Gazette business awards for 2009 launched (From Gazette)

Gazette business awards for 2009 launched

10:00pm Tuesday 4th August 2009

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THE economic downturn is certainly not dampening business spirit in Colchester as the Gazette’s annual business awards open for entries.

The celebration of entrepreneurial success in north Essex is now in its 12th year and promises to be stronger than ever.

With 13 categories – including a new one for apprentices – and places for more than 100 finalists, there are plenty of opportunities for firms to shout about their achievements over the past 12 months.

Organised by the Gazette and sister paper the Essex County Standard, the event will culminate in a glitzy black tie presentation night at Charter Hall, Colchester, on November 27.

Marian O’Connor, head of the business awards team at the Gazette, said there was more reason for businesses to show what they are made of this year.

“The last 12 months have been incredibly difficult,” said Marian. “The recession has taken its toll on everyone and firms are struggling everywhere, but in north Essex there seems to be a spirit that spurs them on, and, as far as I can see, business is booming.

“By entering the Colchester and District Business Awards 2009, businesses can shout from the rooftops that they are still alive, succeeding and achieving amazing things.”

A new category – Apprentice of the Year – will recognise and celebrate the need for and contribution apprentices make.

The Growing Business of the Year category was saved by Steve Wakefield, of Colchester Communication, who offered to sponsor and judge the category.

Also expecting an influx of entries is the Environmental Awareness category.

Amanda Simpson is chairman of judges, the first woman in the role, and will oversee the process, offering advice and support to the 25 judges.

Ms Simpson, owner of recruitment company SVC in Nayland, has been an award sponsor for nine years, and over the years the company has picked up awards in the New Company, Customer Service, Training and Staff Development and Growing Business of the Year categories.

This year her company sponsors the New Company category.

She said: “If a company has managed to get through the past 12 months, they have done really well and it should be celebrated.

“That is why I think this year’s awards are so crucial. How many businesses who were there last year will still be around this year? The awards make you feel good and draw on the passion people have.

“I love supporting these awards and when I was asked to be chair of judges, I said yes straight away.”

A prestigious dinner dance will mark the presentation night, when more than 100 finalists learn who has won.

The ceremony will have 600 guests and promises to be a glitzy affair.

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

The closing date for entries is October 2.

To enter, call Vanessa Bonney on 01268 469338 or Pat Drew on 01268 469429, or visit www.essexbusinessawards.co.uk

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