model.
“We are a big part of the community in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Crewe,” said John Pass Jewellers project manager Hannah Auras. “It’s a really important part of our business and means a lot to us.
“To mark our 75th year in business we carried out 75 moments of kindness to give back to the communities that have supported us to get to where we are today.”
Those moments of kindness included hosting a coffee morning, running 75 miles in 12 hours, donating to toy, clothes and food bank collections and volunteering for worthy causes.
The 75th moment of kindness was a charity quiz night that involved everyone who had been part of the 75 acts of kindness. The winning team was able to donate the prize money to their chosen charity.
This year the business’s team of around 25 staff are contributing to four major impact days to continue that work.
In 2022 John Pass Jewellers became one of the first carbon-neutral retail jewellers through measures including installing electric vehicle charging points, tree planting and community clean-up projects.
John Pass Jewellers has entered the High Street Impact, Business in the Community and Team of the Year categories of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Time4Sport
Business in the Community entrant
A business that Wayne Glover founded while studying at University of Staffordshire now works with around 7,500 children per week and employs 26 members of staff.
The business, Time4Sport, also has a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University which involves Wayne and his team working with two academics to create an app and platform to support children who are above their ideal weight.
Time4Sport, which has its headquarters at Michelin Sports Centre, works with thousands of children and families across Staffordshire and Cheshire every week.
Time4Sport was established in 2007 and has been built on a desire to improve the lives of children and families through PE and sport, with a passion for promoting the benefits of healthy living. It is a physical education, physical activity, sport, health and wellbeing service provider and delivers activities in schools and directly to families. It offers school services, extra-curricular clubs, Time4Swimming, holiday camps and Time4Wellbeing.
The business began when founder and Managing Director Wayne was studying for a degree in Sports Development and Coaching.
“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I graduated so in the summer between my second and third year I went to the US and did some coaching,” he said.
“Then in my final year, before I graduated in 2005, I did coaching at schools. I saw a teacher trying to deliver what I had delivered and realised that primary schools weren’t being supported to deliver high quality PE sessions.”
Wayne was able to join an enterprise fellowship scheme through the University after pitching his business idea. He received support for the first two years, has business space at the University for two years and received start-up funding.
“I received £6,000 funding to get the business up and running. Halfway through the programme there was a competition for an additional £6,000 of funding, which Time4Sport won. It made all the difference and Time4Sport is still going all these years later.”
Wayne is passionate about empowering children to build a fitter, healthier and happier future, believing that positive habits formed in childhood lay the foundation for a lifetime of wellbeing.
He has a team of 26 staff and worked with the University’s Unitemps team to recruit an additional 50 temporary staff last summer to support with the Holiday Activities and Food provision for children in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire who are in receipt of income-related free school meals.
Wayne has an ongoing relationship with academics in the University’s sports department and helps to support current students.
“I still have quite a few links with the University of Staffordshire and even work in a number of Staffordshire University Academy Trust schools,” he added.
Wayne has entered the Alumni Business Person of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards and Time4Sport has entered the Innovation and Business in the Community categories.
Alice Charity
Business in the Community entrant
In the heart of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-Under-Lyme Alice Charity is on a quest to ensure every child, young person and family has a safe and happy childhood and the foundations they need to thrive.
In 2024 the charity made a positive impact on the lives of 9,247 children, provided 10,944 meals for children and had 3,340 attendees at its Big Cup parent and toddler groups.
It enabled 1,404 children to wake up on Christmas Day to discover Santa had been by providing 5,700 presents.
The charity facilitated 4,450 hours of volunteering, provided 145 cots, moses baskets and beds to give babies and children somewhere safe to sleep, provided 88 prams or pushchairs and nearly 1,000 items of clothing for babies and children.
Alice Charity was set up in 2011 to support vulnerable and disadvantaged families across North Staffordshire.
Every family helped includes at least one person under the age of 18 with wide-range support including the likes of food parcels, help with household budgeting, emotional support and even providing furniture and household items for people in difficult circumstances.
Alice Charity has been entered into the Business in the Community category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards by CEO Heather Sheldon.
She said: “More than 30% of children in Stoke-on-Trent live in absolute poverty, this compares to 22% within the West Midlands and 16% in England. Can you imagine not being able to pay the rent for the home where you live with your children? Not able to feed your children or provide clothes and toys for your children? A home where Santa can’t afford to visit at Christmas?
“Going without essentials strips people of their dignity and damages their social connections. Living in a cold, damp or insecure home, or not having enough food, damages people’s physical health.
“The stigma attached to poverty can increase social isolation, piling further pressure on people’s mental health when they are already burdened with worry about how to cover life’s essentials.
“Providing children with the best start on life crucial to their future health and wellbeing as well as the future health and wellbeing of the country.”
