Growth Award 2026
Category criteria
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This category is designed to recognise growth within businesses of any size and sector.
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This could include relatively new businesses that have gone from a standing start right through to long-standing organisations that have been thriving over many years.
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The judges will be looking for growth in areas such as revenue, recruitment or indeed trading territories. Importantly this growth strategy should be sustainable and the business should have the momentum and resources for this to continue.
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The judges will also be interested to see the innovation that has helped to drive growth.
Longton Exchange Shopping Centre
Growth Award entrant
Since the appointment of Centre Manager Chris Ward in 2022 Longton Exchange Shopping Centre has delivered a 38.7% increase in footfall, representing a clear and sustained turnaround in performance.
The centre now welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually, demonstrating both the scale of growth achieved and the strength of its ongoing trajectory.
This transformation has been driven through a collaborative, hands-on management approach, led by Chris Ward and supported by a proactive on-site team, including Roz Ryan, the tenant, community engagement and marketing manager.
The team has implemented a strategy that combines commercial focus with community engagement, ensuring the centre evolves in line with the needs of both businesses and visitors.
Operating within a challenging high street environment, Longton Exchange recognised the need to fundamentally reposition its offer. Rather than relying solely on traditional retail, the team introduced a model that integrates retail, events and community-led activity to drive consistent engagement and repeat visitation.
At the core of this strategy is a structured programme of free, high-frequency events, designed to remove barriers to entry, increase accessibility and significantly widen the centre’s audience. Regular initiatives such as Fun Fridays and seasonal activations have created a consistent flow of visitors, transforming Longton Exchange into a destination where people actively choose to spend time. This activity is commercially driven, increasing dwell time, supporting tenant visibility and contributing directly to improved trading conditions.
A defining feature of this growth has been the centre’s commitment to supporting independent businesses. Longton Exchange is proud to host a strong mix of independents whose individuality enhances the centre’s identity and appeal. Increased footfall and consistent activity have provided these businesses with greater opportunity, while their presence contributes to a more distinctive and resilient retail environment. This reciprocal relationship between the centre and its tenants has been central to sustaining growth.
Growth has not been achieved by a single function, but through coordinated effort across centre management, security, tenants, volunteers and partners. This shared responsibility has created a culture of accountability, adaptability and consistent delivery, ensuring that activity is both impactful and sustainable.
Community engagement is embedded as a core driver of growth rather than an additional feature. The centre delivers a consistent programme of free and accessible initiatives that reflect local need while increasing footfall and engagement. Initiatives such as afternoon food distribution, developed internally by the team, have brought new audiences into the centre, strengthened trust and contributed to increased repeat visits.
The security team plays a key role in creating a safe, supportive and welcoming environment. This directly contributes to visitor confidence, increased dwell time and overall customer experience.
Strong tenant engagement has further reinforced growth. Through active communication and collaboration, tenants are encouraged to participate in centre-wide initiatives, creating a more cohesive and confident trading environment. This has supported improved relationships, increased participation and a shared investment in the centre’s success.
Recognising a lack of accessible tourism information, Longton Exchange has opened its management office as a tourist information point in partnership with Visit Staffordshire. This supports increased visitor engagement, promotes the wider area and strengthens the centre’s role as a destination within the city.
As a result of this joined-up approach, Longton Exchange has achieved measurable and sustainable growth. Increased footfall, a visitor base exceeding two million annually, stronger tenant relationships and improved perception have repositioned the centre as an active, relevant and growing part of the high street.
Longton Exchange Shopping Centre has entered the Growth and Team of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Christopher Leslie Bespoke
Growth Award entrant
A bespoke furniture company’s social media accounts went viral after it exhibited at Grand Designs Live London.
Christopher Leslie Bespoke, run by Hayley Gee and Chris Ansell from Newcastle-under-Lyme, had millions of interactions from around the UK and further afield.
An Instagram post about one of its bespoke creations was viewed 1.5 million times with another viewed 1.2 million times.
The business, which initially worked in North Staffordshire, now has enquires nationally and internationally, is booked for work months in advance and is being called on for full-room or multi-room transformations.
Hayley said: “We have always been a busy business, often booking projects months in advance, but over the past year something has shifted quite significantly. What was once mainly local work has grown into consistent enquiries from across the UK and now internationally, with clients discovering us purely through our online presence.
“A major turning point for us was exhibiting at Grand Designs Live London. It pushed us beyond our local audience and introduced our work to a completely different level of client.
