Wirral Life May 2017 | Page 35

W BUSINESS L WIRRAL BUSINESS AWARDS2017 WIRRAL BUSINESS AWARDS 2017 22ND SEPTEMBER 2017 | THORNTON MANOR ARE YOU ONE OF WIRRAL’S BEST BUSINESSES? THE JUDGES The best of Wirral's innovative, creative and entrepreneurial business community will be recognised and celebrated at the Wirral Business Awards 2017. Paula Basnett – CEO, Wirral Chamber of Commerce Chris Fry – Partner, KPMG UK Ben Miller – Partner, DLA Piper Alan Evans – Strategic Commissioner for Growth, Wirral Council This annual competition, organised by Wirral Chamber of Commerce, highlights and celebrates the outstanding performance and business achievements of both large and small businesses. Free to enter, Wirral Business Awards are open to all Wirral based companies (registered trading address in Wirral) and/ or Wirral Chamber of Commerce members. There are ten categories to choose from: - • • • • • • • • • • Business of the Year (under 11 employees) Business of the Year (11-49 employees) Business of the Year (50+ employees) Business Person of the Year International Trade Award Sustainability Award People Development Award Newcomer of the Year Rising Star Award Customer Service Award Progress to Excellence Group has already signed up as one of this year’s headline sponsors, with individual award categories sponsored by companies including:- Smylie Ltd, Stiebel Eltron UK, NW Systems Group, Unilever, Peel Group, B&M Waste Services and McEwan Wallace. The winners of each category will be announced at a black tie gala dinner held at Thornton Manor on Friday 22nd September, when an audience of over 500 business guests will gather to celebrate the achievements of the finalists and award winners. Businesses are welcome to enter as many categories as they like and entries will be accepted until midday on 5th June 2017. The award covers the period between 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2016. KEY DATES • • • • 5th June - Closing date for applications midday. 6th July - Judging panel meets to evaluate award entries and shortlist category nominees. 12th July - Finalists will be contacted and notified following decision made by judging panel. 22nd September - Gala awards dinner and ceremony takes place at Thornton Manor. HEADLINE SPONSOR Progress to Excellence Group is a leading training provider of the highest quality, specialising in Apprenticeships, Advanced Learner Loans and Alternative Schools Education services nationally. Through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, the group has developed a reputation as a trusted partner of choice to upskill and train employees throughout the UK. Sandra Kirkham, Managing Director of Progress to Excellence Group: “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to be Headline Sponsor for the Wirral Business Awards 2017. The decision to support this key event and become a sponsor was easy and based on the principle that Wirral Chamber of Commerce and Progress to Excellence Group jointly recognise the importance of applauding individuals and businesses that continue to impact on our long-term regional economic success.” wirrallife.com 35