About the Awards

Welcome to the Pride of Essex Awards, a celebration of the extraordinary individuals who make our county shine. Established to honour the unsung heroes of Essex, Southend and Thurrock, these awards recognise acts of kindness, bravery, and community spirit that inspire us all. Through an open nomination process, the public are invited to share stories of deserving candidates, which are then carefully reviewed by a judging panel. This culminates in a heartfelt ceremony where entrants are celebrated for their remarkable contributions, creating an unforgettable evening of recognition and pride.


History of the Awards

The Pride of Essex Awards, originally the Essex Achievement Awards, were inspired in 1994 by Susie Cornell MBE DL to honour extraordinary individuals who show courage, determination, and dedication to their community. Initially featuring three categories—Achievement Over Adversity, Community Champions, and Local Heroes—the awards grew under Dave Dennison BEM DL, who became Chair in 2012. Renamed The Pride of Essex Awards, the event now features expanded categories, a glamorous ceremony at Anglia Ruskin University, and a VIP experience for nominees and their families, complete with a red-carpet welcome, celebrity guests, and heartfelt recognition for their inspiring achievements.


The Nomination Process

Nominating someone for the Pride of Essex Awards is simple and open to everyone. If you know someone in Essex, Southend or Thurrock who deserves recognition for their courage, community spirit or extraordinary contributions, you can easily submit a nomination online. The process is quick and straightforward, ensuring that anyone can share the inspiring stories of local heroes. Your nomination could lead to them receiving the recognition they truly deserve at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Nomination form



The Judging Panel

The Pride of Essex Awards judging panel is made up of respected individuals from across the community, bringing a range of perspectives to the process. Completely impartial, the panel carefully reviews each nomination to ensure every decision is fair and deserving nominees are celebrated. Their dedication recognising true excellence, helps make the awards a meaningful tribute to extraordinary people.

John Aldridge, honourary alderman at Essex County Council

John Aldridge

Honourary alderman at, and former chairman of, Essex County Council

Kevin Bennett of the Chelmsford Star Co-Op

Kevin Bennett

Pride of Essex Awards Co‑Chair and Head of Membership & Marketing at Chelmsford Star Co‑op

Kevin Bennett of the Chelmsford Star Co-Op

Simon Brice

841st High Sheriff of Essex (2021-22)

Nigel Bullen-Bell of A. E. Simmons

Nigel Bullen-Bell

Sales manager at A. E. Simmons

Gerald Clesham of the Essex Heart Fund

Gerald Clesham

Consultant Cardiologist and founder & co-chairman of the Essex Heart Fund

Susie Cornell, MBE, Deputy Lieutenant of Essex

Susie Cornell, MBE

President and founder Pride of Essex Awards and Deputy Lieutenant of Essex

Andrea Hilliard of Anglia Ruskin University

Andrea Hilliard

Deputy Director of External Relations and Communications at Anglia Ruskin University

Stuart Rawlins, vice chairman of Essex crimestoppers

Stuart Rawlins

Pride of Essex Awards Co-Chair and Chairman of Essex Crimestoppers and Deputy Lieutenant of Essex

Rob Wisdom of Wisdom Art Prints and Wisdom Design

Rob Wisdom

Managing director at Wisdom Design and lead artist at Wisdom Art Prints


The Awards Ceremony

The Pride of Essex Awards ceremony is a truly special evening, designed to celebrate the achievements of our nominees in style. Held at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, the event begins with a red-carpet welcome, complete with luxurious cars, a town crier, and live entertainment. Guests enjoy a warm reception with choirs and entertainers before taking their seats for an unforgettable night hosted by Stuart Rawlins DL and special guest(s). With celebrity guests and heartfelt presentations, the ceremony highlights the incredible stories of courage and community spirit, making it a night of inspiration and pride.


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