Companies nominated for access awards (From Western Telegraph)

Companies nominated for access awards

County companies have received nominations from members of the public, acknowledging the efforts they have made to ensure that their facilities and services meet the needs of disabled people in this years EASE Awards.

National charity, Queen Elizabeths Foundation - which assists over 100,000 disabled people every year - invited members of the public to nominate businesses, employers and voluntary services that demonstrate good practice for disabled people.

The awards recognise those companies and organisations that support disabled peoples right to achieve equality through ease of access, service and employment.

Now in its fifth year, the award scheme runs in partnership with Unum, in association with The Daily Express, and is supported by Bunzi plc. Categories for nominations include the following: supermarkets, shopping centre/precinct, bank/building society, pub/restaurant, entertainment/visitor attraction, bus/coach/train operator, airport, airline, travel agent/operator, hotel/hotel group, a community achievement and the prestigious special award for overall awareness.

New for this year, in association with Motability, the national UK charity which helps provide vehicles for disabled people, there are categories for car dealerships and motoring organisations who provide the best services.

Tony Richins, director of marketing, commented: The response to the fifth EASE awards has been phenomenal, with over 14,000 nominations for organisations the length and breadth of the UK. The awards present a unique opportunity for companies and organisations to gain recognition for their efforts in improving facilities and services for people with disabilities. We hope the EASE Awards will continue to encourage greater awareness and understanding of individual needs.

Each category will have three finalists shortlisted, who will undergo extensive audits and assessments. An authoritative panel on disability issues including TV presenter Lara Crooks, athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson, journalist Sue Arnold, Dr Stephen Duckworth, Chris Moon, Gemma Trotter, Disability Rights Commissioner James Strachan, and the Hon Mark Vestey will decide the winners.

Winners will be announced at a high profile lunch at The London Hilton on October 18th.

Companies nominated include: The Railway Inn, Pembroke; Alliance & Leicester plc, Pembroke; Barclays Bank plc, Pembroke; Pembroke Redwing Travel, Pembroke; Somerfield Stores Ltd, Pembroke; W. P. Lewis and Son, Pembroke Dock; Tesco Stores Ltd, Pembroke Dock; W. P. Lewis and Son (Nissan) Ltd, Milford Haven; Ashley Surgery, Cardigan; Barclays Bank plc, Cardigan; Tesco Stores Ltd, Cardigan; Headlands Hotel, Cardigan; Valley Services Ltd (car dealership), Llandysul; Barclays Bank plc, Llandysul.