(Pictured Jenny Amphlett of Staffordshire University and Jason Howlett (CEO of GivEnergy)

It is the second year that the University has worked with partner organisations and businesses around the region to celebrate the very best of the business community.

Professor Martin Jones, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Staffordshire University, said: “Our inaugural awards took place last year when more than 330 guests attended the awards ceremony here at The Catalyst where accolades were presented across 11 categories.

“Now again, we are gearing up to recognise and reward the skill, talent, creativity and endeavour of the business community here in Staffordshire and beyond. The awards campaign will shine a light on the best employers, entrepreneurs and innovators.

“This reinforces our commitment to being a Civic University and a catalyst for change – not only for our own students and staff but for the wider communities we serve.”

Martin Tideswell, Director of Communities and Commercial Engagement at Staffordshire University, said: “It is terrific to be able to start the new year off with such a positive event signalling the beginning of our nomination process for the Awards which will highlight scores of great businesses and business people in the coming months.

“Staffordshire University is a Civic University with a stated aim of championing the communities it serves and our flagship awards are a key component of this strategy.

“The real value of this campaign is, of course, the relationships that are formed as a result of the connections made and we are very proud to be helping to lead the conversation about good businesses here in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire – along with our many partners and supporters.”

The sponsors of The Staffordshire University Business Awards include Stoke-on-Trent City Council, GivEnergy, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Beswicks, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, KMF, SGFleet, Stoke-on-Trent College, Synectics Solutions, Plinkfizz, Dains, Rydale Roofing, Brewin Dolphin, Stoke City FC and The Supply Register.

The categories include Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Young Business Person of the Year, Team of the Year, The Innovation Award, The Growth Award, The Skills for the Future Award, The Business in the Community Award, Alumni Business Person of the Year and The Lifetime Achievement Award.

Nomination articles about entrants will be shared every day, Monday to Friday, until the entries close on June 1, 2024. Judging will take place in July and the awards will culminate in a black tie dinner and awards ceremony in the University’s Catalyst building on September 5, 2024.

To find out more about Staffordshire University Business Awards, including how to enter, visit www.staffsbizawards.co.uk or contact Je***************@*******ac.uk