Colchester and District Business Awards ceremony later this month (From Gazette)

Colchester and District Business Awards ceremony later this month

THE nominations have been made and the finalists picked for this year’s Colchester and District Business Awards.

Innovation, excellent customer service, growth and apprenticeships will be among the areas in which businesses will be recognised.

The winners will be revealed at a glitzy black-tie awards presentation at Charter Hall, in Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, on November 27.

The awards will be presented in front of more than 600 representatives of Colchester’s business community.

Marian O’Connor, organiser of the Gazette’s awards, said: “This year has been better than ever. The recession has not dampened the spirit of businesses in the area. They are fighting their way through and many are thriving.

“The awards are a celebration of businesses and give them to chance to shout about their successes. It’s also a great night out.”

Amanda Simpson, founder of SVC Recruitment, is this year’s chairman of judges and her Nayland-based firm is also sponsoring the new company category.

Awards will be made in 12 categories, each with its own sponsor.

Corporate sponsors include Clacton Shopping Village, which is supporting the champagne reception, Colchester Communications, which is paying for the popular handclappers, Feathers Hair Salon, which is sponsoring the music quiz and Hart Wilcox, Priory Lodge and Lion Walk Shopping Centre.