The Entrepreneurs’ Forum has opened nominations for its 13th annual awards, which celebrate the very best of entrepreneurship in the North East.
Nominations for the North East Entrepreneurial Awards, which in the past have been won by some of the region’s most successful business people, are open until Friday May 27th. Any North East business leader can be nominated, they do not need to be a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, nor does the person nominating them.
There are four award categories, which recognise different aspects of entrepreneurial life and success. The Entrepreneur of the Year award, sponsored by Ward Hadaway, acknowledges the very best in North East business; last year it was won by Geoff Thompson of Utilitywise PLC. The Emerging Talent award, sponsored by United Carlton, won last year by Allice Hall of Pink Boutique, is given to an individual building a business with amazing potential.
Previous winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by The Malhotra Group, are Sir John Hall, Geoff Thompson of GT Group, Sir Peter Vardy, and John Squires of Benfield Motor Group. It recognises someone who has made a huge contribution over a long period of time, and has had a significant impact on the region’s economy.
The Mentor of the Year award recognises an entrepreneur who has given significant time altruistically to help their peers through the barriers of business growth. The inaugural award was won by Alastair Waite of Altrelli Limited & Altec Engineering.
Hosted by comedian and TV writer Jason Cook, the winners will be announced at a black-tie awards dinner on Friday the 7th October, at Newcastle’s Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Entrepreneurs’ Forum chairman Nigel Mills said: “These awards celebrate the very best in North East Entrepreneurship, and rightly so. Entrepreneurs work tirelessly to build the businesses that people rely on for jobs and economic growth. As with previous years we expect a very high standard of entrepreneurs to be nominated, our winners can be held up as examples of not only how to grow businesses, but the wider good this does.”
Nominations can be made by visiting bit.do/ef_2016_awards