New awards celebrate Sheffield visionaries leading us through the pandemic

The Star today launches a new awards to recognise the businesses and organisations who led the way when the pandemic hit.

They met extraordinary challenges with extraordinary innovation in unprecedented times.

‘Vision 2021’ will highlight those who, through their efforts and ideas, have improved lives and businesses and created a blueprint for post-Covid success.

Widespread working from home, shuttered shops, pubs and restaurants; booming online delivery services and a love of homegrown and independent businesses were all new.

Some firms were forced to completely change direction, while others triggered long-held plans to survive. Builders kept building and manufacturers kept making despite a raft of new rules.

We also witnessed the vital role played by the NHS and charities, prompting an outpouring of goodwill and support from business.

Sheffielders pulled together like never before. Now, it’s time to honour and celebrate their achievements.

Across 12 categories, we will spotlight the beacons who gave us hope.

The winners will receive publicity only the region’s largest multi-media organisation can generate, with a five-minute video on your company, a feature online and in the newspaper, social media support, a podcast and invitations to a round table and audio visual seminar.

The Categories:

1. Best work from home employer - For the company that has gone the extra mile to help staff forced to work from home. This could include emotional and mental health support, extra allowances, equipment, recognition or help with childcare and staff socials

2. Best Reinvention — Recognising firms that were forced to completely change direction to survive - and have made a success of it

3. Best lockdown innovation - Companies that have introduced new products or services, perhaps putting into action long-held ambitions, to remain viable

4. Lockdown launch - Celebrating the most successful start-up who launched despite - or perhaps because of - the most trying circumstances

5. Best home delivery service - The company that helps keep independent and homegrown businesses in business. Delivering products, revenue and satisfaction with the best and easiest-to-use service

6. Business champion - Providing services that have helped other businesses to survive, whether through direct advice, helping them develop a new strategy and pivot, or signposting

7. Community champion - The business or organisation that has had the most impact supporting charities and the wider community during the pandemic with donations, free products or expertise, innovations or hours worked.

8. NHS champion - The organisation that has supporting the NHS most effectively - from PPE to equipment to staff discounts

9. Manufacturing innovation - The best new product to combat Covid, be it a spray, mask, dispenser, ventilator or even software

10. Best Covid safe office - The firm that has gone above and beyond installing, implementing and maintaining safety systems producing the happiest and most secure staff

11. Big Idea - The new project with the biggest potential impact on Sheffield, for the better

12. Best property conversion - The best, most ambitious, most impactful scheme that breathes new life into a beloved building which offers the most potential benefit to both occupiers and the city.

Nominated companies/people must be based in Sheffield. Entry to more than one category is permitted.

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