Team of the Year 2026
Category criteria
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This category is open to teams of employees working within any sector and within any size of business.
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The team could form a department with a business or, within smaller organisations, perhaps the entire workforce could be classed as the team.
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The team will have proven success in encouraging one another’s strengths and leveraging these to achieve results.
Little Stars Childcare
Team of the Year entrant
Launched in 2011 as a childminding service, Little Stars Childcare has grown into a thriving business with three private nurseries and a wrap-around childcare service.
The Staffordshire Moorlands business, founded by Laura Hanson, now has 36 staff across the group and cares for around 130 children.
It includes a private nursery in Cheddleton and two private nurseries in Leek plus an after school childcare service.
Developments over the past year include collaboration with another local business to launch a support group for SEN children and parents providing guidance, reassurance and community connection.
Nursery manager Caitlin Taaffe said: “Our commitment to inclusion is central to everything we do. The support group reflects our belief that childcare providers should not only educate children but also empower families.
“Staff have undertaken additional training to better understand diverse learning needs, adapt environments and implement inclusive teaching approaches. These efforts ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, can thrive in a nurturing and supportive setting.”
The business has increased its focus on community engagement and social responsibility, including competing as a team in charity events.
Caitlin Taaffe has nominated Little Stars Childcare’s staff in the Team of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
She said: “The Little Stars Childcare team exemplifies what Team of the Year represents: dedication, resilience, compassion and a commitment to excellence.
“From our beginnings in childminding to the successful operation of three nurseries, from charitable fundraising to meaningful SEN support initiatives, our team has consistently gone above and beyond for children, families and the community.
“We are proud of what we have achieved together and excited about the positive impact we will continue to make in the future.
“We believe our journey, achievements and unwavering commitment to high-quality childcare make us strong contenders for this award and we would be honoured to be recognised as Team of the Year.”
The Courtyard by Marriott Keele Staffordshire
Team of the Year entrant
The Courtyard by Marriott Keele Staffordshire has been ranked number one for staff service across all hotels in its chain in the UK and 21st across the whole of Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
It also ranks number one in the UK for cleanliness (ninth across Europe, the Middle East and Africa) and achieved the highest Intent to Recommend score of all Courtyard by Marriott hotels in the UK placing it amongst the chain’s top performing hotels internationally.
Hotel Operations Manager Ryan Clackstone has nominated the entire Courtyard by Marriott Keele Staffordshire staff in the Team of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
He said: “Colleagues actively encourage one another, celebrate success and support each other during challenging times. This strong sense of unity has been essential in maintaining resilience, motivation and wellbeing in a demanding industry and directly contributes to the positive energy experienced by guests.
“Beyond the hotel, the team proudly represents Courtyard by Marriott Keele Staffordshire and the wider Staffordshire area. Through consistently high standards of service, strong local partnerships and warm engagement with visitors, the team enhances the region’s reputation as a welcoming destination for business, education and leisure.
“The Courtyard by Marriott Keele Staffordshire team has clearly demonstrated proven success in encouraging one another’s strengths and leveraging them to achieve exceptional results.
“Their industry-leading performance in staff service, cleanliness and guest loyalty, combined with a strong, inclusive team culture, makes them an outstanding and highly deserving winner of Team of the Year at University of Staffordshire Business Awards 2026.”
The 150-bedroom four star hotel opened in February 2021. It has a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, two meeting rooms and a fitness suite.