Nominations wanted from Scunthorpe area firms for top business prize

NOMINATIONS are open for the biggest prizes that local businesses can claim.

The Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards 2013 take place on Friday, May 17 with a seventies-themed gala dinner.

But the hard work starts now for those hoping to be bathed in glory come the big night at The Baths Hall, Scunthorpe, as the criteria for the dozen awards has now been published.

Organised by the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Telegraph publisher Grimsby and Scunthorpe Media Group, the highlight of the local business calendar provides a host of reasons for companies to put themselves forward.

Anne Tate, the Chamber's northern Lincolnshire manager, said: "The awards are the premier recognition platform for business and offer unique public relations and marketing collateral.

"They represent an opportunity for companies to benchmark themselves, not only in their own sectors, but among peers in the business community at large.

"Recognition too is a huge morale booster for staff and an opportunity to recognise and reward their talents.

"We're looking for wealth and job creators from companies of all shapes and sizes, and businesses that the area can truly be proud of."

Hard copies of the brochure are being distributed, and it is also available – together with an application form – online at www.northernlincolnshire businessawards.co.uk

As preparations for the main event are geared up, Ms Tate said: "We're looking forward to the challenge of putting the awards on at a new venue – The Baths Hall at Scunthorpe.

"We chose our theme of the seventies as it offered us a chance for a glimpse back at Scunthorpe 40 years ago, when the Anchor Steelworks first opened in May 1973.

"Working on the awards with partners GSMG, we have had access to the news and picture archives and it is a fascinating glimpse back into our political, transport and, of course, steel heritage.

"That's not to forget, of course, that the seventies was such a fun era in terms of its music and culture."

Malcolm Joslin, president of Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, said: "Trading conditions remain challenging, even if we are not hampered by power cuts and a three-day working week, so anything we can do to work together has to be worthwhile.

"Celebrating some fantastic people and organisations at the awards is a great place to start."

AWARD WILL RECOGNISE ENTREPRENEURS

A NEW award has been created for 2013.

Grimsby's Franklin College is sponsoring a Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, aimed at those aged 30 or under running a business within northern Lincolnshire.

It comes after the awards for new business, previously split by local authority area, were merged.

That is now sponsored by Chamber Utilities.

Other awards include:

E-Factor Small Business

ABP Business Growth

Wilkin Chapman Grange Business Person of the Year

Barclays International Trade

North East Lincolnshire Economic Investment

North Lincolnshire Economic Investment

Grimsby Institute Training Excellence

Phillips 66 Excellence in Community Relations

HBP Systems Innovation

Forrester Boyd Business Excellence.