Only two weeks left for businesses to enter Spirit of Enterprise Awards

Organised by enterpriseGY, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's business support service, the popular awards aim to recognise and raise the profile of the borough's top-performing companies, while boosting confidence in the strength of the local economy. 

The awards have nine categories, the winners of which will be considered for the sought-after title of 2018 Business of the Year by overall award sponsor Noritake Itron.

Time is running out to enter, as businesses only have until noon on Monday, October 15 to put themselves forward for the various categories. The awards are free-of-charge to enter online at the Spirit of Entreprise Awards website and finalists will be profiled in a supplement in the Great Yarmouth Mercury, with winners appearing in a further supplement.

The finalists and winners will also be showcased at a glittering awards ceremony and gala dinner at the Town Hall's prestigious Assembly Room on Friday, November 23.

Each award is backed by a local organisation. Sponsors choose the winner in their category from three finalists shortlisted by a local independent panel or by the category sponsor themselves.

The categories and sponsors are:

·         Great Manufacturing/Engineering - sponsored by P&S Personnel

·         Great New Business - sponsor to be announced

·         Great Business Growth - sponsored by Bateman Groundworks

·         Great Business Idea - sponsored by Aston Shaw

·         Great Customer Services - sponsor to be announced

·         Great Family Owned Business - sponsored by Birketts

·         Great International Growth - sponsored by Pasta Foods

·         Great Investment in People - sponsored by Norse Group

·         Great Community Contribution - sponsored by Potters Friends Foundation

The media partners are the Great Yarmouth Mercury and The Beach radio station.

Cllr Graham Plant, the council leader, said: "This awards scheme is another way that the council is supporting the local economy, boosting investor confidence by showcasing the many brilliant businesses of all sizes and sectors from across the borough.

"We always have great feedback, with past winners saying the recognition has helped to boost staff morale, their profile and their reputation with customers. This is a fantastic opportunity and a great celebration of business excellence that has only been made possible thanks to the sponsors, including main sponsor Noritake Itron.

"It is completely free-of-charge to enter - so if you think you could win a category or even be crowned 2018 Business of the Year, then please make sure you submit the entry form by noon on Monday, October 15."

Andy Stubbings, of Noritake Itron, said: "We are honoured to be the overall award sponsor for the Spirit of Enterprise Awards, having previously sponsored the Great New Business category for several years.

"Entering these awards is a chance for businesses to showcase their achievements on the public stage, helping to boost their stature, reputation and staff pride. There are some excellent businesses right across the borough and we know it will be hard to choose the 2018 Business of the Year."

Entrants and potential sponsors seeking more information are invited to visit the Spirit of Enterprise Awards website or call Michaela Smith-Moore on 01493 846380.