Representatives from Hartpury University and Hartpury College joined around 300 guests on Thursday 20 October to present an award at the SoGlos Gloucestershire Business Awards 2022.
Hartpury sponsored the Most Innovative Business of the Year category for the second year running, won by DPS Designs – a Forest of Dean based design business that provides toolmaking services for the engineering sector and mould making for the confectionery industry.
The invitation-only event was held at the Gloucestershire’s Business School’s Oxstalls campus in Gloucester. The winners were whittled down from 382 entries, announced on the night by compere, BBC presenter and reporter Steve Knibbs.
Hartpury was represented on stage by Stuart Emmerson - Director of Business Development, Simon King - Head of External Business Relations and James Forrester – Head of Sponsorship and Business Engagement.
Stuart said: “We’re thrilled for DPS Designs, worthy winners of the Most Innovative Business of the Year award. Despite having been around since 1995, they’ve shown how business can innovate effectively to evolve with the changing times we live in and remain fit for purpose with their client base and the industries they serve.
“I would like to congratulate the SoGlos team for organising another outstanding event that is quickly becoming an integral part of the region’s business calendar.”
Sebastian Down, director of Coleford-based DPS Designs, who came to the stage with commercial director Fanzi Down, said: “This means a lot. To be recognised in such esteemed company and then to win – a little company from the Forest of Dean like us – it is amazing.”
James Fyrne, managing director and co-founder of SoGlos, said: “When we launched these awards, we wanted them to be special; to capture the dynamic spirit of the Gloucestershire business community; to create a unique platform on which to celebrate their many achievements.
“We would like to thank our prestigious sponsors, partners and the businesses that have supported us and entered the awards and made that vision possible.”
Finalists in the category included Cirencester Fabrication Services, Duku, Golden Valley Development, Loop BI and The Protrack Group.
The sponsorship is, in many ways, another example of Hartpury’s support for the local business community. Earlier in the autumn, the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) 2022 results named Hartpury as the no.1 STEM university for ‘Local Regeneration and Growth’.
Picture: James Forrester of Hartpury University and Hartpury College, Sebastian Down of DPS Designs, Michelle Fyrne of SoGlos, Fanzi Down, Stuart Emmerson of Hartpury University and Hartpury College, and James Fyrne of SoGlos, and Simon King, of Hartpury University and Hartpury College.
