Some of the region’s finest Somerset businesses wait nervously to find out if they will be shortlisted for a prestigious Somerset Business Award, as the judges assess this year’s entries.
With an impressive number of entries for 2017, the 14 Somerset Business Awards judges have reviewed their entries and now look forward to an exciting few weeks visiting the successful entrants, before selecting their winners and finalists.
2017 welcomed three new categories to the Awards – Technology and Innovation, Somerset Manufacturer & Producer and Investing in Somerset – all of which have been well-received by many local businesses. Renowned for its rich heritage for food and drink, Somerset is home to many fantastic businesses who took the opportunity to enter the Manufacturer & Producer Award, showcasing their dedication and passion for their work and wanting to be recognised across the county. Similarly, as we move into an increasingly-advanced technical world, the Technology and Innovation Award saw interesting entries where businesses are taking their businesses to the next level, through the latest use of technology and unique innovation.
Ben Hingley, Partner at Porter Dodson – judging the Technology and Innovation Award – comments, “We suggested the new Award for the Somerset Business Awards because of the quiet revolution which seems to be taking place in the county. New and exciting products are being created and developed by both existing and new businesses, and we wanted to recognise and promote what they are doing locally, nationally and internationally from Somerset. We’ve received some great entries and look forward to visiting the shortlisted businesses.”
Loren Gray, Events Manager at the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, organiser of the Somerset Business Awards, adds, “We are thrilled to receive such great levels of interest in our Awards, especially the new categories – which have seen an outstanding number of applications. We are delighted to see lots of entries from businesses who have never entered before, and wish all the applicants the best of luck – we look forward to celebrating with them in October.”
Once chosen, the Award finalists will be officially invited to the glittering black-tie event on 20 October 2017, at Wellsprings Leisure Centre in Taunton, where the 14 Awards winners will be announced in style, by BBC news presenter, Alex Lovell, who we are delighted to welcome back to the stage for the second year.
The Awards are sponsored by a variety of companies from the county’s dynamic business community, including main sponsor, Albert Goodman, returning for the eighth consecutive year.
The Somerset Business Awards is active on Twitter, please follow @SomBizAwards for all the latest news and updates with #SBA2017. To find out more, and for further information about the Awards, please visit: www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk.