This year Stratford-on-Avon District Council has chosen to be the main sponsor for Stratford Herald’s Business and Tourism Awards. One of the District Council’s priorities is supporting businesses, protecting jobs and developing a thriving economy, so the opportunity to sponsor the Awards seemed a natural fit and reaffirms our commitment to support and celebrate the local economy. The Awards also cover the whole of our District, from Studley and Henley, through to Southam and Shipston, Bidford and Alcester which is important to the District Council. During the pandemic the District Council paid out over £73 million to over 7,000 businesses across the District. And more recently has created or safeguarded almost 850 jobs as part of a £1.2 million government funding scheme to help businesses with their post-COVID recovery plans. By supporting these Awards, the District Council is showing its commitment and support of the local business community.