Just under a week to go to enter this year's Business Excellence Awards

It's the 25th anniversary of the Cambridge News Business Excellence Awards ceremony, which will be staged in the majestic surroundings of the Great Hall at King’s College, Cambridge on 22 March, 2018. Entries close next Monday (22 January).

Many of Cambridge's social ventures have continued to make a real difference to people's lives in the past 12 months, but which one will be recognised for its achievements at the 2018 News Business Excellence Awards?

There is just under a week to go to get your entries in for this year's awards, and one of the categories which is sure to be hotly contested is the Allia award for social entrepreneurship, which recognises those businesses which impressive impact on society in terms of social, environmental and economic impact.

Last year's winner was the truly awesome Arthur Rank Hospice charity, which has now settled into its £12m Shelford Bottom headquarters and helps up more than 3,000 patients a year who are living with life-limiting conditions. The organisation's 200 staff are supported by a hefty team of volunteers, aged 15-91.

Other categories where the competition is sure to be fierce include the Cambridge Judge High Growth Award, which will be given to a business achieving sustainable growth in turnover of £5m-£25m with profit, and can demonstrate their increased market strength.

Entrants will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Huntingdon firm Forward Composites, which claimed the prize last year in recognition for its work in sectors such as aerospace, defence and automotive.

The company, which rose from the ashes of the Lola car business under the guidance of managing director Paul Jackson, has gone from strength-to-strength in the past 12 months, playing a key role in repairing the world's largest aircraft, the Airlander 10.

To enter these, or any of the other awards categories, visit www.cambridge-news.co.uk/business/business-awards The deadline for nominations is Monday, January 22.

Here are the categories:

BARCLAYS AWARD FOR LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

For businesses that are achieving sustainable growth in turnover of £26m and over, with profit, and can demonstrate their increased market strength. They may be achieving this through adaptability, quality of management, or diversification into new markets.

HEWITSONS AWARD FOR BUSINESS INNOVATION

Which company’s initiative in terms of innovation research and development has most impressed you during 2017?

CAMBRIDGE JUDGE HIGH GROWTH AWARD

For businesses that are achieving sustainable growth in turnover of £5m-£25m with profit, and can demonstrate their increased market strength. They may be achieving this through adaptability, quality of management, or diversification into new markets.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

For businesses that are achieving sustainable growth in turnover of up to £5m, with profit, and can demonstrate their increased market strength. They may be achieving this through adaptability, quality of management, or diversification into new markets.

PURE AWARD FOR EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

The best employer category is looking for a locally based organisation that successfully inspires, motivates, develops and rewards its staff, encouraging employees to work together to achieve the organisations objectives within is a positive working environment.

BIOMED REALTY TRUST AWARD FOR BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

To be decided by a distinguished judging panel.

PRICE BAILEY AWARD FOR BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

This award will be decided by the judges as the “best of the best” from the winners of the awards.

ALLIA AWARD FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Which initiative has delivered or will deliver the most impressive impact on society in terms of social, environmental and economic impact? The initiative could be operating at a local, national or international level but must demonstrate significant ability or potential to make a transformational difference.

This initiative could be delivering social impact in terms of:

  • the audience it reaches
  • a ground-breaking innovation
  • demonstrating quality
  • building awareness of an issue that affects society

MEDIMMUNE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION

The winner of this award is decided by a distinguished panel of judges.

CAMBRIDGE BID AWARD FOR INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF THE YEAR

This category is open to all Independent retailers, including jewellers, coffee shops, bars, restaurants and hair and beauty businesses and it will allow this important sector to be showcased and give these successful businesses in the city the chance to win this prestigious award.



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