There will be a brand new venue for this year’s Bradford Means Business Awards – and it will put the event firmly into the heart of the district’s business community.
This July, the glittering ceremony will take place inside a huge marquee for the first time which will be erected in Bradford’s City Park.
The Bradford Means Business Awards have become the biggest and most prestigious events in the business calendar for the Bradford district, and celebrate the cream of the Bradford district business crop.
Nominations, which are now closed, have flooded in all categories, and the almost impossible job of judging will get under way shortly to whittle the companies and individuals down a shortlist, which will be published closer to the event.
The ceremony takes place on Thursday, July 18, with a red carpet leading into the marquee, and broadcaster Kate Walby has been confirmed as compere for the evening.
Steve Lowe, sales director at the Telegraph & Argus and LocaliQ, urged businesses to book their tickets as soon as possible if they wanted to ensure their place.
“The business community asked for this event to be held in the heart of the district and we’ve delivered. Make sure you are there for the first ever Bradford Means Business Awards at City Park”
Steve Lowe
Sales Director, LOCALIQ
We will have a couple of local guest speakers and Kate Walby will lead the proceedings and is a brilliant compere. It’s going to be a wonderful night and everyone who’s anyone in business in the district will be there, so don’t miss out.
“Whether you are nominated for an award or become a sponsor, the evening will provide a unique opportunity to network, to celebrate and to thank colleagues on what we hope will be a beautiful summer’s evening.
Steve Lowe
Sales Director, LOCALIQ
“Interest in tickets has already been encouraging so please don’t leave it too late, and we look forward to seeing you there in July.”
Those attending will enjoy a black tie awards ceremony with a Champagne reception, entertainment, keynote speaker, a gourmet banquet and the awards ceremony. And in another first, there will be an after-show party to follow the awards at a venue to be confirmed.
It is the first time the annual awards, which have been previously hosted at the Aagrah Midpoint venue in Thornbury, have been held in City Park.
The awards, with a number of new categories introduced this year, are once again being run in partnership with Bradford Council.
Tickets are on sale now, and to book, email Lauren Wood on lauren.wood@nqyne.co.uk, or call 01274 705222.
The first awards event took place nine years ago, and since then it has become a mustattend calendar date for the great and the good, showcasing the best and brightest of businesses both big and small in the district during that time.
Telegraph & Argus editor Nigel Burton said: “The Bradford Means Business Awards celebrate success, recognise achievement, and highlight the many innovative and inspiring people and companies we have throughout the district.
“These successful entrepreneurs are putting our region on the map by boosting the economy and making a positive contribution to the community.
“They deserve to be celebrated, and we will shine a light on their successes at this event.
The event itself will be a reminder that Bradford really is a great place to do business,” said Nigel. Shortlisted candidates will appear in a supplement published in the T&A on July 17, the day before the awards ceremony.
Here are the categories for this year’s awards.
SME BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
For companies which normally employ no more than 75 full-time staff, it will recognise a business that has shown marked success over the year. For all finalists, judges will consider current trading performance, the prospective growth and development opportunities for the future of the business.
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
This award honours top employers.
These companies will have demonstrated strong investment in their employees as well having a reward scheme and other ke y e mplo y e e b e nefits.
NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
This award is for companies that have set up in 2018 and can demonstrate imagination, sound planning and exceptional marketing delivery. Judges will be tasked with analysing business plans, achievements to date and potential for growth within the next few years of shortlisted firms.
BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
This celebrates the entrepreneurs behind some of the most innovative and successful businesses in the district.
The judges will select finalists that best represent the entrepreneurial spirit of the region.
CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD
A new award, this will recognise companies that make customer service a priority in their day to day operations.
The judges will be looking for a company that can demonstrate how they deliver excellent customer service and can showcase this with testimonials.
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR
Apprenticeships are an increasingly an important way of attracting new talent and providing training for the future.
The finalists in this category will have gone above and beyond as part of their apprenticeship for an employer.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY AWARD
Another new category, the finalists will have demonstrated considerable dedication to corporate, social and ethical responsibility, providing the community with the many positive outcomes of their commercial activity.
Judges will focus on businesses that have contributed substantially to the community through various means.
EXPORT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Paying tribute to the company that has excelled in its field, the winner of this new award will be a business that has demonstrated an ability to succeed in international markets – export sales growth/ consistency, adapting a product or service to new markets.
FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
This brand-new award is for established family businesses across all sectors, that demonstrates sustained success across a broad range of measures, while ensuring all family values are followed.
JOB CREATOR OF THE YEAR
The award is for a business or individual who has played an outstanding role in boosting employment in the district through innovation, investment and putting job creation as a key part of their business development.
THE WINNERS AWARD
On the evening of the awards, the judges, fellow nominees and specially invited guests will choose the winner of winners from the winners of the 10 categories above.
