Most will be hoping for a different forecast from the past two as we approach the new year; leaving the ‘new normal’ and ‘unprecedented times’ in 2020 and 2021.

But what businesses can take into their future endeavours is the ingenuity, resilience and astonishing tenacity which has truly thrived throughout the uncertainty.

So why not start 2022 with the chance to see all of your success recognised?

The Stoke-on-Trent BusinessLive Awards 2022, headline sponsored by Staffordshire University, are rewarding the hard work put in by local entrepreneurs and companies, reuniting the community for a night of positivity and celebration.

Following the entry deadline of Monday, January 10 and an intense judging process by our panel of distinguished experts, the winners will be announced at the grand black-tie ceremony on Thursday, April 28, 2022. For more information click here.



There has been a revolution of supporting local throughout the pandemic, whether it was simply down to logistics in lockdown or that brilliant sense of community which got us through.

Continuing this, local businesses have stepped forward to support this year’s Stoke-on-Trent Business Awards, helping to showcase the brilliance of the city.

Find out more about them below…

Science and Technology

Headline sponsor Staffordshire University is a civic university which is committed to improving the regional economy, quality of life and development of higher level skills in local industries and businesses.

Associate Dean of Employer Partnerships and Enterprise, Marek Hornak said: “We have sponsored this event over a number of years and see it as a brilliant opportunity to recognise the achievements of new and established businesses. This is central to our commitment as a civic university and it’s important we are engaging with our wider business community at every level.

“I’d encourage all our local companies to put themselves forward for these awards and achieve recognition for how they’re innovating and doing business differently.

“Innovation and enterprise are key to the nation’s recovery from Covid and business growth in our region. Our Innovation Enterprise Zone offers opportunities for businesses involved in advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, sustainable transport and digital sectors.”

Innovation in Business

The Staffordshire Business Innovation Centre is a vital key to the success of the region. It encourages and promotes innovation within Staffordshire by helping individuals and companies with their innovations, providing advice and funding as part of a European network.

Geoff Riley, CEO, said: “We are delighted to be a part of the Stoke business awards once again. Innovation is at the forefront of what we do and we are pleased to see companies in Stoke-on-Trent continuing to develop innovative new products or services.”



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From left: Geoff Riley of Staffordshire Business Innovation Centre, Jon Dudley of Dains and Ross Edwards of Erwin Hymer Travelworld Centre

Growth Award

Dains is firmly entrenched in the local business community, with offices across the Midlands and the commitment to working with small companies ambitious for growth, alongside multinational clients.

Jon Dudley, audit partner, said: “Dains is delighted to be supporting the Stoke-on-Trent BusinessLive Awards 2022; we have a rich and longstanding history with the awards.

“The Growth category, which we have sponsored for many years, gives an insight into some of the truly entrepreneurial businesses locally, where critically, the category does not differentiate by headline revenue. It highlights those businesses experiencing strong and positive growth and, in our experience, this trend is propelled by the underlying drive and vision of the management and commitment of the team.

Shine a spotlight on your most notable achievements by entering online today.

Entries close on Monday, January 10, 2022.

“North Staffordshire has had its fair share of well-known businesses that have enjoyed exceptional growth over the past few years and from our experience, it is incredibly exciting as well as being a privilege to be part of this journey.

“The Stoke-on-Trent BusinessLive Awards are a highlight of our calendar each year and we eagerly await the nominees for the awards in spring 2022. We wish all the nominees the best of luck and hope to meet with you very soon.”

Entrepreneur of the Year

Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld and the Edwards family have been serving the motorhome community in the UK since 1964. Located just off junction 14 of the M6, the showroom provides the opportunity for a lifetime of adventures.

Ross Edwards, managing director Travelworld, said: “Succeeding in these difficult times has required entrepreneurial spirit, something that my team has shown in spades.

“It’s for that reason that we are proud to be backing the Stoke-on-Trent BusinessLive Awards 2022, and particularly the Entrepreneur of the Year category, to recognise those in our region who have quickly adapted to the changing landscape to grow business, turn profit and provide jobs to the local community.

“I am looking forward to the awards and hearing some amazing success stories.”

Business in the Community

Family-run Rydale Roofing was established in Newcastle-under-Lyme in 1993 and has developed a reputation of honesty, reliability and top workmanship.

Julie Mirowski, director at Rydale Roofing, said: “We’ve decided to sponsor the Business in the Community award. We know companies in the area covered by the Sentinel are generous with their time and we’re looking forward to reading about what business leaders are doing.

“Social responsibility in business is part of our ethos and we believe that putting back in to the community is a business essential and that local companies should be embedded in their communities.”

High-Performing Team of the Year

Fiona Hawkins, managing director of PlinkFizz, is passionate about the category which the marketing agency is sponsoring. PlinkFizz’s team of 15 specialists use their expertise and passion to create strong relationships with clients to help them achieve their goals.

Fiona said: “We’re looking for businesses that have delivered innovation through effective teamworking and have embraced the opportunity that the last 12 months has provided, particularly in the use of new processes, systems and digital channels.

“We believe that with the right culture, this can be achieved by businesses of any size, from start-ups to corporates and every business size in between.”



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From left: Fiona Hawkins of PlinkFlizz, Mark Inskip of Brewin Dolphin and Council Leader Simon Tagg of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council

Business of the Year

Brewin Dolphin has more than 30 offices across Britain and Ireland, offering the technical skill and personal understanding necessary to unlock successful wealth management.

Mark Inskip, divisional director and senior financial planner, said: “Brewin Dolphin has been involved with the Stoke-on-Trent BusinessLive Awards for many years because we believe that there are fantastic businesses in our area that need to be recognised for their success and celebrated.

“We have chosen to sponsor the business of the year as enables us to highlight the very best of these business and give them the recognition they deserve.”

Small Business of the Year

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is proud to be associated with the Stoke-on-Trent BusinessLive Awards.

Council Leader Simon Tagg said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the Small Business of the Year category. We provide a lot of support to local businesses and want to help shout their fantastic achievements from the rooftops, especially as they recover from the impact of the pandemic.

“Small businesses are an important part of our local economy. They also bring some much-needed diversity to a high street and are starting to thrive again, something which is really evident in Newcastle-under-Lyme as we embark upon an ambitious, once-in-a-lifetime regeneration programme.

“As well as a variety of established names, including traders based on our growing market, we’re seeing a number of new venues opening up which is a clear sign of increased confidence in the town centre. I’m sure our category is going to attract a lot of competition, not only from the borough but the wider area as well.”

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Sponsoring drinks this year for all attendees to enjoy will be Stoke-on-Trent City BID, with We Are Staffordshire as brochure sponsors.

  • BusinessLive and Stoke-on-TrentLive thanks all of the sponsors this year for their support.
  • The Stoke-on-Trent BusinessLive Awards 2022 are open for entries until January 10, 2022, with the grand ceremony taking place on Thursday, April 28, 2022. To enter or find out more information click here.