Luton’s Best Award Categories
Luton’s Best 2018 Awards aim to recognise the achievements, work and valuable contribution of the heroes in our community.
There are awards for individuals and groups, young and old, for people working in the public sector and for organisations and businesses all who make our community a better place.
This is your opportunity to tell us about these people so that we can all say a big thank you.
Young Achiever Award
Sponsored by Barnfield College
This award will seek to recognise an outstanding effort and levels of achievement by a young person aged 20 or under, either in their school lives, work lives, in a sporting context or within the wider community.
Adult Achiever Award
Sponsored by University of Bedfordshire
This award will seek to recognise an individual over the age of 21 who continues to achieve great things at work, in their profession, through arts and culture, in the field of education, sport, or a hobby or pastime.
Service with a Smile Award
Sponsored by Arriva plc
This award is looking for an individual or team employed either in the public, private or voluntary sector that goes above and beyond when it comes to customer service. Their effort and enthusiasm should have a positive effect on its customers and the business/organisation.
Community Company of the Year Award
Sponsored by The Mall
This award is looking for an individual or team employed either in the public, private or voluntary sector that goes above and beyond when it comes to customer service. Their effort and enthusiasm should have a positive effect on its customers and the business/organisation.
Child of Courage Award
Sponsored by FCC Environment
Judges will seek to recognise any young person up to the age of 18 who has put themselves in danger to help or save the life of another or has battled against the odds and has overcome adversity in their personal life or made a stand to improve the lot of themselves or others.
Care in the Community Award
Sponsored by Volker Highways
This award is for an individual or group from either a professional or voluntary capacity. Those eligible include relatives (including children), friends, doctors, nurses or care workers who care for someone or a group of people. We are looking for an individual or group who have really gone that extra mile to care for our most vulnerable often showing incredible patience and understanding. Judges are looking for those who have cared for others sometimes over many years without giving thought to themselves.
Environmental Achievement Award
Sponsored by Vauxhall Motors
An award to an individual or organisation demonstrating a commitment to enhancing and protecting our environment or a heritage site, introducing environmentally sustainable products or services and, in doing so, make a contribution to Luton’s environment or conservation areas. Examples could include an environmental community project; a school initiative involving children and parents or improving a conservation area to kick-start regeneration.
Best Volunteer Award
Sponsored by Signature Flight Support
This award will recognise a volunteer(s) of any age who has made an outstanding contribution through giving up their own time to volunteer to help others, charities or initiatives across the town. We ask that entries are for individuals still active in their role but you can list all activities they have taken part in prior to 2016/2017.
Community Businessperson of the Year Award
Sponsored by Keepmoat
An individual of any age working for an organisation or studying in the town who has shown a commitment and involvement with the local community and can demonstrate excellence in business which in turn enhances the image of the business community and Luton, locally or on a wider scale or someone who has provided superior service to business and the community as a whole.
Lutonian of the Year Award
Sponsored by easyjet
To recognise an individual or organisation’s outstanding achievements in promoting Luton as a town to be proud of. The judges will be looking for examples of how the work has helped to gain positive local and national media coverage for the town and where their work has significantly contributed to the overall positive image to visitors and those living outside of their town as well as significantly improving the lives of local people. Specific examples could be given to those who have made a valuable contribution to the Love Luton campaign or the Luton Investment Framework.
Leisure and Culture Award
Sponsored by Luton Hoo Hotel
The judges will be looking to award an individual or organisation which has excelled and inspired either as a professional or amateur in the areas of sport, arts, leisure, culture and heritage. The individual or organisation will need to demonstrate the support, commitment and success they have provided to the development and promotion of these areas within the boundaries of Luton.
Sporting Inspiration Award
Sponsored by Luton Town Football Club
We are looking for an individual over the age of 18 who is a true sporting inspiration who has either excelled at their sport and/or helped others and is a positive role model. The entry should include:
- A sports man or woman who has excelled in their chosen sport. Rankings and achievements made during the eligibility period must be given.
- Have demonstrated considerable commitment.
- Are an inspiration and positive role model to others.
- Have used their achievements and experiences to make a positive impact on their community and/or club.
- Special qualities that set them apart from others.
The People’s Choice Award
Sponsored by Luton News
The readers of the Luton News and Herald & Post will have the opportunity to pick the winner they feel is most deserving. On the week of 30th October the newspaper will announce the shortlisted candidates. You will have until Thursday 23rd November to pick your worthy winner. You can do this by clicking here.
Luton's Most Outstanding Citizen for 2018 Award
Sponsored by The Mayor of Luton
This award seeks to recognise an outstanding citizen of any age group or walk of life who has shown loyalty and support to the town, or promoted and enhanced
our reputation locally and nationally. For example this person could be a member of the business community, sporting, or community sector, anyone who has benefited the people of Luton, this could be in a professional capacity, volunteering or local charity work. It could be a neighbour a relative or anyone who, in your view, typifies the very best of Luton. This will be a highly contested award that seeks to recognise Luton’s Most Outstanding Citizen in 2018.
Outstanding Teacher Award
Sponsored by Opto Property Group
The Teaching Award provides a unique opportunity for us to celebrate those who, tirelessly and often selflessly, dedicate their lives to securing a future for the next
generation. The judges are looking for entries from students, parents and peers across Luton who feel their teacher deserves to be thanked and rewarded for their
contributions. The person will still need to be teaching within the years 2016/2017.
Community Project of the Year Award
Sponsored by London Luton Airport
Judges will be looking to recognise a community based or environmental project which has been initiated by local authorities, charities, community groups, schools or others. The project must demonstrate a tangible community benefit, whether it be the establishment of a new service or a substantial improvement to previously available facilities and services. The project should have been completed within the last 18 to 24 months.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sponsored by Ryebridge Construction
To recognise an individual whose achievements have been far-reaching in the community. Examples can include a volunteer who has given up their time for many years, a local carer or a business person who has given many years to improving the lives of people in Luton.
Keeping Luton Safe Award
Sponsored by Bedfordshire & Luton Fire & Rescue Service
The judges will be looking for individual members of the public or groups who have put themselves at risk and acted with bravery and courage to help save the life or protect the well being of another. This could include tackling crime, disorder or anti social behaviour. Another example could include individuals or groups which have made a positive community contribution in terms of improving the environment they live or work which improves the safety of others.
Best Fundraiser Award
Sponsored by Basepoint
This award will recognise a tireless charity fundraiser(s) of any age who has made an outstanding contribution either through their fundraising initiatives, voluntary work or other support. We ask that entries are for individuals still active in their role but you can list all activities they have taken part in prior to 2017/2018.
Luton in Harmony Award
Sponsored by Luton in Harmony
An individual or organisation who has proactively promoted community cohesion and celebrated diversity in the town through their initiatives which have helped to improve the public image of Luton.