With every day that passes, our businesses are developing Leicestershire into one of the Ƶ’s finest hubs of inspiring ingenuity and business excellence.

Our local people, with their enthusiasm for the region and passion for success, are who we have to thank for putting our region on the map.

, in association with , will be doing just that.

We’re hosting a big awards ceremony on Thursday, September 16, live at the Maher Centre, to celebrate the success stories from across the area. Showcasing the top talent right on our doorstep, the night will definitely be one to remember.

For more information, take a look at the. For tickets, contact Michelle Roberts at mroberts@championsukplc.com.

There are five headline sponsors this year: , , , and .

The Apprentice Employer of the Year category, sponsored by , recognises the businesses that are providing valuable opportunities for young jobseekers in the area. Over recent years, the younger generation have struggled in the job market and this award celebrates the employers who are supporting the youth of today. The finalists have gone above and beyond to take on a number of apprentices and provide them with the support and training needed to kick-start their careers.

The finalists are:

Ibstock Brick

Operating 21 factories across the country and producing 80 million bricks per year, Ibstock Brick continues to rely on apprentices as part of its workforce. It currently operates two apprenticeship programs including the advanced mechanical engineering and advanced electrical engineering course. Over the years, many of the company’s apprentices have secured full-time positions within the business.

JJ Churchill Ltd

For more than 80 years, JJ Churchill has engineered and manufactured compressor and turbine blades for aircraft engines. The company has delivered a continuous apprenticeship training and development programme, with 8% of the company’s workforce apprentices undertaking a four-year training programme.

Samworth Brothers

A producer of high-quality food that is enjoyed by millions of people across the Ƶ, Samworth Brothers also owns well-known brands such as the number one Cornish pasty producer, Ginsters. Currently, the brand has more than 70 individuals involved in its apprenticeship programmes and offers a degree-apprenticeship programme in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University.

Here are the categories for the :

Company of the Year - Sponsored by

SME Business of the Year - Sponsored by

Employer of the Year - Sponsored by

Business Entrepreneur of the Year - Sponsored by

Excellence in Science & Technology - Sponsored by

Excellence in Manufacturing Award - Sponsored by

Contribution to the Community Award - Sponsored by

Not-For-Profit-Organisation Award - Sponsored by

Excellence in Innovation Award - Sponsored by

Family Business of the Year - Sponsored by

Customer Service Excellence Award - Sponsored by

Apprentice Employer of the Year - Sponsored by

Excellence in Training & Development - Sponsored by

International Trade & Export - Sponsored by

Small Business Growth & Development Award - Sponsored by

Hospitality Innovation Award - Sponsored by

The , in association with, will take place on Thursday, September 16 at Maher Centre. For tickets, please contact Michelle Roberts, mroberts@championsukplc.com.

Find out more information on the official website: .