SINCE they were launched in 2016, the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards have gained support from across the business community.
From entries into the wide and varied list of categories, to those attending on the glittering awards evening, to the ever-increasing list of firms eager to get involved as sponsors, the awards have firmly established their place on the county’s business calendar.
This year’s awards were launched at the end of April with news that three new headline sponsors would be supporting this year’s event.
Joining Stanair Industrial Doors, which is continuing as a headline sponsor for the third year in a row, are Technocopy Solutions and Northamptonshire County Cricket Club in partnership with Tom Hewer Catering.
Northamptonshire Growth Hub and Northampton College have been named as Platinum sponsors for 2018, while the whole event is staged in association with Business Times.
Jane Kirwan, Service Manager at Stanair Industrial Doors, said: “We’ve been involved from the initial launch and we are delighted to see how successful the awards have been and how well they have been received by the business community.”
Technocopy Solutions tasted success last year when the Wellingborough firm took not only the Service Excellence Award but were also named overall Business of the Year.
Managing Director Brad Piercewright said: “For us, winning two awards last year was a great thrill and we saw first hand what a boost it gives the business to be able to share news of that award with colleagues and customers. That’s why we wanted to be involved this year to help and encourage others to enter and hopefully enjoy the same feeling that success brings.”
Ray Payne, CEO of Northamptonshire County Cricket Club, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s SME awards. Having been involved with the Awards for a number of years, we’re delighted to be headline sponsors for the event. The Awards demonstrate the very best in Northampton commerce. The quality of entries to all the categories are always of the highest standard, judging each year becomes harder and harder to pick a winner.”
The award categories are now open for entries. Nominations for Favourite Pub or Restaurant and Great Customer Service, which are decided on a public vote, can be made until Thursday 21 June.
Full details of the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards 2018 are available at www.smenorthants.co.uk
