The editor of the Nottinghamshire Live has outlined the huge benefits of being nominated for – let alone winning – one of our prestigious regional business awards.
The brand, which includes the Post newspaper and its online operation, is currently building nominations for its , which will be announced this autumn.
Editor Natalie Fahy said inclusion in the awards can provide invaluable publicity and marketing exposure for established and up-and-coming business leaders.
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Categories this year range from Apprentice of the Year to Rising Star, Sole Trader of the Year, Women in Construction, Inspirational Woman of the Year and overall .
The last time the awards were held, 13 awards were handed out, with 11 of them decided on by an esteemed judging panel.
The prestigious Businesswoman of the Year award was presented to Charlotte Cox, who was global brands director of Canterbury and is now president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa of parent company Pentland Brands.
The lifetime achievement went to Jackie Lymn Rose, a company director at AW Lymn funeral directors.
Miss Lymn Rose joined the company in February 1993, and was one of less than 10 trained female funeral directors when she began. Now, the former president of the British Institute of Embalmers says it is a much more even split.
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Ms Fahy said after such a tough 18 months, getting nominated was not just about recognising overall achievement but also about celebrating success in the face of adversity.
, she said, could potentially get a big boost to their businesses and reputations as a result of being part of the awards.
She said: “Just being nominated for an award gives you the opportunity to use this for PR and publicity purposes, while making the shortlist can improve your brand awareness. The promotion which follows is all free, whether that’s online, in the Post or on the night itself.
“On top of that, being nominated brings you to the direct attention of the – not to mention the Nottinghamshire Live team – many of whom are seasoned networkers and could, potentially go on to help you further down the line.
“The networking opportunities of the awards night are second-to-none – especially considering the awards are for women who, inevitably, want to support one another.
“Entering and winning business awards like these 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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“A win can give a real stamp of authority and credibility within your industry sector and is a sign of quality for potential customers.
“It is also often the case that award-winners gain the confidence to go on and enter other awards, often on the national stage, building their reputation further still.”
People have until October 15 to nominate themselves or colleagues, friends or contacts for the 2021 Nottingham Live Women in Business Awards.
Winners will be announced at a glamorous event at Nottingham’s Crowne Plaza hotel on Wednesday, November 17.
This will be the first Women in Business Awards to be held in the county since before the first lockdown – and the awards are being hosted in partnership with headline sponsor , a Nottingham business that has been supplying blinds, curtains and shutters for five decades.
They are also being run in association with Nottinghamshire Live’s sister publication BusinessLive.
Hillarys is this year's headline sponsor
Founded in Nottingham 50 years ago, award-winning Hillarys is dedicated to ensuring customers find the right blinds, curtains and shutters to suit their style and budget. Measuring, fitting and a professional in-home service are all included in the price, alongside expert advice specific to every customer's needs.
Susan White, marketing director, says: "Hillarys is delighted to headline sponsor the NottinghamshireLive Women in Business Awards for the third year. Shining a light on the achievement of women in the workplace is something we are extremely passionate about as a business.
"Women make up more than 60% of our workforce and we continually look for ways to support them, whether it’s back into work after maternity leave, flexible working, life stage counselling or initiatives that help empower women to lead happier and healthier lives."
This year there are awards for:
- Apprentice of the Year
- Rising Star
- Sole Trader of the Year
- Women in Construction
- Inspirational Woman of the Year
- Women in Public Service
- New Business of the Year, sponsored by Eversheds Sutherland
- Women in Tech, sponsored by Browne Jacobson
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Female Executive of the Year
- Small Business of the Year
The awards evening will include a red carpet drinks reception, followed by a three-course dinner then the awards presentation.
For further information and the opportunity to purchase a table for the awards contact Richard Edwards on 0115 905 1913.