A record number of businesses and individuals who have helped young people in Bristol raise their aspirations, attainment and achievement are to be honoured at a special ceremony next week.
They will receive awards from the education charity Ablaze, which links local firms with schools and arranges business volunteers to act as reading buddies and mentors.
Ablaze chief executive Roger Opie said: “Not only have we had a record number of nominations for our awards but the competition has been fierce.
“We have had outstanding contributions to the support of young people in primary and secondary schools over the last year.”
This year the charity introduces a new award – the Ablaze Business Champion – with two individuals being presented with this title.
The award recognises the work they have done in their businesses to create enthusiasm among their colleagues in encouraging them to work with Ablaze in schools across the city.
“Both the quality and the number of volunteers our champions have recruited is impressive,” added Roger.
All award winners will be announced at a ceremony hosted by Rolls Royce at the BAWA Club, Southmead, March 21 when one of the guest speakers will be Colin Skellet, chair of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Other speakers will include Mark Davies, chief executive of Bridge Learning Campus at Hartcliffe, and Jenny Taylor, head teacher of Horfield Church of England Primary School.
The awards are being sponsored by University of the West of England, The Initiative at Business West, the LEP, accountancy and financial services group Smith & Williamson and law firms Clarke Willmott and Nile Arnall.
