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Chamber Annual Awards

Written by Paula Devine | 14 Mar 2014

From local standout to national champion: Chamber Awards to put best of British business on the map

This year, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is proud to be hosting its 11th annual Chamber Awards ceremony. Businesses across the country are invited to take part and showcase their talents and achievements through a series of regional heats, culminating in the national final, which takes place in London on November 27th 2014.

Companies can enter nine categories, covering people development; manufacturing; sustainability; international business; innovation; technology; young people; and entrepreneurship.

The Awards will be demonstrating the very best of British business, highlighting the positive contribution that businesses make to the UK economy and to society as a whole.

British Chambers of Commerce President, Nora Senior, said:

“One of the main pleasures of my role is meeting so many inspiring businesses from all sectors across the country. These businesses are finding innovative ways to grow, create jobs and wealth, and are continuing to drive the economic recovery forward.

“I hear so many stories from dynamic companies about how they are making a positive contribution to their local communities, and finding new markets for their products and services at home and abroad. Our annual Awards ceremony celebrates these success stories, and highlights the excellence of British business.”

O’Brien Contractors scooped the Business of the Year award last year after impressing judges with the way the company had listened to customer feedback to expand and diversify the business.

Peter O’Brien, Managing Director of O’Brien Contractors, said:

“To win the award with the British Chambers of Commerce is a real privilege and a wonderful endorsement of how hard everyone has worked to achieve our goals. To be recognised for this has given everyone a great boost. We are all dedicated to delivering the best service to our customers while also striving to improve the efficiency and environmental impact of construction projects. It’s also very important to us that we provide the opportunities for our staff to realise their potential and that we have a positive impact on the communities we work in.”

Ramsden International, winners in 2012, used the award to develop their employer training. Philip Evans, Commercial Director of Ramsden International, said:

“We have always put considerable store by the importance and mutual benefit of supporting and encouraging our employees to engage in a variety of training courses.  These range from in house technical updates through to specialist professional development courses and MBA’s.  The financial prize the company received for winning the award has helped ensure that every employee has an agreed development plan with relevant training, which we hope will enable Ramsden International achieve even greater success in the future.”

The awards are open for entry until 27th June.

The entry process couldn't be simpler, with full category details and submissions made online at www.chamberawards.co.uk

Topics: Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, business, manufacturing, SMEs

Paula Devine

Written by Paula Devine

Paula is Head of Membership and Global Services at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

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