“Since then, the scale and quality of enquiries has noticeably changed, with more clients approaching us for full-room and multi-room projects rather than single pieces.
“Our growth has also been driven heavily by social media, which has become one of the biggest drivers of our enquiries. We’ve built a strong following by showing not just finished projects, but the process, the detail and the level of craftsmanship involved.
“One of our media wall designs in particular has gained significant traction and has become something we are recognised for, bringing in a consistent stream of enquiries and helping establish a clear identity for the brand.
“What makes this growth even more significant is that we are based in an area where high-end bespoke furniture isn’t always the norm. Rather than competing on price, we made a conscious decision to position ourselves within the premium market, focusing on quality, detail and the overall client experience.
“That decision has allowed us to attract clients who value design and craftsmanship, and who see what we create as a long-term investment.”
An interior designer and a cabinet maker/project manager, partners Hayley Gee and Chris Ansell used their 28 years of combined industry knowledge to set up Christopher Leslie Bespoke.
Set up as a limited company in August 2022, Chris had previously worked as a sole trader.
Christopher Leslie Bespoke has entered the Small Business of the Year and Growth Award categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Aura Brand Solutions
Growth Award entrant
One of Europe’s leading commercial graphics and visual communications companies, which has its headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent, celebrated the highest-performing year for revenue and profit in 2025 in its near 100-year history.
Aura Brand Solutions, which was founded in 1927, has an installation centre at Tunstall Trade Park and a marketing, customer service and project implementation base at Festival Park in Etruria.
It has a team of 134 staff serving more than 400 clients around Europe, including a number of global brands.
The company’s revenue and profit have both grown considerably over the past few years.
A spokesman said: “Our focus has been to grow our main sectors and to maximise our commitment to exceptional service, the highest-quality printing, above-and-beyond sustainability solutions and industry-leading accreditations to prove ourselves as a business partner.
“We have focused on increasing our profit margin through investments in new technologies, streamlined production methods, reduced waste through technological advancements and reduced reliance on outsourced projects.
“One key area driving exceptional performance in 2025 was the number of tenders won."
Aura has a Charity Team that plans fundraising initiatives including raising £10,500 for Young Minds in 2025.
Aura Brand Solutions has entered the Business of the Year and Growth Award categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Astro Education
Growth Award entrant
Less than two years after it was set up as a one-man business Astro Education has expanded across two counties with a team of four staff and has ambitious plans to grow further.
The Stoke-on-Trent based business specialises in recruitment and retention for the education sector including connecting schools with high-quality teaching and support staff.
It works with primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and specialist SEN provisions across Staffordshire and Cheshire.
It provides both day-to-day supply staff and long-term placements covering a wide range of roles including qualified teachers, teaching assistants, SEN specialists, pastoral staff, cover supervisors and administrative professionals.
Founder Tim Howarth, who worked in the insurance industry before moving into recruitment, has added a former headteacher and teaching assistant into his team. They currently have a workforce of around 100 educational professionals.
Tim said: “From the outset, our mission has been to build a recruitment business that prioritises relationships, reliability and fairness. Schools rely heavily on agency support to maintain continuity for their pupils yet many report challenges around cost, inconsistent candidate quality and poor service from traditional recruitment providers.
“Astro Education was established specifically to address these issues. Our approach focuses on transparent pricing, high compliance standards and careful candidate matching to ensure that both schools and staff benefit from a supportive and professional recruitment experience.
“Although we are still a young business, our growth since launching has been significant. Within less than two years we have developed a strong and expanding client base across Staffordshire and have begun extending our reach into Cheshire.”
Wherever possible Tim tries to put back into the communities his business serves including sponsoring football kits for Excel Academy and sponsoring an early years practitioners event.
“I want people to want to work with us,” he said. "I’m creating a brand that is a transparent, responsive and ethical alternative that genuinely supports the education community.”
Astro Education has entered the Small Business of the Year, Start-up Business of the Year and Growth categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards and Tim Howarth has entered the Entrepreneur of the Year category.
Ford Mainwaring
Growth Award entrant
For more than 45 years Newcastle-under-Lyme based Ford Mainwaring has been a leading provider of building services, facilities management and mechanical engineering to public sector, high-security and educational establishments nationwide.
The business has grown by 49% since 2022 with an average year-on-year growth rate of around 14%.
The team of 62 employees includes more than 40 qualified gas, plumbing and electrical engineers supported by project managers, contract managers, finance, marketing, recruitment, compliance and administrative staff. Work can include anything from boiler breakdowns and water leaks to planned service and maintenance jobs.
