TWO Andover businesses have given their backing to awards which celebrate inspiring individuals who go above and beyond to make their communities better.

Parker Bullen has been announced as the sponsor of The Heart of Gold award category at this year’s Pride of Andover Awards.

The solicitors have previously supported the accolades and returned in 2024 with sponsorship.

The Heart of Gold Award recognises an individual local hero whose kindness, selflessness, and generosity have quietly influenced the lives of others.

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Karen Clarkson, marketing and business development manager for Parker Bullen said: “We have had an office based in Andover for many years, so we have been aware of the Pride of Andover Awards for some time and have known of the well-deserved recognition it provides for individuals, business people and charities in the area. 

“I attended the awards for the first time last year and I was overwhelmed with the incredible stories and heart-warming actions that have been shown by the people in Andover and surrounding areas. 

“At Parker Bullen, we are keen to support our local communities and the people we live and work alongside and I am delighted that we are able to support such a worthwhile event by sponsoring the Heart of Gold Award.”

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Returning once again to sponsor The Sue Sheppard Award is The Commercial Centre, based in Picket Piece.

The award celebrates inspiring individuals who have turned their lives around against all odds, demonstrating personal courage, bravery or endeavour to overcome personal challenges, showing that with hard work, passion and belief, anyone despite their circumstances, can make a success of things.

The award honours Sue Sheppard, who died in 2014. She was well known for her commitment to Andover, her work with the Prince’s Trust (among others) and her work at the Pride of Andover Awards from 2007 – 2012.

Simon Potter, of The Commercial Centre, said: ‘’I am happy to continue to support The Sue Sheppard Award with The Pride of Andover this year, I went to school with Sue and knew her very well, she was a cornerstone within our local community and continuing her memory, means a lot to me.

“There are so many selfless and community-minded unsung heroes in Andover, all doing wonderful things for our town that go totally unnoticed, I like to be involved in ensuring they receive the praise and recognition they deserve.”

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With 11 categories available, The Pride of Andover Awards gives people the opportunity to recognise an inspiring individual who would otherwise continue as an unsung hero.

Nominations for the awards open on Saturday, June 8 via the awards website prideofandoverawards.org.uk/nominate.

The categories and sponsors for the Pride of Andover Awards 2024 are:

  • Spirit of Andover Award – Overall Winner - New Street Dental Care
  • Young Person of the Year Award - Bear Behind
  • Sue Sheppard Award – The Commercial Centre
  • Services Award – The DeeDee Trust
  • Mayor of Test Valley – Bulpitt Print
  • Arts Award – The Rock House
  • Inspiring Others Award – Andover Aesthetics
  • Practitioners Heart of Gold Award – Parker Bullen Solicitors
  • Fundraiser Award – AB Building Products
  • Community Champion Award – Ocado
  • Sports Award – The DeeDee Trust & Andover New Street Youth Football Club