The South Holland Business Awards has launched for 2016 with a promise of it being the best yet.
The most notable change is a dedicated website to support the application process and attract new sponsors.
It has been built by a PSP IT Design & Development – a previous winner of the awards’ Business of the Year category and this year’s headline sponsor.
Phil Scarlett, president of Spalding and District Area Chamber, said: “Last year’s awards were great, but this year we are planning further improvements. Businesses will see a big change in 2016.
“The website offers a wealth of new information. As well as insights into previous winners, it also offers downloadable application forms, hint and tips about what the judges are looking for, plus sponsorship opportunities for local firms and the chance to buy tickets to the ceremony in November.”
The seven award categories for 2016:
- Apprentice of the Year
- Supporting the Community Award
- Customer Care Award
- Business Person of the Year Award
- Business Innovation of the Year Award
- Small Business of the Year
- Business of the Year
Entering an award is free. Application forms are available at www.shb-awards.co.uk.
Businesses can only enter the awards if they are based in South Holland. One business can enter a maximum of three categories.
Joe Verde, chief executive at PSP, said the firm wanted to pledge its support to this year’s awards.
He said: “Not only do we want to help drive up the attendance and the number of award applications, but we also want to make it a memorable night.
“As a sponsor I think it’s really important to champion local success stories, and support the business community you are part of. For PSP IT Design & Development, it’s a way of giving something back.”
A selection of event sponsorship opportunities are available, which Mr Verde said offered “extremely good value for money”.
The awards have been running since 2012 and are open to members and non-members of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber’s chief executive, Simon Beardsley, said South Holland’s business community has a lot to celebrate and entering and winning awards can make a significant difference to a firm.
“It helps differentiate you from the competition as well as generate media interest,” he said. “It can also help boost staff moral and even recruitment.
“But most importantly it positions you as the best in your field, which is attractive to customers.”
The awards ceremony will take place at Springfields Events Centre on Thursday, November 24.
Tickets costing £30 plus VAT for Chamber members and £40 plus VAT for non-members include a drinks reception and a three-course dinner. Tables of ten are available at a discounted rate of £275 plus VAT for members (£375 plus VAT for non-members).
Tickets can be booked via the website www.shb-awards.co.uk.
