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.
Longton Exchange Shopping Centre
Team of the Year 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.
The Beaconside Group
Team of the Year nominee
The Beaconside Group in Stafford is a thriving hub of business, enterprise and community activity, defying industry trends to create a unique and expanding offer.
The 45-acre site is home to more than 50 businesses across a range of sectors, some employing more than 50 staff.
Alongside the business village there is a conference and events division and a sports and fitness centre, making Beaconside an integral part of the local economy.
Over the last 12 months the business has continued to deliver significant growth, achieving a revenue increase of 17.8% while managing a unique and complex commercial site. This success has been driven by a small but highly committed team whose dedication, collaboration and customer-first approach underpin everything they do.
The Beaconside Group’s staff have been nominated in the Team of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards by Ben Dyer of The Inspirational Learning Group. Ben’s own business is based at Beaconside and he is also a consultant for the group.
Ben said: “What makes this team stand out is their ability to deliver large-scale operational excellence with a relatively small workforce. From supporting long-standing business tenants and attracting new occupiers, to delivering conferences, corporate events, community bookings and sports centre operations, every part of the customer journey relies on the team working seamlessly together.
“The team is hands-on, proactive and genuinely invested in the success of the businesses and organisations based on site. They are often the first point of contact and the reason customers stay. Whether solving issues quickly, supporting last-minute event requirements, helping tenants grow within the business village or ensuring the venue is presented to the highest possible standard, they consistently go above and beyond.
“Their collaborative culture has been central to maintaining high occupancy levels, growing event revenues and strengthening The Beaconside Group’s reputation as a trusted business hub in Staffordshire.
“They have successfully transformed a former university site into a thriving commercial ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship, employment and regional economic growth.”
He added: “They are not simply a team managing buildings they are a team creating opportunity, supporting businesses and helping shape the future of Staffordshire enterprise.
“For their outstanding performance, continued growth and unwavering commitment to customer excellence, The Beaconside Group is a highly deserving winner of Team of the Year.”
The Inspirational Learning Group
Team of the Year entrant
Founded by University of Staffordshire alumni, The Inspirational Learning Group has become one of the UK’s leading careers, enterprise and employability education providers.
From its base in Stafford it works with schools, colleges, employers and international partners to create meaningful opportunities for young people.
With projected turnover now exceeding £1.5 million and strong recurring revenues across education and corporate partnerships, the business has continued to grow despite challenging economic conditions and increasing pressure across the education sector.
Stoke-on-Trent born cousins Ben and Michael Dyer founded the business in 2013 while they were both still studying at University of Staffordshire.
From humble beginnings, working from a rented office on the University of Staffordshire campus, TILG has become a market-leader in the careers education sector, with its flagship The National Careers Challenge now the largest school enterprise competition in the UK.
The team supports thousands of students, teachers and employers each year through initiatives such as The National Careers Challenge, which has now reached more than 750,000 young people across the UK and internationally.
Ben said: “The team’s ability to deliver at this scale while maintaining quality, energy and strong customer relationships is what makes them exceptional. They work across live events, national finals, in-school delivery, digital platform management and employer partnerships, often balancing multiple major projects at once. Their commitment to customer service, innovation and educational impact consistently goes beyond expectation.
“Entrepreneurship sits at the centre of TILG’s story. Founded with a vision to transform careers education and bridge the gap between education and employment, the business has grown from a start-up into a nationally recognised organisation working with some of the biggest employers in the UK, including NatWest, British Airways, Air Products, Wickes, GE Vernova and AtkinsRéalis.
“This entrepreneurial journey has required resilience, risk-taking and constant innovation. From building The National Careers Challenge into the UK’s largest enterprise competition, to launching the Lightbulb platform and leading new work around Equalex and Modern Work Experience, TILG has consistently stayed ahead of policy change and market demand rather than reacting to it.
“The business is now helping shape how schools and employers approach the Government’s 10-day work experience guarantee, positioning itself as a true market leader in this space.”
