Promotional merchandise company Brandily was crowned the overall winner in a competition supporting entrepreneurs and start-up businesses in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Business Elevator awards were held on Friday night with TOJO’s Jamo & Naija – a Jamaican and Nigerian fusion catering business – and electrical services firm Woodward Electrical being highly commended for their innovation and drive.
The scheme was launch in April following a collaboration between Smithfield Works, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub and PR firm BabaBaboon.
Brandily, which launched in 2024, will receive free hot desk space for a year at Smithfield Works in Hanley, 12 months free start up membership at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, plus a two-hour PR strategy session with Sonya Farrall of BabaBaboon.
Support will also be provided by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub.
Prizes also included a brand new Galaxy A37 smartphone from Complete Communications, a brand audit and 400 business cards from Fenns, and a Marcomms Playbook from Chatty Duck Creative.
Sonya said: “Brandily’s enthusiasm was contagious and impossible to ignore. There was a real honesty about challenges faced from starting out to growing a business – not just professionally, but personally too. But it was clear from every detail which was included in the application, and in the presentation, what the plans, aims and ambitions are for this business.
“For a company still in its early stages, the calibre of clients already attracted was genuinely impressive and it is clear that access to the right workspace and structure could unlock the next stage of growth.”
Adele Simmons, Community Manager at Smithfield Works, said: “We were so pleased to see so many entries for The Business Elevator competition.
“Smithfield Works supports startups and entrepreneurship, we are keen to support more, and this competition has been another great way to do just that.
“The standard of businesses was amazing and it was great to be able to celebrate with everyone at our awards evening where inspiration shone throughout.”
Tom Nadin, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce’s Head of Project and Business Services, added: “The awards evening was great as this event shone a spotlight on the entrepreneurial talent and ambition which drives our local economy forward.
“We congratulate all of this year’s entrants, winners and highly commended businesses, the calibre has been extremely high across a range of sectors. Their success is a testament to the hard work, innovation and resilience that define the best of our business community.”
