Awards evening set to dazzle

Jun 27 2007 by Bill Gleeson, Liverpool Daily Post

THE biggest event in Merseyside’s business calendar takes place tomorrow night. The recently re-opened and resplendent St George’s Hall will be packed with 500 guests from the region’s business community.

They will be attending the black-tie event to hand out awards and recognition to some of the region’s top companies and business people.

Recognition will be given for a wide range of activities that have made an impact on the prosperity and productivity of the local economy. These include the top start-ups in the region, the fastest-growing small and medium enterprises, the most significant investments in the region and the entrepreneur or business figure who has done most to build their own business, and at the same time enhance the reputation of the area.

The issues at the top of the judges’ list of considerations include financial performance, growth, employment, economic impact, future potential and innovation.

We had a strong level of entries to this year’s competition, consistent with the high number of entries in recent years.

Mark Thomas, Daily Post editor, said: “We stage these awards because we feel it is necessary to recognise those who live among us, who are doing most to ensure our region’s future prosperity.

“The entrepreneurs, business leaders and companies that go out in the big wide world and sell, compete, innovate, invest and take risks, are the people who drive the wealth creation that all of society depends upon.

“The Regional Business Awards are in their 15th year. They were conceived at a time when enterprise was not as fashionable as it is now. But the awards, along with the nation’s embracing of enterprise, have grown up and matured into the key event of the year for the Merseyside business community.”

This year’s proceedings promise to sparkle every bit as much as last year’s.

The key speaker is former Burger King chairman and chief executive Barry Gibbons, and the musical entertainment is provided by local group The Vernon Sisters.

BBC broadcaster Peter Sissons will host the evening’s proceedings, a role he has performed for four years now.

The black-tie dinner represents a unique and golden opportunity to network with some of the biggest names in the local business community.

Mr Thomas added: “The fact that the awards competition is going from strength to strength is a sign of the growing confidence of local businesses, as Merseyside’s economy continues to make progress.

“You just have to look around at the all the cranes on the skyline over Paradise Street and Chavasse Park, Kings Dock and Princes Dock and the central business district to see that the city centre property market is thriving. Nor does it stop there. The recent start of production of the new Freelander, the arrival of two major print firms at Speke, growth in retail in the city centre and out of town, yet more expansion at the airport and much more besides, points to a strong and diverse economy that offers the sort of potential local people haven’t seen in generations.”

Turn inside to discover more about the big night, including the full shortlist of entries for our nine categories. A full list of the winners will be published as part of a picture special in Friday’s paper.

billgleeson