Nominations for the Manchester Evening News Business Awards have opened.
This year is our 28th annual awards ceremony and we are more determined than ever to get businesses of all shapes and sizes involved.
The event celebrates excellence in firms of all sizes and sectors, from long-established multi-nationals to start-ups.
The contest will culminate in a glittering dinner and awards ceremony in the splendid surroundings of The Principal on Thursday, November 19 with tickets now on sale.
The full list of categories are:
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CMS Head office outside Greater Manchester turnover £100m+
PwC Turnover £100m+
Robert Walters Turnover £50m - £100m
Brewin Dolphin Turnover £25m - £50m
Manchester Evening News Turnover £10m - £25m
BusinessLive Turnover £5m - £10m
Manchester Evening News Turnover £1m - £5m
Bolton School Turnover under £1m
LDC Mitchell Henry Prize
Manchester Airport Award for International Trade & Export
All businesses submitting entries will be considered for the Mitchell Henry and International Trade & Export award. Winners will be decided by the judging panel.
For the head office outside Greater Manchester category businesses must show evidence of their contribution and positive impact within the Greater Manchester region.
The M.E.N Business of the Year Awards is free to enter and the deadline is Friday, March 6.
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Businesses which enter must have their headquarters and management functions in the M.E.N’s circulation area and have their latest financial figures available.
Representatives of the judging panel will visit each entrant - except for those entering the turnover under £1m category.
A shortlist of finalists will be drawn up before the final judging day which will be held in the autumn.
Business editor Shelina Begum said: “We are extremely excited to launch the 2020 Manchester Evening News Business Awards.
“The M.E.N has a long history of supporting and recognising those who are leading the way in business and it is great to get out there, meet entrants and see first hand some of the excellent work that they are doing.
“Former winners have gone on to achieve great things and we look forward to catching up with the 2019 prize winners in the coming weeks to see what winning has meant to them and the opportunities it has delivered.
“I urge as many of you as possible to enter this year’s awards.”
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Executive sponsors are Manchester Airport, PwC, Robert Walters, Brewin Dolphin, CMS and LDC. Category sponsors include Bolton School.
Andrew Cowan, CEO of Manchester Airport, said: “We are proud to support the growth ambitions of the region’s business community, by providing them direct access to some of the world’s most important markets.
“This is an exciting year for the airport, with the major phases of our £1bn transformation set to be delivered, and a series of key new international routes being launched.
“We are looking forward to meeting the entrants this year and learning all about their business success stories.”
Jonathan Bell, Head of LDC in the north west, said: “The M.E.N Business of the Year Awards play a key role in celebrating the region’s most exciting and fast-growing businesses.
“It continues to demonstrate that ambition is alive and well across the region. We’re thrilled to be partnering the programme for the third year running and supporting the MEN in recognising some of the North West’s most dynamic and ambitious management teams.”
Howard Gill, Head of Corporate NW, said: “CMS Manchester’s ability to both nurture and attract some of the world’s best businesses across a range of sectors is testament to its longstanding reputation as an entrepreneurial hotspot.
“This is as true today as it was 200 years ago and it is part of the reason why Manchester is recognised as an excellent place to do business, not just nationally but also on the global stage.
“The city has an abundance of talent, energy and innovation. CMS is one of the largest corporate law firms in the world and working with high quality companies is in our DNA.
“Accordingly, we are delighted to join forces with other sponsors to support the M.E.N Business of the Year Awards for the first time and we look forward to meeting and interviewing some exceptional companies.”
Emma Suchland, private business partner at PwC, said: “2020 will mark the 18th year PwC has been involved in the M.E.N Awards during which time we have met some fantastic companies from across the region. Being able to see these businesses develop and grow makes us feel proud to be able to play our part in the North West business community.
“There’s no hiding the fact that the economic uncertainty seen over the last two years has been a challenging climate in which to operate for many businesses, however that doesn’t seem to have had an undue impact on the market – clearly evidenced in the many successful north west businesses that entered last year’s awards.
“The calibre of last year’s winners shows that businesses have a lot to be proud of in the region. I would encourage people to enter the awards and show that their confidence, resilience and hard work continue to be fundamental to their future success and that of the region.”
Lucy Bisset, director, Robert Walters, said: “As a global consultancy with strong local ties, we’re motivated to help business leaders in realising their growth ambitions, so it’s a pleasure to be supporting the M.E.N Business of the Year Award for the 8th consecutive year.
“Greater Manchester boasts one of the 海角视频’s most dynamic economies, powered by investment into emerging sectors including fintech and payments, advanced engineering, creative, professional services and technology.
“We look forward to uncovering outstanding businesses advancing in these areas in 2020.”
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Bradley Russell of Brewin Dolphin said: “Manchester is quickly emerging as the birthplace of the 海角视频’s entrepreneurial spirit, with many household names and exciting businesses calling Manchester their home. Brewin Dolphin is delighted to sponsor the Manchester Evening News Business of the Year Awards and recognise much of this talent.
“We met a huge number of fantastic businesses last year and look forward to meeting many more in 2020.
“Visiting these businesses and being a part of this process reminds us just how vibrant the region is and how lucky we are to be a part of it.
“We wish all the entrants the very best of luck and look forward to meeting them all as part of the process.”
Cathy Fox, clerk & treasurer at Bolton School, added: “Each year we are always impressed by the calibre, range and dynamism of up and coming enterprises across the region.
“The entrants are invariably entrepreneurial, daring and driven to succeed; they excel due to inspirational minds, strong leadership, hard work and great teamwork – all attributes which we instil in our own pupils before they head out into the world to make their mark.
“As ever at this stage, we wish all nominees the very best of luck!”