As a “reminiscence newspaper specially developed to provide daily stimulation, interest, enjoyment and fun for older people and people living with dementia”, The Daily Sparkle is no stranger to making a positive social impact. Last year, the company was recognised for the work it does by being awarded The Lloyds Bank Positive Social Impact Award at the 2018 Lloyds Bank National Business Awards.

With the 2019 awards ceremony fast approaching, we caught up with Chris Harding, Managing Director at The Daily Sparkle, to hear about business since the big win.

Q. What was your motivation for entering The Lloyds Bank National Business Awards – and what drew you to your category?

A. We entered the National Business Awards because we wanted to share what we've been doing. We pride ourselves on our social impact, which is what drew us to the Lloyds Bank Positive Social Impact Award category – I like to believe that we make a difference and this award supported that thinking.

Q. As we're in the build up to this year's awards ceremony, can you tell us a bit about the feeling on the night?

A. I was very excited to be shortlisted and to be there on the night, but I must admit that I didn't feel too hopeful after I saw who else was shortlisted! However, I was determined to enjoy myself and the atmosphere was brilliant. It was really exciting with a real buzz.

When I won I was so elated that I punched the air – so proud of what we do!

Q. How has business been since your win?

A. Winning the award made our subscribers and the industry aware of what we do and the impact we have socially, which goes considerably beyond simply providing resources and services.

We have subsequently developed a Personal Centred Activity Calendar, which is an online drag and drop method of recording your own or Daily Sparkle ready-to-use sessions in the care home environment. We have also developed a care home version of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST). We are looking forward to seeing the success of these new developments.

Q. Do you have any words of advice for this year's finalists or anyone thinking about entering the awards in the future?

A. I would like to say to this year's finalists that they should not hold back in singing their own praises.  

For those who are thinking of entering, just go for it! It is beneficial to take a deeper look at what you do, even if you don't go on to win the award.

The Lloyds Bank National Business Awards ceremony takes place 12th November at Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London. Join this year's finalists, sponsors, judges and Britain's business leaders for an unparalleled networking experience at a glamorous black-tie gala, where you'll hear from astronaut Major Tim Peake in an unforgettable keynote speech.