Businesses invited to take part in top awards competition

Nominations are now being sought for the 2014 Chamber of Commerce Business Awards in Derbyshire.

The awards recognise and reward local firms which have excelled in their field over the past 12 months.

Businesses can enter online now at www.businessawards.org.uk.

A gala black-tie dinner to announce and celebrate the winners will take place later in the year.

The categories for this year’s awards are:

Small Business of the Year – new for 2014

Manufacturing Company of the year – new for 2014

Young Person In Business – new for 2014

Best Use of Technology – new for 2014

Excellence in Customer Service

School of the year

Commitment to People Development

Excellence in Innovation

Achievement in International Business

The Sustainability Award

Entrepreneur of the Year

The coveted overall Business of the Year award winner in each county will be chosen from the winners of the individual categories.

The Chamber Business Awards are the only awards in the region which allow progression through to the British Chambers of Commerce’s national business awards where firms can compete for a cash prize of up to £25,000, as well as being heralded as the best in British business.

The winner of the Business of the Year award in Derbyshire last year was Derby-based engineering firm Garrandale. The company, which was formed in 1976 and supplies specialist engineering solutions to a host of sectors including rail and chemical technology, also won the Environment Award for 2013.

Chamber Chief Executive George Cowcher, said: “This year’s awards again promise to be an incredible celebration of local business.

“They are all about showcasing the best that the two counties have to offer.”

The awards are open to members and non-members of the Chamber.

To enter, download an application pack from www.businessawards.org.uk, call the Chamber’s events team on 01332 851280 or email [email protected].