Newcastle Town Football Club
Business in the Community entrant
Alongside its Men’s and Women’s first teams Newcastle Town Football Club has 52 teams for young people and works with up to 1,000 five to 18-year-olds.
The club also offers volunteering opportunities for more than 100 people is sports coaching and helping behind the scenes.
Chairman Gavin Appleby said: “Newcastle Town Football Club has organised and run associated football formally since early 2000, with origins in youth football continuing further back than this.
“We have seen a meteoric rise in the numbers of people playing organised football at the club and have 52 boys and girls teams playing as well as the many other children taking part in our soccer schools, holiday camps, disability and girls sessions. The teams play across a number of leagues across two days, some across the Midlands.
“The club’s football development for juniors has been conducted in many initiatives over the years, however since 2000 it has mainly been around the running of junior teams in the local leagues.
“We have run a successful Soccer School for 25 years on a Saturday morning which encourages boys and girls from ages five to 18 to play football, regardless of ability or previous football background. The scheme runs on a pay as you play basis rather than a subscription model which helps and supports players to engage.”
The club has a main stadium pitch and a 20-acre Roe Lane site with 3G pitch that was officially opened by former Stoke City player Andy Wilkinson in 2023.
The club is set to take on The Whammy site in the Knutton area of Newcastle in summer 2025 and hopes to be able to help raise aspirations and social outcomes in the area.
“We really want to make an impact in Knutton,” said Gavin. “We work with all members of the community including people from all backgrounds, races and religions.”
He added: “We work with a number of local businesses including some that use our facilities for training. We’re an amateur community sports club where any money that comes in is spent on facilities and the things we can offer young people. We are always looking for new businesses to work with us.”
Newcastle Town Football Club has entered the Business in the Community category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
JAGS Dance Academy
Business in the Community nominee
A Staffordshire dance school has been praised for boosting its pupils’ confidence and aspirations alongside their dancing skills.
Bradwell-based JAGS Dance Academy has been operating since 2015. It employs eight members of staff and works with more than 320 students.
Founder and owner Jessica Preston started JAGS when she was 21 years old. Fascinated by all forms of dance since she was three years old, she knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue dance full-time.
She said: “I’d noticed there were no street dance classes locally, so it was always something I wanted to set up. We rented out the local church with 12 students with the aim of growing. It’s safe to say that over the years we’ve done just that.”
“JAGS isn’t really about dance; it’s about bringing a community together and giving these children a sense of belonging. We are open to everybody.”
Martyn Irvine, whose two daughters both attend JAGS dance classes, said: “The classes have changed both of my daughters’ lives. As a result of the lockdowns, my youngest daughter was inherently shy and wouldn’t muster a conversation with anyone.
“With Jess’s guidance, she is now performing on stage in front of over 400 people and competing in dance competitions all over the country.”
JAGS Dance Academy has been nominated in the Business in the Community category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Kath Mullock Home Care
Business in the Community nominee
The founder of Kath Mullock Home Care has been called ‘a true Stoke-on-Trent carer hero’ by one of her home care clients.
Kath Mullock, from Northwood, set up her business in 2010 and now leads a team of 20 carers working across Stoke-on-Trent.
Her Smallthorne-based team offers a wide range of support including palliative care, dementia care, companionship and more.
Kath said: “I don’t want to hide behind what we do. With my name on the door, I hold myself accountable for everything.”
One staff member, Sade, said: “I never knew the value of home care until I became a carer myself. Kath goes above and beyond for all her clients, no matter what their needs.
“To her clients she’s a friend, a family member, a voice and often someone who just listens. Kath is a hero with an invisible cape.”
The sentiment is echoed by Rachel, one of Kath’s clients, who said: “I know I speak for all of Kath’s clients when I say she is an amazing lady. Although she doesn’t think what she does is extraordinary, we all do.”
Other clients, Derek and Margaret, added: “Kath shows love and kindness to everyone. We thank her for coming into our lives.”
Client Sarah said: “I see the daily work of Kath and her staff and I know our city has angels. Although she owns the business Kath is a hands-on practitioner leading her team by example.
“Her commitment isn’t measured in hours, days or money but in the countless unassigned periods she gives freely. Without exception her staff respect and adopt the inclusive practices known as ‘Kath’s Way’. All of this is a testament to a true Stoke-on-Trent carer hero.”
Kath Mullock Home Care has been nominated in the Business in the Community category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Football Fun Factory
Business in the Community nominee
The Football Fun Factory may look like a sports coaching organisation but what founder Tom Johnson is really trying to do is give young people life skills.
The 30-year-old, from Stafford, combines being director and head coach of The Football Fun Factory with working as a high school PE teacher.
He and his team work with children aged 18 months to 12 years at venues across Stafford and Cannock, using the medium of football coaching to build soft skills such as working within a team, making friends and resilience.
