After seeing businesses and organisations stand up in the face of adversity and still succeed despite the difficulties of the past year, there is no doubt that the CoventryLive Business Awards 2021 will be extra special this year.

Celebrating the diverse business industry spanning across the city region, 12 awards will be handed out to the local people putting in admirable effort and showing inspiring ingenuity on a daily basis.

Enter here before the deadline on Friday, August 20.

Resuming in-person events after a year of virtual contact, the highly anticipated ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 14, live at the Coventry Building Society Arena. For more information about categories, sponsors and tickets, click here. Keep up-to-date and show your support by using #CovLiveBusinessAwards.



Coventry-based Aurelius Print Media’s high standards and potential in the world of digital print, signage and graphics won it the New Business of the Year Award in 2019. With a dedicated and professional team which has more than 30 years of industry knowledge, the company has been able to thrive and adapt since its win.

Director Indie Sidhu was very proud to be nominated for the award, she said: “To win the award was a massive team effort, and one we were all so grateful and happy to achieve.”

Though the pandemic has paused their plans of company expansion and team growth, it has also opened up different print avenues for diversify Aurelius Print Media’s output. With the world needing direction to navigate the confusing and difficult times, the business was able to provide social distancing signage to help.

Winning as a new business means that Indie has plenty of wise advice for the start-ups and inspired entrepreneurs. She said: “Always believe in what you do, never give up and keep a strong focus on what you are passionate about.

“Always rest assured that there is always help and advice out there for budding local entrepreneurs and new start-ups.”

With print demands always rising, the company is investing this year in a dye sub digital printer, expanding on its current capacity to print up to 5m. With employees able to return as restrictions lift, the business is offering special ‘welcome back to work’ banners and fresh office branding for those wanting to impress their workforce.



Aurelius Print Media and host Jeremy Vine
Aurelius Print Media and host Jeremy Vine

If you think your business could scoop one of the titles below, enter here before the deadline on Friday, August 20.

The categories for the CoventryLive Business Awards 2021 are:

COVID Defiance Award

The last year has seen unprecedented pressure on businesses of all shapes and sizes but, while some have struggled, others have flourished. This one-off category will recognise those companies which have faced the challenge of Covid-19 head on and found new ways to succeed. Have you pivoted to create a new product or service or even launched a whole new division during the pandemic? Maybe you created jobs rather than lost staff as the pandemic presented new opportunities.

Third Sector Organisation of the Year

Calling all charities, not-for-profit organisations, campaigners and volunteer groups – here is your chance to showcase your work and achievements. We want to hear from large and small charities, hospices, third sector organisations and non-profits that are helping those in need, bringing about real social change or raising awareness and campaigning on key issues.

Green Business of the Year

Entrants will be asked to describe their policies around sustainability as well as demonstrate how they handle certain productions. Judges will focus on businesses that have used sustainability to improve performance and have shown investments within their products and/or services to make themselves more sustainable as a company. Entries are welcome from all sectors.

CSR Project of the Year

Sponsored by Barclays

This category will recognise those businesses which have gone above and beyond with their corporate social responsibilities. It is open to companies which have run either one-off projects or long-term, ongoing initiatives aimed at engaging businesses with the local community and bringing about great social benefit. Judges will be looking for demonstrable, positive outcomes which show how a company’s CSR activities have delivered clear, tangible and lasting benefits.

Retail Business of the Year

This category covers online, boutique and high-street retailers rising to the challenges of this sector’s ever-changing economic landscape. Entries from independents, chains, department stores, shopping centres and e-commerce sites are all welcome for this category.

Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya Award for Manufacturer of the Year

This category celebrates companies that have upheld the manufacturing traditions of the Coventry area while continuing to strengthen the regional economy. All finalists will demonstrate a dedication to manufacturing excellence with emphasis placed on quality, sales performance, sustainability and investment. Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya was an immense loss to the business and academic landscape of Coventry and Warwickshire when he passed away – but he has left behind an amazing legacy. Britain’s first ever Professor of Manufacturing, Lord Bhattacharyya was the founder of Warwick Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick, which he grew into a world-renowned centre for innovation and collaboration. To pay tribute to the well respected academic and business leader this award is dedicated to him.

Property and Construction Business of the Year

We are looking for entries from companies whose primary business activity is property, estate management, regeneration, construction or development.

Professional Services Firm of the Year

The companies nominated for this award will have demonstrable strengths in service excellence, business growth, innovation, technology, training and personal development. This category covers all professional services companies and judges will be looking for those achieving and surpassing measurable business goals on behalf of their clients.

International Trade and Export Award

Sponsored by Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

This award will reward an organisation that has generated substantial and sustained increases in export activity. The judges will be tasked with considering all aspects of the company, looking at their unique offering and business approach, as well as the level of international trade achieved and the measurable financial results of this. Entries are welcome from all sectors.

New Business of the Year

Sponsored by Askews

We are welcoming entries from companies across all sectors that have been in business for up to three years – as of October 14, 2021. Entries must showcase the contribution the nominee has made to the region and its future plans for success. Judges will assess business plans, achievements to date and potential for growth within the next few years.

Small Business of the Year

This category is open to companies which normally employ no more than 75 full-time members of staff and have shown marked success over the year. Judges will consider the prospective growth and development opportunities for the future of each business. Entries are welcome from all sectors.

Company of the Year

Sponsored by CityFibre

Please do not enter this category as the winner will be selected from the winners of the other business related categories. This is the premier accolade for the CoventryLive Business Awards 2021.

  • Entries close on Friday, August 20, 2021.
  • The CoventryLive Business Awards 2021 will take place on Thursday, October 14, live at the Coventry Building Society Arena. For more information, visit the online hub: www.coventrylivebusinessawards.co.uk #CovLiveBusinessAwards