Community Awards

In November 2008, Combined Insurance announced the launch of our new community programme. The Combined Insurance Community Awards was launched on Monday 17th November, and ran to the end of March 2009. The programme was run in partnership with 96.4 Eagle Radio, a popular radio station in Surrey and Hampshire.

The new initiative asked people in Surrey and Hampshire to think about people and businesses that are making a special contribution to the communities in which they live and work; people who deserve to be recognised with a special Combined Insurance Community Award.

We received lots of worthy nominees, such as youth sports clubs, schools and charities. All nominees have been assessed by a panel of judges assembled from Combined Insurance and 96.4 Eagle Radio. The winners have been presented with the awards along with a cheque for £1,000 to spend on charity and community initiatives.

The five award categories

• Combined Insurance Community Business Award
  

  It could be for a business that is making special efforts to invest in or support your local community, that provides a special product or service that benefits the community. Or simply a business that is an integral part or hub of your community that connects or brings people together.
  
  
• Combined Insurance Sport in the Community Award
  

  This could be for a sports club, team or group that has provided facilities or an opportunity for people to participate in sport. Or perhaps an inspirational coach who has had a positive impact on the lives of individuals in your community.
  
  
• Combined Insurance Community Volunteer Award
  

  This could be for an “unsung hero or heroine”, an individual or a group who give their time, unpaid, caring for the sick, disabled, elderly or less fortunate. It could be for the time and effort that someone dedicates to a club or association for the benefit of others.
  
  
• Combined Insurance Community Customer Service Award
  

  This could be for an individual, group or retail business that offers excellent customer service and makes a positive difference to your local community as a result.  It could be a local café, shop, pub, restaurant or even a market stall.
  
  
• Combined Insurance Community Employer Award
  

  This could be for an employer that staff think is making a positive effort to improve or enhance their working environment, or that is a pleasure to work for and gives something back to their staff and/or your local community.
  

The winners

Combined Insurance Community Business Award

Kate Grant - Executive Head of The Jigsaw School, specialising in educating children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

Combined Insurance Sport in the Community Award

Camberley Town Youth Football Club - Offers football to all ages and genders throughout the local area and is run by volunteers.

Combined Insurance Community Volunteer Award

Hester Wain - Volunteer of Hart First Response as honorary secretary and lead trainer.

Combined Insurance Community Employer Award

Abbeyfield Wey Valley Society – Enables its employees to fulfill their individual training needs and promotes their professional development.

Combined Insurance Community Customer Service Award

Gary - Driver of bus 920 to Worplesdon School, Surrey, who always goes the extra mile to look after the children on his bus.