One parent, Kate Henderson, said: “I perhaps needed this outlet more than my son – moving from Birmingham to Stafford, not knowing anyone, with an only child that craved interaction, with a mother that craved the opposite.
“Tom not only taught my son teamwork, listening, dedication, friendship etc but he also taught me, someone who has at least 10 years on him, perspective and valuable interaction skills.
“I cannot promote Tom enough, from his passion, expertise and the things that can’t be taught; patience, empathy and awesomeness. If my son is ever blessed with an ounce of whatever Tom has, well, what a great human my son will become.”
Tom said: “It’s absolutely wonderful and the kind words are worth their weight in gold. What Kate says underpins all of the values that I’m about. I want to make a real difference to both the children and the parents that support them.
“I’ve always been inspired to work with children, right from when I was young myself. To have been given this nomination makes all the work worthwhile. I’m super grateful.”
Tom’s ambition is to take The Football Fun Factory nationwide.
He added: “I’ve always said, life skills over football skills. Football is the medium of the work we do, but really, it’s about getting children developing physically, socially and for them to acknowledge and use the skills which will prove useful when they go into high school and beyond.
“I want to give the children a purpose and a safe place to learn. It’s important for young people to have adult role models and here we can start to begin to build up that trust and confidence.
“We are in the business of forging relationships. That has spilled over to the parents who have become a community within themselves, making friends and feeling very much a part of what we do.”
“I’d like to get us expanded nationwide, so children can access the services we provide without having to travel too far. No child should have to travel to access a service which could make such a difference.”
The Football Fun Factory has been nominated in the Business in the Community category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Kidsgrove Ski Centre
Business in the Community nominee
Kidsgrove Ski Centre is run by a team of 65 unpaid volunteers ranging from 15 to 93 years old.
The centre, also known as North Staffs Ski Club, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024 and has been branded one of the best facilities of its kind in the country.
Some volunteers juggle their hours at the ski slope with holding down full-time jobs, some volunteers are retired and some young instructors volunteer alongside studying at school or college.
All profits are reinvested into enhancing the facilities including improvements to the ski slopes.
Sarah Eccleston said: “North Staffs Ski Club is situated in the heart of Kidsgrove and offers volunteer-led skills lessons, recreational ski opportunities and instructor training for young people across the county.
“From reception to boot room, cafe to inspirational ski instructors, all of these volunteers give up their precious family time to bring what is often seen as an elite middle-class sport to grassroots level for the young people of Staffordshire.
“Many people volunteer every weekend and evenings in the week including under-16s who help to coach young children. It’s a complete inspiration.”
Ann Loton, chair of the group and a member since 2003, said: “We do it because we all love skiing and being part of the community that we’ve created.
“We like to see people develop, but more importantly we like to see smiles on people’s faces. Some people had not been skiing for more than 20 years but when they come here they say how amazing their experience was when returning to the slope, that’s the reason we do what we do.”
The ski centre offers ski lessons for people aged six years and above. There are two slopes, one for teaching and the other for freestyle. They also organise residential trips overseas.
Every September the centre offers free give-it-a-go sessions to anyone with an interest in skiing.
A Daily Telegraph article in 2002 named the centre as ‘one of the best indoor slopes in the country’.
Ann added: “In 2014, we were able to purchase land to expand our offer and to create a second slope. This meant we were able to offer more in terms of freestyle.
“We’ve got young instructors who are enthusiastic about coaching, which means when we retire. These young instructors will often be the ones who would likely lead this centre in the future.
“We are where we are because we have people that really care about skiing and they are supporting those who want to get into the sport.”
Kidsgrove Ski Centre has been nominated in the Business in the Community category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
One Bomb Boxing Gym
Business in the Community nomination
What began as a boxing training venue in founder Michael Giblin’s garden has turned into a not-for-profit gym working with people of all ages including disabled children.
One Bomb Boxing Gym, now based in Longton, still trains fighters but Michael, himself a former boxer, now works with anyone from the age of four years upwards.
He prides himself on One Bomb’s inclusivity including working with young people with learning difficulties, ADHD or autism.
One young person with autism trained as a boxer and has now become a coach at the gym.
Rebecca Aldersea, the mum of a disabled girl who trains with Michael, said: “They help so many children and young adults in so many ways. They hold fundraising events to help children succeed in life. They travel all over providing a place to train and make friendships, giving children less fortunate an opportunity to travel and train. All of this is done through fundraising events.
“My daughter has many health issues and I am so thankful I chose One Bomb for her as she feels right at home and she loves it.
“All of the coaches and staff are fantastic. Nothing is too much for them and they really help build confidence in these children and young adults.”
Michael, from Blurton, combines his work at One Bomb with being carer for his wife.
He said: “We do things out of the goodness of our heart and not for any sort of recognition.”
One Bomb Boxing Gym has been nominated in the Business in the Community category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.