The Liverpool Post’s popular Regional Business Awards are launched today, Bill Gleeson reports
THE Liverpool Post is today inviting entries to its annual regional business awards from firms of all sizes and types based in the region.
Now in their third decade and attended by hundreds of the region’s business leaders, the newspaper’s awards are an established part of the region’s business calendar.
This year’s 11 categories seek to recognise the best-performing businesses, whether they are centuries-old multi-nationals or recent start-ups.
Our categories recognise the likes of export success, commitment to the community, good employment practices and much else besides.
The panel of judges will be looking for evidence of strong financial performance, investment, a spirit of enterprise and local economic impact.
The awards final will take place in St George’s Hall on the evening of June 13. The black-tie gala dinner will be hosted by former BBC broadcaster Peter Sissons.
Former award winners include Redrow founder Steve Morgan, haulage entrepreneur Steve O’Connor and shipyard Cammell Laird.
This year’s categories are:
Jaguar Land Rover Corporate Social Responsibility Award: Does your company strive to achieve a balance between your competitive aims and the interests of society? This award will be presented to the private sector business judged to have the best record of taking into account the effect of its operations on the community and the economy. This can include companies which give time or money to charities or other good causes.
Liverpool Vision Investment of the Year: This category is open to firms which have invested in the area since the start of 2012.
They can include new arrivals to the area and fresh rounds of investment by firms already established here.
Liverpool Chamber of Commerce Export Business of the Year: This award is for a firm which can best show how recent growth in its overseas trading activities has benefited the local economy.
Green Business of the Year: This category will recognise a business which has had a beneficial impact on the environment. For example, has your business applied environmental policies in the workplace or have your products or services made a positive contribution to the environment?
University of Liverpool Knowledge Business of the Year: The Knowledge Business category is open to any business engaged in the commercialisation of research and development and intellectual property in pure sciences, technology, software or professional know-how, irrespective of size or stage of development. The judges will be looking for evidence of, or at least the clear potential for, profitable trading in the knowledge sector as well as a beneficial economic impact to the region.
Judges’ Choice Award: The winner of this award is selected from all the entries received in the other categories. While the winner might not have been shortlisted in any of the other categories, the award will be presented to the company that, in the opinion of the judges, has demonstrated extraordinary entrepreneurial endeavour.
Ingeus Employer of the Year: We are looking for the employers which can best demonstrate how their leadership and human resource policies support staff development, engagement and satisfaction, creating a positive and supportive workplace with a well-motivated and well-trained team. The winner of this award will be more than just a good company to work for. Its culture will deliver commercial results and it will be an inspiration to other businesses.
02 Business of the Year (Up to 50 Employees): Whatever your sector, if you have a great business tell us about it. Whether you are a new or established business, if you employ up to 50 people and you can demonstrate all-round business excellence you should enter this category.
Barclays Business of the Year (51-250 Employees): If you can demonstrate outstanding business performance in your industry and employ between 51-250 people this is the category for you. Judges will be looking for your specific business achievements and a strong financial performance.
KPMG Business of the Year (Over 250 Employees): If your business employs more than 250 people and can show outstanding business performance, enter this category. Judges will consider evidence of a strong financial performance, excellent business achievements, your contribution to local prosperity and other specific initiatives that make you stand out from your peers.
DLA Piper Business Person of the Year: Do you, or does someone you know, truly stand out from the crowd? Have you or they helped to grow the reputation, not only of their organisation but also of the region, showing the entrepreneurial spirit that typifies the region’s resilience and resurgence?
If so, nominate yourself or somebody you know this award.
Shortlists will be drawn up based on information included in entry forms. The winners of each category will be decided after the judges have visited shortlisted firms.
Liverpool Post editor Mark Thomas said: “We are looking to recognise those firms and entrepreneurs whose endeavours are making a difference to the local economy.
“It is all the more important that we do that in these difficult times.
“It is precisely these sorts of people that will be gathered in St George’s Hall this June who will help this region build for its post-austerity future and create the jobs that will give hope to thousands.
“The Regional Business Awards are a fantastic night and always a sell-out event – so don’t be slow to enter and sign up for seats on the big night itself.
“As always we are grateful to our sponsors for their continued support without which this event would not happen.”
To obtain an entry form or buy tickets for the awards dinner visit our special awards website at www.regionalbusinessawards.co.uk or email events@liverpool.com or call 0151-472 2570.
You can also follow the progress of the awards on Twitter at @LP_RBA
The closing date for entry forms is Thursday March 14.
