MEET OUR SPONSORS

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.

A stunning riverside hotel set amid landscaped gardens beside the River Avon and just a short walk from the town centre.

Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon offers the perfect setting for business, pleasure, and leisure. The hotel offers 14 fully equipped meeting spaces for up to 400 guests, with a dedicated Crowne Plaza Meetings Director on site, a conference café, and food and drink options to match your requirements.

Porterbrook has been at the heart of Britain’s railway for over 25 years and owns a quarter of the national passenger rail fleet. We are pleased to present the Business Innovation Award this year. Innovation is a key part of what we do. Just a few miles away from Stratford-on-Avon at our Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre (RIC), our engineers and partners are developing and testing the UK’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train HydroFLEX. In the year since we took over Long Marston RIC, many local businesses have played an important part in modernising and enhancing the facilities at the site.

Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) creates exceptional theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, London and around the world, performing plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries, as well as commissioning a wide range of original work from contemporary writers. Our purpose is to ensure that Shakespeare – and theatre as a whole – is for everyone and we do that by unlocking the power of his plays and live performance and with our learning and education work throughout the UK and across the world.

Working with businesses and organisations of all sizes, families and private clients, law firm Shakespeare Martineau provides specialist legal advice and services for life and business.

Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall is an award-winning visitor attraction in Stratford-upon-Avon. It’s where William Shakespeare attended school, where he first saw professional plays performed, and where he’s said to have written his first work. Today, this unique story is shared with visitors from around the world in an immersive experience.

Stratford-upon-Avon College is a friendly, accessible, employer-responsive College that cares about the individual success of all of our students and employer partners. Just a ten-minute walk from the centre of Stratford, the College offers students the opportunity to study in a safe, inclusive environment. Whether you’re finishing school, or an adult wanting to get back into education to progress in your career or learn something new, you will be very welcome. With a large investment project taking place to improve facilities further, there’s never been a better time to get in touch!

Stratford upon Avon School is proud to sponsor the Community Support Award as part of The Herald’s Business and Tourism Awards for 2025. As a school that prides itself on being in the heart of such a close-knit and energised community, we are keenly aware of the important roles many local businesses, clubs and charities play in enhancing the opportunities available to everyone. Their work is particularly appreciated when supporting the more vulnerable amongst us. So many of the students and families that make up our own ‘Stratford School Community’ in the present, past and future have benefitted from the work these organisations do, and we are honoured to be able to demonstrate our gratitude by sponsoring this award.

Stratford-upon-Avon Business Improvement District is proud to sponsor the Customer Service Award as part of The Herald’s Business and Tourism Awards for 2025.
As an organisation, we strive to empower local businesses and stakeholders to address the unique challenges facing our town and create a vibrant, positive, happy, and sustainable community for all. Our goals are to celebrate and promote the town and its businesses in creating a safe and secure town centre.
The power of hello and great customer service is key in fostering a welcoming and prosperous destination for businesses, residents, and visitors to enjoy and cherish for generations to come.