Firm proud to support awards for fourth time (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Firm proud to support awards for fourth time

12:00pm Tuesday 9th March 2010 in

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A COMPANY which is a key player on the Basingstoke business scene is strengthening its links with the community by sponsoring the A Place to be Proud of Awards for the fourth year.

Axa Winterthur Wealth Management has long played a strong role in the local community, providing support for schools in the form of tutoring.

It helped revamp the café at the town’s railway station two years ago and staff have also raised £17,000 for St Michael’s Hospice and £100,000 for Naomi House Children’s Hospice in recent years.

Axa Winterthur Wealth Management has sponsored the Place to be Proud of Awards for the last three years, and is backing the Schools and Education award again this year.

The award will be given to a winner that inspires others to learn, and that could be a school or college, individual teacher, governor, lecturer or pupil.

Paul Riddell, head of PR for Axa, said: “We are a strong believer in supporting local education establishments and also the role that a financial investment company plays in helping to support and educate young people.

“When we judge this year, I think we will be looking for consistency, for new creativity and innovation and we are also looking at how the school or individual benefits as many people as possible.”

He added the awards – which are now in their seventh year – have become an important part of the town’s calendar and have helped to bring the local community together.

“I think opinions of life here in Basingstoke have always been of a mixed perception,” said Paul. “But the awards are a way of showcasing the town and celebrating the achievements of local people, and encouraging everyone to feel proud of where they live and the success of everyone around them. Axa has always been a strong part of the community and we are delighted to be sponsoring the awards again.”

To nominate in this and the other categories, go to destinationbasingstoke.co.uk. The deadline for entries is March 26. The awards, which will be hosted by BBC Radio Berkshire’s Anne Diamond, will be presented at a special awards dinner evening in Festival Place, Basingstoke on May 23.