Gainsborough Business Awards - Time to nominate

Last year’s awards were a huge success, with the Gainsborough Standard sponsoring the Best Customer Service Award - won by Cliff Bradley & Sons.

Other big winners on the night were Eminox Ltd, Uncle Henry’s Farm Shop, Queen Elizabeth’s High School, and Freewatt.

But this year’s awards are set to be bigger and better than ever, featuring a special appearance from inventor and business mentor Sharon Wright - who appeared on BBC2’s Dragon’s Den in 2009.

In the history of Dragon’s Den, it is hard to remember a more perfect pitch than Sharon’s.

Not only did she get more money than she had asked for, she also managed to secure her investment on better terms too.

Her invention, MagnaMole, which threads wires and cables through cavity walls and void spaces, clearly impressed investors James Caan and Duncan Bannatyne.

Kelly Taylor from Langley’s Solicitors, who are organising the awards, said this year’s Gainsborough Business Awards would build on the success of last year.

“We received some great feedback and we’re hoping that this year’s awards will be bigger and better than ever,” she said.

“All of our judges commented on how tough it was deciding the winners last year.”

“It’s always hard to get applicants but we had so many of such a high calibre, so I hope people will nominate again this year for their chance to be the stars of the show.”

Kelly continued: “I think that’s it’s really important to celebrate Gainsborough businesses because it’s quite a small town and the strength and breadth of businesses based there is often overlooked.”

Standard editor Chris Burton said it was both a pleasure and a privilege to be involved in recognising Gainsborough’s talented business people.

“We at the Gainsborough Standard are proud to be a paper at the heart of the community that serves the local readership by tending to the issues that matter to you,” he said.

“Therefore, we couldn’t be more delighted to be involved in celebrating the passion, dedication, skills and success of business men and women from in and around the area.”

He continued: “Each and every day, your Standard reports on the latest developments and achievements of local businesses, and it is no secret that Gainsborough is an area brimming with entrepreneurial talent.”

“To be sponsoring the Best Customer Service Award once again means everything. We understand the importance of good customer care and this award seemed the natural choice for us.” He added: “Now, we need readers and local businesses to take this golden opportunity to tell us all about the good work they are doing each and every day.”

To nominate a business in the Best Customer Service Award Category, look out for coupons appearing in the Gainsborough Standard over the next few weeks.

Drop your nomination into our offices at 5-7 Market Place, Gainsborough, DN21 2BP.

The Gainsborough Business Awards 2012 will be a black tie dinner at the White Heather at Caenby Corner, near Gainsborough. The event will take place on Thursday 6th September at 7pm.

Others sponsors include Langley’s Solicitors, Idea Fuel Creative, Gainsborough College, West Lindsey District Council, Wright Vigar, Freewatt and The Florist.

Don’t forget to make your nominations for all the other categories by visiting www.gainsboroughbusinessawards.com

The full list of categories is:

l Gainsborough Business of the Year

l Gainsborough Small Business of the Year

l Gainsborough Business Person of the Year

l Best New Business

l Best Use of Innovation/Technology

l Outstanding Contribution to the Community

l Best Customer Service Award

l Gainsborough Business of the Year

Nominations must be made by Friday 10th August 2012.