North is open for business

WITH only weeks to go to the deadline for the North East’s most prominent business awards, associate sponsor Business Link is urging the region’s firms to make the most of the final opportunity to celebrate their achievements. Alastair MacColl, chief executive of Business & Enterprise North East, which delivers the Business Link service in the region, explains why.

“With the North East Business Awards 2009 less than four weeks away, it’s important that businesses of all sizes and from all sectors take this final opportunity to have their achievements recognised and rewarded,” McColl says.

“The awards, organised by The Journal and Evening Gazette, have grown year on year in terms of prestige, quality and volume of entries, so this really is the ultimate platform to celebrate business excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement and to showcase the region’s talent and inspiring stories of success.

“With 13 separate awards categories, highlighting success across all areas – from small business to manufacturing and creative industries to export and training – there really is something for everyone.

“Businesses still in any doubt should consider the many benefits offered by the awards. They provide the opportunity for businesses to be seen as leaders in their field, which other companies can learn from and be inspired by. An endorsement from the North East Business Awards can also reinforce just how successful a business is to clients, potential clients and stakeholders.

“The awards can also go a long way to boosting the morale of employees. By involving staff in the process, they will be reminded of the positive contribution they have made to the business throughout the year.

“The associated publicity for winning, or even being shortlisted, can also be a great way to raise your profile within the North East business community, sending out a message that you are striving for excellence and establishing a position among the best businesses in North East England.

“This really is an opportunity to show the rest of the UK that the North East means business. With only weeks to go until the deadline for entries, I would like to encourage as many businesses as possible to take the opportunity to get involved in this fantastic event which showcases the strength and diversity of talent that exists in the region and celebrates outstanding business success
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