The Midlands Family Business Awards 2014 opened in style with a ‘teatime tapas’ event at Iberico Derby.
The launch of the region’s only independent not-for-profit Awards for family businesses, their leaders and advisers, also officially marked the opening for entries this year.
Family businesses of any size, sector or specialism can enter free of charge and full details of the Awards’ ten categories were unveiled at the events, including the headline Midlands Family Business of the Year and three categories new for 2014 –International Development, Employer of the Year and Director of the Year (under 40).
The line-up of sponsors and supporters for 2014 was also revealed at the event and includes Midlands’ accountants and business advisors Smith Cooper, the Awards’ headline sponsor for the fourth consecutive year, Barclays, Crouch Logistics, PwC, Shakespeares, Unum, Thomas Miller Investment and First Actuarial.
The 2014 Awards are raising funds for The Outward Bound Trust, the educational charity for young people. Since their launch in 2010, the Awards have raised in the region of £20,000 for charities supporting young people and enterprise.
Categories for 2014 are:
Midlands Family Business of the Year
Best Small Family Business
Fastest Growing Family Business
Business Innovation
Leading Adviser to Family Businesses
Manufacturing Excellence
Employer of the Year
International Development
Director of the Year (under 40)
Service Excellence.
Speaking at the event, Charlotte Perkins, MD of The Wilson Organisation, which organises and underwrites the Awards explained: “Entries for the 2014 Awards are now open and family businesses can enter via the Awards’ website up until the end of June. The submission process is quick, simple and totally free.
“As a charitable initiative, we are indebted to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters, many of whom are returning for the fourth or even fifth year in 2014.
“Wilsons is a third generation family business, and we recognise just how important it is to showcase and celebrate the amazing successes and contribution of the Midlands’ family businesses, one of the main aims of the Awards. We look forward to a record number of entries in 2014 and would encourage family businesses to enter so they gain the recognition they deserve.”
Jennie Higgins of Derby jeweller CW Sellors, winner of the Retail Excellence Award in 2013, was guest speaker at the Derby event.
For more information about the 2014 Awards, categories, sponsors independent judging panel, and how to enter, visit: www.familybusinessawards.co.uk or contact Wilsons’ Ped Briggs: [email protected].
Family businesses generate over £1 trillion each year in UK revenues and provide more than nine million jobs in the UK. The East Midlands is home to over 200,000 family businesses.
