Businesses and charities recognised at University of Staffordshire Awards
The University of Staffordshire has spotlighted the region’s most innovative and impactful organisations at the 2025 Business Awards, recognising achievements across sustainability, growth, and community engagement.
More than 360 guests attended the black-tie ceremony at the Catalyst Building, where winners were announced in 14 categories ranging from Business of the Year to Start-up of the Year. The evening reflected not only commercial success but also the role of business in driving social and environmental responsibility.
Recognising sustainable innovation
Eco-packaging pioneer Woolcool emerged as one of the evening’s most celebrated names, securing both Business of the Year and Team of the Year. Founded with a mission to provide natural insulation solutions, Woolcool has long been at the forefront of sustainable packaging, offering an alternative to plastics and foams for cold-chain logistics. The company’s win highlighted how environmentally conscious innovation can be scaled successfully without compromising commercial performance.
Another sustainability-linked recognition went to Reliance Medical, winner of the Innovation Award. Their development of advanced first aid and healthcare solutions demonstrates the breadth of sustainable thinking, where product design and resource efficiency are playing an increasing role in the medical supply chain.
Growth with responsibility
Trentham Foods, a £45 million turnover business, took home The Growth Award while Company Director Jacob Durkin won Young Business Person of the Year. Their recognition illustrates how growth and entrepreneurial drive are being shaped by consumer expectations for responsible sourcing and lower-carbon supply chains in the food sector.
Meanwhile, Promtek, a process automation and instrumentation firm, was named Small Business of the Year, demonstrating how efficiency-driven technology contributes to lower resource consumption and stronger sustainability outcomes for manufacturers.
Community at the heart
Two organisations stood out for their impact on local communities. Alice Charity, which supports disadvantaged and vulnerable families, was honoured with the Business in the Community Award (Charity). Brown Recycling, a waste management and recycling business, received the Business in the Community Award (Business) for its role in reducing landfill dependency and promoting circular economy practices in Staffordshire.
Longton Exchange shopping centre was recognised with the High Street Impact Award, underlining the importance of re-energising town centres and ensuring retail spaces adapt to modern social and environmental expectations. At the same time, Kiln at Number 12, located within the centre, won Start-up Business of the Year, reflecting a rising interest in community-focused and sustainable enterprise models.
Celebrating people shaping the future
Beyond organisations, the awards honoured individuals shaping future business landscapes. Alistair Trippett of Heywoods Estate Agents was named Entrepreneur of the Year. Squadron Sergeant Major Santanu Pradhan, serving with the Brigade of Gurkhas, received Apprentice of the Year, while Martin Barker of Qualsurv Marine Consulting was recognised as Alumni Business Person of the Year.
Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Alan Ault of Valentine Clays and Angela Morris of Woolcool, both celebrated for their long-standing contributions to regional industry and innovation.
A catalyst for change
Professor Martin Jones, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of University of Staffordshire, emphasised the wider importance of the awards.
“Organising a business awards campaign reinforces our commitment to being a civic university and a catalyst for change not only for our own students but for the communities within which we are based,” he said.
“The awards are not a one-evening event, but a year-long celebration of business successes within our region. On the evening, we recognise and reward the skill, creativity and endeavour of the business community in Staffordshire and of alumni based around the world. This year, we have attracted an incredible 224 entries, with more than 90 outstanding Staffordshire companies within the Catalyst Building.”
Broader sustainability context
Across the UK, sustainability has become central to business awards and recognition schemes. Increasingly, accolades highlight not just profit margins but also environmental impact, innovation in resource use, and contributions to local communities. From eco-packaging to recycling and renewable energy, companies are under growing pressure to align their strategies with climate goals and social responsibility commitments.
The University of Staffordshire’s awards reflect this shift, showcasing enterprises that are embedding sustainability at the heart of their growth strategies. By awarding both established firms and new start-ups, the initiative recognises the ecosystem of change needed for long-term impact.
Sponsors and supporters
The event was backed by a wide range of local and national organisations, including Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, and corporate partners such as KMF Group, SG Fleet UK, and RBC Brewin Dolphin. Their involvement underlines the collaborative role that business, education, and government must play in building a resilient, sustainable regional economy.
