Get your business noticed
Posted on: 09th July 2010
The search has begun for the business bests of Knowsley. 
The council wants nominations for their annual business awards from all sections of trade and industry. This year’s awards are sponsored by Knowsley Chamber, and new chief executive Lesley Martin-Wright says:
“At a time when are ever mindful of the challenges of the economy, it’s very important that we take time to recognise and highlight the accomplishments of Knowsley businesses who are helping to drive our local and national economy forward. Knowsley Chamber of Commerce is proud to be involved with these annual awards, and I encourage entries from our business community.”
The event will take place on Friday 1 October 2010. Nominations can come from individuals and businesses based within Knowsley and applicants can nominate or nominate others. The closing date for nominations is 6 August 2010 and you can find details of all the categories and nomination form at www.knowsleybusiness.com
Categories are:-
Apprentice of the Year
Nominations are invited from businesses that have employed an apprentice on an approved apprenticeship scheme since April 2008. The award will be presented to the apprentice that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the business and a commitment to their own personal development.
SME of the Year
This category recognises outstanding performance by businesses or organisations with 250 or less employees (an annual turnover of less than £50m which is not part of a larger organisation).
Best Contribution to the Environment
This award will be presented to the organisation which is considered to have made a demonstrable improvement to the environment or has conducted their business to specifically minimise any damage to the environment.
New Business of the Year
The award for this category will be presented to the business or organisation demonstrating a strong market position and robust prospects for future growth, which began trading after 1 April 2008.
Visitor Economy Business of the Year
This award will be presented to the business that can demonstrate a commitment to excellence including a high standard of facilities and an outstanding level of service. You will need to demonstrate a commitment to staff training and development plus any innovative marketing ideas that have brought in more business.
Excellence in Customer Service
Businesses are invited to nominate any individuals within their own organisations that have shown an outstanding commitment to customer service. The individual will need to demonstrate excellent communication skills, a professional positive and enthusiastic attitude, and be a positive role model within the business as well as being an excellent ambassador for the business.
Corporate Social Responsibility Award
Commitment to the community that is outside their main business activity or purpose, excellence in looking after employees, giving time or money to charity or the voluntary sector and any other activity that has supported the public or business community.
Investment Business of the Year Award
A significant and beneficial investment within Knowsley. Customer demand being met, an investment that has attracted further investment from other parties, job creation, recognition of continued investment as a key success and an investment that has raised the profile of their own organisation as well as Knowsley’s.
Exporter of the Year
Can you demonstrate a substantial and sustained increase in export activity relative to the size of your company over the past 12 months? The judges will be looking for evidence of the barriers that have been overcome and the degree to which the overseas trade has benefited our regions economy.
Knowsley Business of the Year
This award will be presented to the organisation/business considered to have demonstrated an exceptional contribution to the Borough. This could be through their commitment, dedication or creating a positive impact for the Borough. This will also recognise businesses/organisations that have shown outstanding commitment to workforce development/sustainability of jobs over the past 12 months or strong growth and market leadership in its sector.
Councillor Dave Lonergan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, says “We want to celebrate our success stories.
"The last few years have been very difficult for business and these awards are our way of recognising their achievements.
““The awards also give companies the chance to showcase themselves to customers and suppliers and can open doors to new opportunities.
