Charities, individuals and businesses have just two weeks left to enter the Somerset Business Awards – and with 14 categories there is something for firms of all sizes across all sectors.
The deadline for entries is midday on November 27 with all entries needing to be submitted via the Somerset Business Awards website www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk.
The awards are now in their 16th year and recognise and celebrate the very best of Somerset’s wide range of businesses and organisations. They are the only awards which cover the whole of Somerset and are open to all, not just Chamber members.
The judges will draw up their shortlists by mid-December, with the finalists announced in January. Local BBC journalist and broadcaster Claire Carter will host the awards’ final on March 26.
New awards this year include an Environmental Award to recognise an individual or organisation’s positive environmental impact and a, hopefully, one-off award for an Outstanding Business Response to COVID-19, from supporting key workers to diversification to protect the business and jobs.
Stephen Henagulph, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber thanked awards sponsors for their support: “I am grateful for the sponsorship of so many of Somerset’s leading businesses who, like me, are keen to celebrate everything that is great in the county, especially when so many have companies have faced extremely difficult trading times.
“The Somerset Business Awards covers all business sectors across a wide range of categories and I would encourage all local businesses to enter the awards to share their own success stories and celebrate their achievements.”
Michael Cahill, of main awards sponsor, Albert Goodman, added: “The Somerset business community has really pulled together in these extremely difficult times and recognising that is so important. We are delighted to continue our long-standing sponsorship of the Somerset Business Awards and hope that lots of business will enter to celebrate their success.”
Awards this year are:
Small Business of the Year (1-5 employees)
Medium Business of the Year (6-25 employees)
Large Business of the Year (26+ employees)
Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year Award
Best Use of Technology Award
Charity of the Year Award
Employer of the Year
Investing in Somerset Award
Start-up of the Year Award (new award)
Outstanding Achievement Award
Environmental Achievement Award (new award)
Service Excellence Award
Somerset Manufacturer and Producer Award
Outstanding Business COVID-19 Response (new award)
Sponsors for the 2021 awards include main sponsor Albert Goodman and category sponsors TDA, Brook Financial, PKF Francis Clark, Porter Dodson, Hinkley Point C, Weston College, CETSAT, Garador, Gravity, Clarke Willmott, Elite Staffing Solutions, Teapot Creative and Clarks, together with additional sponsors BT, Newsquest and Heart.
More information about the awards and how to book a place on the top hints and tips webinar is available on the website www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk, while updates will also be posted on the official business awards social media accounts.
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