The Winners

Bright Assessing was set up by Krissy Charles-Jones in 2009 and now employs over 50 members of staff. Specialising in delivering Assessor, Verifier and Teacher training to the highest standards available, Bright also assists its trainees to develop their career and find work through its network of partners and "New Assessor”, a recently developed arm of the business. 

Judges said that Bright Assessing was a simple idea that was executed with passion, determination and vision. The business has demonstrated an impressive rate of growth in a competitive market and generated many new jobs in the district.

Grants Bakeries is a small artisan bakery located in Stratford upon Avon town centre. Craig Blackman started the business in October 2011 with only one baker but has rapidly expanded and currently employs two full time bakers, one apprentice and two part time drivers. Being the only bakery in Stratford upon Avon, he is providing local businesses with the opportunity to source locally produced breads with locally sourced ingredients. 

Our judges saw a clear passion about the product at Grants Bakeries - their commitment to using local suppliers and training apprentices in their artisan production methods was commendable and they have filled a niche in Stratford upon Avon.

The Sew Me Something sewing emporium offers something a little different. Based in the Minories, the business boasts an old-fashioned fabric and haberdashery shop on the lower floor where customers can purchase a range of products, from ethically-sourced fabric to every kind of sewing paraphernalia and a range of craft products. On the upper floor you will find a bright studio where a number of popular workshops are held for adults and children. Sew Me Something is a popular destination for locals as well as visitors to the town.  

Judges said that Sew Me Something is a unique concept that would appeal to all ages. It’s a ‘destination’ store that would draw people in to the town centre – with staff going the extra mile to be helpful.

25 years ago, Lilliput was run from a garage. Today, this successful company operates from retail premises in Stratford upon Avon. The shop sells high quality as-new baby equipment and toys, giving customers the opportunity to turn their unwanted items into cash and very importantly preventing waste by encouraging the recycling of goods. 

Judges said that Lilliput reuse and recycle unwanted children's equipment - saving it from going to landfill, and testing each item rigorously to provide parents with a cost-conscious and environmentally friendly approach to buying for their children.

Each member of the team involved in the running of the Civic Hall in Stratford play their own vital role in ensuring that this community arts venue’s events run without a hitch. The team are very well known locally and show total commitment in promoting the community arts scene in our town. 

Our judges felt that the Civic Hall team's clear and unflappable enthusiasm is essential to the success of the Civic Hall. The team's efficiency, professionalism and 'can do' attitude was clear to see from their nomination.

The One Elm is a well-loved locals’ pub nestled in the heart of the town. Renowned for serving great locally brewed ales and good old fashioned home cooked favourites, The One Elm’s main aim is to ensure all of their guests receive the warmest of welcomes. Staff training and engaging closely with their customers enable them to deliver an experience that keeps customers coming back for more. 

Judges said that the One Elm take an almost fanatical approach to customer care and make sure that they go the extra mile in an intensely competitive environment.

  

Judges said that Adam and Lexi have grown PetShopBowl.co.uk from a start-up company to a successful business. With Princes Trust backing they have braved tough economic times and demonstrated a commitment to the local community by providing apprenticeship opportunities.

Denys Shortt OBE is a serial entrepreneur with several businesses based in Stratford upon Avon. From humble beginnings in 1994, Denys has sold over £1 billion worth of health, beauty and household brands. Denys was awarded an OBE in the New Years Honours list for his significant contribution to business and the economy.

Commenting on their decision, the judges felt that Denys' contribution to the Stratford upon Avon economy and community was outstanding. Denys plays a huge role in business and the community and mentors new businesses to encourage growth.

Judges were impressed that the event welcomed both locals and tourists and enhanced the status of Stratford upon Avon as a place that's great at holding world-class events.

Orchestra of the Swan has its home in Stratford upon Avon but is a regional, national and international Cultural Ambassador for the town. The orchestra performs at major concert venues and festivals in the UK and also commissions some of the UK’s leading composers. Orchestra of the Swan has recently been awarded the highly prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society "Composer in the House” award, appointing Huw Watkins to the post. 

The judges said that the Orchestra of the Swan is a world renowned orchestra who make classical music accessible to everyone. They go to great lengths to engage with the local community.

Francis Prentice is an altruistic, energetic man who has used his vision and enthusiasm to the benefit of the town. He is the founder and original Chair of the local Rotary club’s Marathon event which raises approximately £50,000 per year for local causes. He founded The Shakespeare Hospice Trust in 1990 and served as Chair for 13 years. It is no exaggeration to say that without Francis’ commitment to improving quality of life for people in Stratford on Avon district, The Shakespeare Hospice would not exist today. 

Judges chose Francis because of his outstanding commitment to the Stratford community through his work with both the Shakespeare Hospice and the Lions Club.  

Martin Gorick has been a fantastic Chaplain to the RSC and a wonderful Vicar for Stratford upon Avon, celebrating not only the special qualities of Holy Trinity, but also providing a warm and welcoming church and ministry to everyone who wanted to be a part of it. 

Judges chose Martin because he’s been at the centre of life in Stratford upon Avon for over a decade.

Kevin (or "Kev” to his colleagues) has worked on behalf of Heart of England Mencap for 3 years. Kev has worked tirelessly with one customer in particular to improve their life and as a result the customer has been able to participate in social environments where he could have been excluded previously. 

Our judges were inspired by Kevin’s story in his very powerful nomination. They said it’s clear that Kevin has found his vocation in caring and always goes the ‘extra mile’ to care for others.

Juliet has worked in the educational sector for over 35 years - from working in schools teaching through to owning her own locally-renowned dance school Mezzoforte. Her drive to inspire young people to believe in themselves and aim high is outstanding.

Our judges said that for 35 years, Juliet has inspired young people from across Stratford on Avon District to believe that they can do more – her commitment to her students is simply outstanding.

At just sixteen years old, Verney has overcome a number of challenges through hard work and determination to succeed. Verney has won several school awards for his continued academic success, has represented the town at the Shakespeare Birthday celebrations as well as meeting the Queen at the official opening of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Judges said that Verney demonstrated outstanding achievements in a very short time - winning awards both in school and through his work at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Verney has also represented the town, meeting the Queen on her recent visit - and has recently set up his own business providing magic at corporate events and weddings.

When Mat Davis was diagnosed with an inoperable cancerous brain tumour in 2009, he was just 20 years old. Mat had already supported his mum through Breast Cancer and his grandmother through both Lung Cancer and Skin Cancer. When he received his diagnosis, Mat was determined to support Cancer Research UK. He arranged Bingo Nights, had his legs waxed and began an attempt to cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats. Mat suffered a seizure in Manchester and was unable to finish his cycle ride but raised thousands of pounds for the charity. Mat lost his battle on 3rd November 2012 at the Myton Hospice in Warwick.

Mat’s family accepted a special award in his memory. As they collected his award, the song that was at number one when he died was played – Rihanna’s ‘Diamonds’

On 9th February 2011, Private Conrad Lewis from Claverdon became the 353rd British soldier to be killed in Afghanistan. Since his death, his family have set up 353 – a not-for-profit organization which raises thousands of pounds for a variety of troop charities. Tony, Sandy, Jordan and Siobhan are an inspirational family and accepted a special award for their efforts.