He added: “Most importantly, TILG creates genuine change. It helps young people build confidence, develop employability skills and connect with real employers and real opportunities. It supports schools in delivering meaningful careers education at scale and helps employers engage with future talent in a way that creates measurable social value.
“What makes TILG stand out is the combination of exceptional teamwork, entrepreneurial leadership, commercial resilience and long-term purpose. It is not simply a successful business it is a business making a meaningful difference.”
The Inspirational Learning Group has entered the Team of the Year and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards. Ben and Michael Dyer have entered the Entrepreneur of the Year, Alumni Business Person of the Year and Young Business Person of the Year categories.
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.
Alice Charity
Team of the Year entrant
Alice Charity is a beacon of compassion, dignity and hope in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme - a community rooted organisation driven by the belief that every child deserves safety, joy and opportunity.
Its mission is shaped by profound need within Stoke on Trent which is officially one of the most deprived local authorities in England, ranked 13th out of 317.
In 2025 Alice Charity supported 9,874 children, provided 11,880 meals and welcomed 3,479 parents and toddlers to its Big Cup groups.
90% of Alice Charity’s service users report an improvement in their home conditions, reduced isolation or improvement in physical health. 95% of service users report an improvement in parenting skills, self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth. 100% report am improvement in positive family interactions.
The charity’s team of 14 employees delivers care with skill, compassion and unwavering commitment. They are supported by 21 volunteers, who last year contributed 4,734 hours of their time.
Heather Sheldon, CEO of Alice Charity, said: “Alice Charity listens deeply to the children and families it serves. It adapts, evolves and innovates in ways that meet people where they are - whether that means offering evening support, expanding volunteer pathways, improving safeguarding approaches or strengthening early intervention.
“With transparent governance, strong ethical values and a culture built on dignity, kindness and respect, Alice Charity is more than a service provider - we are a lifeline.
“We keep families together, strengthen our community, lift children out of crisis, and build a brighter, safer, more hopeful future for every child.”
Alice Charity has entered the Team of the Year and Business in the Community (charity) categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Hockerhill Playbarn
Team of the Year nominee
A farm diversification business was launched less than two years ago but is already award-winning and employing 26 members of staff.
Chillington Playbarn Ltd, operating as Hockerhill Playbarn in Brewood, opened for business in March 2024 and has just won a national award for Best Food and Beverage at the NFAN Awards 2026.
It was launched by farmers Tessa and Charlie Giffard, of the Chillington Hall Estate, who quickly brought on board a head chef and a general manager, Sophie Galantini, who is University of Staffordshire alumna.
The all-weather indoor and outdoor attraction has a large, themed play area with a central great oak structure, a café, pedal go-karts, ziplines and a sensory den.
The business set out to include the surrounding villages as much as possible, with a loyalty scheme for local residents.
Local villagers have got behind the project and research has shown that 46% of visitors are returning customers, highlighting the positive impact it is having on the local community.
The team pride themselves in supporting local events, schools and charities by offering vouchers and family visits. Hockerhill ensures that all children regardless of their background or ability can have access to a fun and safe environment. Monthly SEN sessions have proved popular and they have made the space as wheelchair friendly as possible.
Chillington Playbarn Ltd has been nominated in the Start-up Business of the Year and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by General Manager Sophie Galantini.
She said: “Hockerhill is committed to excellence in everything they do. From the design of their facilities to customer service, they put their heart and soul into ensuring a top-quality experience for every visitor. These values reflect Hockerhill’s desire to create a positive and lasting impact on families, communities and the development of children.
“Through their commitment to the local community, they listen to customer feedback and strive to increase customer demands and expectations. With the increase in revenue, they hope to expand the site to be able to offer more in the coming months and years.
“This family run business will hopefully continue for generations to come, with the Giffards’ own children often popping in to say hello to the staff or help with washing up, hopefully instilling a good work ethic and passion for their family business.”