The MEN Business Awards are being relaunched, with a new date announced and the city's biggest firms now urged to enter - to celebrate both success and resilience in a year like no other.
We are today relaunching the awards and reopening the entry period for a limited time and for a select number of categories.
That means we are moving the date of our famous awards event, for which headline sponsors are , , , and ; with category sponsors Bolton School.
The prestigious event, which was due to be held on November 18, 2021, will now take place on April 7, 2022.
Businesses which have already entered need not worry about the reopening of nominations - all those received so far will still be considered.
To submit a nomination, visit
Tom Houghton, North West Business Editor, said: "Over the last two years, Manchester firms have found themselves confronted with a completely unexpected set of obstacles - as the pandemic and Brexit created a rapidly-changing economic terrain, and set new limits on how we operate.
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"Despite these sudden challenges, our business community demonstrated incredible determination and skill - working tirelessly to ensure that they made it through. Many even found that the pandemic prompted them to rethink the way they work, becoming more efficient and capable as a result.
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"With our recovery now well and truly underway and pandemic restrictions hopefully behind us, we are urging firms eligible for these categories to get their entries in - so we can celebrate not only their achievements - but also their resilience in the face of what's been one of the most challenging years of our lives."
For a five-week window starting today, we have reopened four categories for the city's biggest companies to submit their entries.
Introducing our headline sponsors
This year, the MEN Business Awards are lucky enough to have five headline sponsors. The businesses sponsoring the awards are:
Brewin Dolphin was founded on the belief that the successful management of wealth takes an understanding of money but is rooted in an even deeper understanding of people. So before we invest your money, we’ll first invest in our relationship with you. We have the technical skills to make the most of opportunities to protect and grow your wealth. But more than that, our ability to build strong relationships means we can create the bespoke financial plans and investment portfolios that will meet your unique ambitions and deliver peace of mind that your interests are in the right hands.
CMS is the world’s fifth largest law firm, with nearly 5,000 lawyers worldwide advising clients from all sectors on a wide range of legal issues including M&A and corporate law, disputes, real estate and construction, energy and infrastructure and IP and ITC. The firm has had a significant presence in Manchester for the last six years.
LDC is the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group. With a portfolio of over 90 companies across the 海角视频, it provides a combination of investment, support and expertise to help businesses achieve their ambitious growth plans.
PwC is one of the largest professional services networks in the world with 284,000 people in 155 countries and is committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services
With offices in more than 30 countries, Robert Walters is one of the world’s leading global specialist recruitment consultancies. Distinguished by its long-standing expertise, local market intelligence and specialist teams, it supports North West employers, from high-growth start-ups, to blue-chip enterprises, looking to drive their business forward with the best market talent across disciplines including accounting and finance, technology, banking and financial services, business support, manufacturing and engineering, and supply chain and logistics.
The four reopened categories are:
- Head office outside Greater Manchester turnover £100m+ sponsored by CMS
- Turnover £100m+ sponsored by PwC
- Turnover £50m - £100m sponsored by Robert Walters
- Turnover £25m - £50m sponsored by Brewin Dolphin
A winner will also be announced on the night for the Mitchell Henry Prize sponsored by LDC. All businesses submitting entries will be considered for the prize, which will celebrate the most ambitious business in Greater Manchester.
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Over the coming weeks, we will be publishing interviews with past winners who have told us the positive effects and huge benefits that winning had on their organisation.
The new closing date for entries will be Friday, October 15.
Greater Manchester boasts one of the 海角视频’s most dynamic economies, powered by investment into many sectors. We look forward to uncovering outstanding businesses advancing in 2021.
Why your firm should enter
We think our awards are great showcases for companies of all sizes.
So what's in it for your business - and why should you put in the effort? Here, we've listed ten reasons why we think you should get involved.
And if this convinces you - why not read our tips on how to make the most of your entries?
Here are 10 reasons why your firm should enter:
Free marketing
Just being nominated for an award gives you the opportunity to use this for PR and publicity purposes. Making the shortlist can improve your brand awareness. The promotion which follows is all free!
Stronger position against your competitors
Who are your audience more likely to use if you’re THE award-winning business in your sector?
More sales - more customers
Winning or being nominated for awards is a strong indicator of trust-worthiness among prospective customers. Businesses who regularly enter and win awards report increased sales and income against businesses who don’t enter awards.
Successful businesses like to work with other successful businesses.
Significantly enhances customer retention and loyalty
Entering and winning business awards demonstrates to your customers that your business is at the top of its game, reinforcing their reasons for using you in the first place. It also helps build brand loyalty as customers are always keen to stick with businesses who are perceived to be doing well.
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Increased credibility
An award win or short-listing nomination can act as a third party endorsement for your business. A win can give a real stamp of authority and credibility within your industry sector and is a sign of quality for potential customers.
Valuable exposure
An awards ceremony is a good opportunity to put your business in front of a number of influential and noteworthy people who may be key players within your industry, sector or region.
Benchmarking
The application process can force you to look at your business from a different perspective and compare yourself to your competitors. Thinking about how you stand out from the competition, will help you think about doing things better and identify areas of improvement. This could be more valuable than the prize itself.
Levels the playing field
In many cases, business awards give you an opportunity to compete against the big boys and stand side-by-side with them on stage and on the billing. Many categories of business awards allow you to go head-to-head against major blue chip companies and, in many cases, succeed in areas from customer service, innovation and impact.
What value would it bring to your business seeing your company logo lined up against some of the 海角视频’s most well-known brands?
Employee motivation
Awards are a fantastic way to recognise the hard work of your employees and help boost staff morale. Knowing they have contributed to the recognition winning an award brings is a great motivator to continue to perform for your company.
Attract talent
Winning an award validates your hiring stature among new recruits. By pitching yourself as the best, you can attract the talent you need to push your business forward.
Who doesn’t want to work for an award-winning company?