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An important night on the local business calendar, the DerbyshireLive Business Awards in partnership with Champions (UK) PLC are finally back after being postponed last year. After the battles of the pandemic that have affected us all, the event will be very special as we reunite our community and celebrate the achievements of companies, organizations and entrepreneurs that have still caught on.

The special award ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 21st, live in the Derby Arena. This year’s main sponsors are Invictus Communications, Futures, Diginius, Derby Arena and Derby College. To learn more, visit the official website. For tickets, contact Michelle Roberts, [email protected].

The finalists for the Lubrizol-sponsored Contribution to the Community Award shared the many positive results of their commercial activities with the community. They devote time and resources to corporate, social, and ethical responsibility, and have made a significant contribution to the community through a variety of means including community-led projects, economic recovery, and helping local suppliers.

The contributions to the finalists of the Community Award are:

Loates HR

Outsourced HR support with a personal touch is the mission that drives Loates HR, a very experienced company of CIPD qualified consultants. It also provides legal advice to growing businesses across the East Midlands region, with a clear focus on personalized, one-to-one service that connects clients with familiar, friendly and attentive staff.

This approach results in absolute trust, reliability, and a thorough understanding of the companies that Loates HR works with. The company has a special understanding of the needs of small businesses and is committed to saving time, money and worry through support, training and recruiting solutions.

Linear

Liniar makes innovative uPVC products for a wide variety of users, from architects and planners to plumbers and homeowners.

In 2008, Liniar created an entirely new and revolutionary PVC profile, a design that still dominates energy and heat efficiency ratings nearly two decades later. It is this focus on innovation that sets Liniar apart from its competitors, with an emphasis on research, development and design in its product range. Windows, doors and conservatories all use the technical advances designed and created by Liniar. The entire operation is supported by a knowledgeable and experienced service and support team.

Wathalls Undertakers

Wathall’s was founded in 1858 and is now in the fifth generation of the family. It serves the Derby community and the surrounding area with more than 30 employees dedicated to providing traditional, dignified service and comprehensive bereavement care.

In 2014, Wathall’s expanded this support with the introduction of Dandelions, a social setting where trained staff provide emotional support. The Dandelions Grief Journey Program, a special initiative for businesses and charities, aims to ease isolation from grief.

The categories of the DerbyshireLive Business Awards 2020/21 are:

Company of the Year, sponsored by the University of Derby

Medium-sized company of the year

Start-up Company of the Year, sponsored by Wheeldon Brothers

Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by HUUB

Employer of the Year, sponsored by Smith Partnership

Award for customer service excellence

Professional services sponsored by EVAD

Excellence in Innovation Award sponsored by Derby City Council

Contribution to the Community Award, sponsored by Lubrizol

Family Business of the Year, sponsored by Invictus Communications

Apprentice Employer of the Year, sponsored by Futures

Award for non-profit organizations, sponsored by Sellick Partnership

Education Sector: Corporate Engagement and Employability, sponsored by Rolls Royce

Best digital transformation sponsored by RDS

Excellence in Manufacturing Award sponsored by ACE Sameday Couriers

Excellence in Business Growth Sponsored by Dains Accountants