102 Touch FM

Judges will be looking for a clear business plan and achievement of stated business objectives. An understanding of the market and how the company meets the needs of its customers must be shown (evidence of training and development of the workforce, and then understanding and commitment of staff of all levels towards the business vision, are key criteria). Judges will also take account of a positive commitment to the local community.

NFU Mutual is The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. A member of the Association of British Insurers.

For businesses which employ fewer than ten full-time staff.  Judges will be looking for a clear business plan and the ability to demonstrate achievement of business objectives. Clear understanding of the market and customers’ needs must be shown.  

The district has the largest number of small businesses in Warwickshire and the Council is well aware of the contribution small business makes to the local economy. The Pride of Stratford awards is an excellent idea and the Council is delighted to sponsor the Small Business of the Year category. 

The Council’s Corporate Strategy seeks to develop a district where business and enterprise can flourish. The Council recognises that Stratford-upon-Avon and other market towns and larger settlements are in need of new investment. Local entrepreneurship needs to be fostered and infrastructure improved so that new businesses are established and fledgling local businesses are able to grow. We have the largest number of small businesses compared to the rest of Warwickshire and the contribution they make to the local economy is immense. The Small Business of the Year award is something which will not only recognise the success of an individual company but will hopefully inspire other small businesses.   

In this category, members of the public can nominate their favourite outlets in Stratford Town Centre. The top five will be short-listed and mystery shopped. Marks will be given based on factors such as store layout, customer service level, product availability and quality. From these mystery shops, a winner will be selected. Category open to Town Centre retailers, bars and restaurants.

Stratforward are more than aware of the range, breadth and depth of quality businesses we have within our excellent town centre and would urge as many possible nominations into this category.

The judges will be looking for a business which is truly embracing environmental and sustainable practices to lower their carbon footprint and reduce their impact on the environment. The judges will be looking for evidence of commitment to making green policies central to their company ethos.

Lodders Solicitors LLP is a leading law firm based in Stratford upon Avon, Henley in Arden and Cirencester. The firm, which celebrated its 225th Anniversary this year, offers clients a personal, professional and practical service with proven expertise.

Lodders Solicitors LLP takes its corporate and social responsibilities to its employees, the environment and local community very seriously. The firm is a member of Legal Sector Alliance, a movement of law firms and organisations committed to taking action on climate change by reducing their carbon footprint and adopting environmentally sustainable practices. These include reducing our paper consumption, increasing what we recycle and scrutinising our energy usage. We are pleased to sponsor the Green Business of the Year Award and to recognize firms which have the same environmental commitments as ourselves.

Team of the Year - with Premier Inn

Employers can nominate three or more people who either work together usually, or just for a particular project. Judges will be looking for teams which have made a significant contribution to the business, showing commitment to team working and mutual support and respect. 

Award-winning Premier Inn is the UK’s biggest hotel brand with over 600 budget hotels and more than 46,000 rooms across the UK and Ireland. The chain supports WaterAid, the international charity whose mission is to overcome poverty by enabling the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. To date Premier Inn has raised £1m for the charity.
 
Earlier this year Premier Inn opened their 600th hotel, Stratford upon Avon Central, in the majestic town, which was a great milestone for the brand and celebrated by comedian Lenny Henry who was on hand to help cut the ribbon! The success of this hotel has been so great that Premier Inn is set to open its second hotel, Stratford upon Avon North Waterways, to the public in February 2012, creating 41 jobs within the community, whilst bringing a further investment of £6 million into the local economy.

This is where the public comes in. If you have received outstanding treatment when all you were expecting was hassle, this is the award for you! Judges will be looking for cases where customers are treated with care, courtesy and respect.

In addition to traditional landlord services for our general needs stock, we also have dedicated teams providing services to supported and sheltered housing customers and leaseholders. Our Mission of ‘Building brighter futures for people and communities’ demonstrates our approach to changing peoples’ lives for the better. 

The judges will be looking for a business person who shows a genuine entrepreneurial spirit and has contributed to the business community in Stratford upon Avon. 

Supporting business growth is key to the success of the region and we are proud to be sponsoring Pride of Stratford's 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Our town is reliant upon tourists – and it is important that we recognise the attractions that bring tourists from around the UK and around the world. Judges will be looking for a tourist attraction that adds value to the town and provides a real reason for tourists to visit. They’ll take into account previous visitor feedback and recommendations when making their decision. 

Ten years ago it was a derelict gas works site; in 2012 it will be the only Midlands venue at the 2012 Olympics when 12 men’s and women’s football matches will be staged and one of the world’s biggest bands, Coldplay, will be kicking off their UK summer stadium tour at the Ricoh.

No awards ceremony in Shakespeare’s birthplace would be complete without recognising the rich and diverse arts scene that exists throughout the town. This award is open to all arts organisations, whether profit or non-profit making. Judges will be looking for an organisation that engages with the local community, supports local talent and contributes to the culture of the area.

MPF Group are based on the outskirts of Stratford upon Avon and close to the heart of the motorway network. Established since 1996, we have a wealth of experience in all sectors of our businesses from transport, storage and logistics to contract packing, print and recruitment.

MPFs philosophy is purely simplicity for our customers whilst delivering a premium, cost effective and quality service throughout. - the recruitment division has grown dramatically over the last 18 months within the driving and industrial sector offering both permanent and temporary placements.

Our customers range from small-medium businesses to multi-national blue chips such as Britvic, Cadbury, Jamie Oliver and Halfords to name a few. Our multiple sites allow us the flexibility and control to deliver on time with our customers only have to make one call

MPF Group support local talent and sponsor football clubs such as Stratford Youth Football Club and Redditch United. We are proud sponsors of the Arts Organisation of the Year.

Judges will be looking for individuals whose selfless efforts have left a lasting impression on the lives of others and who have made a significant contribution to improving life in Stratford upon Avon.   

The Trust would particularly like to recognise those people whose valiant and selfless efforts go unnoticed – people who give up their time to help others, not because they are looking for reward, but because they care.

This award is designed to recognise the work of hundreds of carers in Stratford upon Avon. Judges will be looking to choose one individual who has gone beyond the call of duty and exceeded the expectations of their role.

"Helping Hands has been providing quality home care since 1989, we have now grown into one of the largest, most experienced providers in the country. Whether it’s short-term respite, convalescent, companionship care or to help with very high dependency needs, Helping Hands home care can be the solution that enables you to stay in your own home. We operate a premier care service that enables independence and choice while providing comfort, companionship and support , whether it be half an hour a week or 24 hours a day.

We are incredibly proud of our Carers and the impact on the lives they have on those they care for and are delighted to be sponsoring Carer of the Year."

This award recognises a person whose teaching, leadership or mentoring has inspired others to achieve more in their education and career.  Judges will be looking for either an individual or an organisation that has made a real difference in their students' lives.

As a company, it fully understands the value of attracting and recruiting top talent into a growing business and is very pleased to be sponsoring the Educator of the Year Award - to recognise those people that teach, inspire and lead others to get the maximum from their education and careers.

This special award recognises the work of an individual who makes an outstanding contribution to life in Stratford upon Avon. Judges will be looking for an ambassador to the town whose contribution to our local area improves life for residents and visitors, and whose commitment is outstanding.

Download a nomination pack for the Pride of Stratford Awards 2012 with DCS