Growth has been driven by strategic expansion within key sectors, including the prison and secure infrastructure markets. The business has diversified by expanding into commercial battery storage projects, strengthening its position within the evolving energy and infrastructure landscape.
Employee retention is strong at Ford Mainwaring with nearly half of the workforce achieving long-service status. It recently held its first Long Service Awards which will become an annual event. 11 employees who were recognised at the event started as engineering apprentices and are now highly skilled, fully qualified gas, plumbing or electrical engineers. One employee joined in an administrative role and has since progressed to Assistant Contract Manager. The Finance Manager celebrates 25 years with the business in July after starting in an administrative position and developing into her current leadership role.
Attracting, developing and retaining local talent is important to the company. In 2025 alone it invested £72,000 in employee training and development.
Developing the next generation of engineers is central to Ford Mainwaring’s long-term strategy. It currently employs five apprentices and is committed to recruiting at least two each year.
CSR is also embedded in the business’s culture. It is a proud member of the Dougie Mac Business Club and has raised more than £6,000 within six months through a variety of fundraisers. In addition, every employee is given one paid volunteering day per year, enabling the team to support community initiatives.
Ford Mainwaring has entered the Business of the Year, Growth and Skills for the Future categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Midlands Power Networks
Growth Award entrant
Midlands Power Networks, founded by University of Staffordshire alumnus Steve Holmes, has grown its turnover by 47.5% in just 12 months.
The Stoke-on-Trent based business has expanded its team from 22 staff in 2020 to more than 50 employees in 2026 with plans to recruit more.
Steve launched Midlands Power Networks in 2004 to provide constant, consistent support within the high voltage electrical industry including design, consultancy, installation, inspection, maintenance and lifelong services.
Still privately owned, it works with businesses nationwide, from Glasgow to Southampton, and currently looks after 140 customers at 287 sites around the UK for maintenance services including the likes of football clubs and universities.
Many of its clients are long-term partners who have built relationships with Midlands Power Networks, Steve and the team over many years.
Services offered include the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of private high voltage networks including generation projects.
Alongside his core business Steve has founded Power SOS Ltd, through which he is developing a high voltage emergency response mobile app.
He’s collaborated with University of Staffordshire on the app’s development through a knowledge transfer partnership and is hoping to secure a second KTP in the second quarter of 2026.
Midlands Power Networks has entered the Business of the Year and Growth Award categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
V.S.S. Maintenance Ltd
Growth Award entrant
A Staffordshire building and maintenance company is on track to more than double its turnover year on year.
V.S.S. Maintenance Ltd, based at Woodseaves near Eccleshall, was set up in 2022 by husband and wife team Maria and Adam Swierk.
Along with their team of one permanent member of staff and four contractors they work on the likes of extensions, garage conversions and full-house renovations as well as routine maintenance.
Clients across Staffordshire include private individuals as well as organisations with property portfolios.
Contracts director Maria has more than 16 years’ experience of working as a HR business partner for a large retail company, giving her an ideal background to tackle office-based work for the company as well as health and safety site visits.
Adam has more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry and has a level seven diploma in construction and senior management.
Maria said: “V.S.S. Maintenance Ltd stands out through its unwavering commitment to quality, reliability and professionalism in every aspect of its work. We are not just a construction company, we are a trusted partner to our clients.
“Our reputation has been built on consistently delivering high standards, meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations. We approach every project, whether large or small, with the same level of care, precision and accountability.
“Attention to detail is at the core of what we do, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and to an exceptional standard.
“Health and safety is central to our operations. We maintain strict compliance with regulations and proactively promote safe working practices across all sites. This gives our customers confidence and peace of mind, knowing they are working with a responsible and professional contractor.
“What truly differentiates V.S.S. Maintenance Ltd is our personal approach. We pride ourselves on strong communication, transparency,and responsiveness. Our customers value that we are approachable, solution-focused and always willing to go the extra mile.
“We understand that no two clients are the same, which is why we tailor our services to meet individual needs rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.
“As a growing business we have demonstrated resilience, adaptability and a strong work ethic. We continuously look for ways to improve our processes, invest in best practices and strengthen relationships within our industry.
“Above all, our success is measured by customer satisfaction, repeat business and positive referrals. The trust our clients place in us reflects our dedication to excellence and our commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality service.”
V.S.S. Maintenance Ltd has entered the Growth Award and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.