Recession can't put paid to enthusiasm for excellence awards
After months of entries tumbling in, the drawbridge has been pulled up on The Business Excellence Awards.
All entries had to be in by the end of Friday – and the response is heartening.
A total of 94 entries have been received in all categories, revealing that even in the clutches of the recession there are still plenty of stories of success across Portsmouth and beyond.
Although slightly down on last year, when just over 100 entries were received, the awards received a better response than expected given the UK's current dire economic straits.
The editor of The News, Mark Waldron, said: 'To be honest we were uneasy at first. As our readers know, the last 12 months have seen so many firms shed staff, experience tumbling profits, or close down completely, that there were fears we would have a weak response.
'But quite the opposite has happened. We have had an extraordinary reaction from firms which still feel they have plenty to write home about, and that's a cause for cheer for everyone in Portsmouth.'
The number of strong contenders spread across the categories this year has been so rich that consideration is being given to extending the number of entries shortlisted for each award.
Final decisions about winners will be made during a meeting of the judging panel on November 26.
Judges this year are Maureen Frost, chief executive of the Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Tim Austin, retired head of the Enterprise Agency, Chas Morrison from chief sponsor Business Link, The News editor Mr Waldron and business reporter Adam Kula, and a judge from the sponsor of each category.
Results will be announced shortly after the meeting to all shortlisted entrants.
Maureen Frost said: 'It's really encouraging to see so many entries especially bearing in mind the difficult trading conditions many businesses have faced this year.'
The black tie ceremony itself will take place on January 28 at Portsmouth Guildhall when the winners will be announced.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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