Pride of St Helens Awards 2023 - Nominees for Community Business Hero

In this week's paper (in shops now) we published a 16-page supplement profiling each of the shortlisted nominees for this year's ceremony.

Throughout this weekend and next week ahead of the event at the Totally Wicked Stadium, we will be sharing our categories of nominees with you.

Here are your nominees for Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group Pride of St Helens Award - Community Business Hero category, sponsored by HMS Housing.

Cleanhire

Cleanhire (Image: Submitted)

CLEANHIRE Industrial Cleaning has had a big impact on the lives of children across St Helens.

The firm is a leading industrial cleaning machines supplier but Kevin Donachie and his business have had a much wider impact on people’s lives.

The business’ outstanding community impact has come through its support for sports teams as well as donations and sponsorships for charity events in the borough.

In one of Cleanhire’s nominations, it was said: “Kev Donachie and his business Cleanhire UK are literally the pinnacle of support for local sports. “Kev has sponsored junior football teams, junior rugby team, adult teams of both codes, professional athletes, fundraising events held throughout the borough, festival events and so much more.

“Alongside this Kev is a genuine hard-working man who stands by his strong morals, a real great bloke.”

Meanwhile, another added: “I have not met a more supportive and influential company in the support of St Helens-based sponsorships and promotions.

“Cleanhire is also a local based business that supports Christmas and charitable events for St Helens children – one amazing company that has impacted my son’s life through their support of sport.”

Communications Plus

Communications Plus (Image: Submitted)COMMUNICATIONS Plus is a highly regarded telecoms provider, that operates from its head offices including in Rainford.

But away from its day-to-day business, the firm has also made a special effort to be involved in the local community, with Steve Roberts at the helm. While becoming renowned for providing a comprehensive telecoms solution, and excellent value and unparalleled support for business phones, SIM-only tariffs, ultrafast fibre broadband, phone systems, VoIP solutions, and Unified Communications, Communications Plus have helped support events in St Helens, and especially Rainford, where their office is based. They have been main dpon[1]sors of Rainford Picnic in the Park, supporters of the Standing Tall Foundation and Be Ur Best Rainford 10k, they actively support the community of St Helens.

While prioritising business growth, the company remains committed to contributing to local communities.

 Their recent accolade, the Social Impact & Community Award at the Standing Tall Foundation gala dinner hosted by Andy Reid in September, highlighted their contributions.

As a one-stop-shop for business communications, Communications Plus offers a comprehensive range of services. Whether upgrading business mobiles , exploring new opportunities with Unified Communications, and their experts conduct thorough reviews recommending integrated services that can revolutionise a business’s communications.

Mike Garner

Mike Garner (Image: Submitted)MIKE Garner is a well-known figure in the town as owner of popular gym Evolution Fitness. He has helped steer the business through a relocation from North Road to its current base on Duncan Street, on the fringe of the town centre.

But, as well as running the gym, one of the most satisfying things for Mike has been its community impact work. This has included setting up a relationship with a local special needs group for adults Ever Evolving, based in the town. Taking a step back during the difficulties of the pandemic, when gyms were unable to open to the public, Mike the team at Evolution Fitness spoke about how they could maximise the business and increase their “social value”.

This has seen service users at Ever Evolving come down for a training session at the community gym, and are able to use the facilities and equipment free of charge. With the gym’s community focus becoming a “main priority, Evolution has also partnered with a number of organisations, such as the Steve Prescott and Standing Tall Foundations, to help raise further funds and awareness of charities in St Helens.

The gym also sponsored local rugby teams, offered children’s fitness classes, and operated as a temporary ‘Warm Hub’ during the winter and cost of living crisis, where residents could come for a free hot drink and a place to stay warm.