Shropshire Business Awards 2012 launched

The gloom which hangs over the economy should not be allowed to obscure the successes Shropshire businesses enjoy.

Britain’s economic tribulations may continue to mount, but they shouldn’t mean that companies on the up shouldn’t celebrate their achievements – on the contrary, they should be shouting from the rooftops about the victories which demonstrate that not everything is in the doldrums.

So today, along with Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, the Shropshire Star launches this year’s Shropshire Business Awards.

A chance to step on stage in front of hundreds of people and cast a beam of light through the financial gloom which seems perpetually top of the news agenda should not be passed up.

When the Shropshire Business Awards comes around on June 15, in a glittering ceremony at Telford’s International Centre, that chance becomes a reality for a number of companies.

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce managing director Richard Sheehan said: “2012 will bring many challenges for the world of business but within those challenges will come exciting opportunities.

“The Shropshire Business Awards has the potential to showcase the best of Shropshire to an extensive audience that exists well beyond our county’s borders. As we look to support business and provide opportunities this high-profile event has a fundamental part to play.

As a chamber of commerce we are committed to continually raising the profile of the innovative and exciting business community within Shropshire, and the business awards provides a chance to do just that.”

This year not only marks the 12th annual business awards, but also the 50th anniversary of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, and the county’s business support organisation is taking the opportunity to celebrate its achievements by putting together the event alongside other businesses in the local community.

Mr Sheehan added: “Once again Shropshire’s business community has demonstrated its generosity and support for the Shropshire Business Awards.

“It was clear from our research that the appetite for the celebrations of business in our county is as strong and committed as ever.

“With this year being an Olympic year, and the 50th anniversary of the Chamber, we can expect a fantastic event which once again ensures Shropshire’s place on the business map.

“We expect around 800 people to attend this year’s prestigious event and interest from local companies has already been very strong.”

Shropshire Star business editor Thom Kennedy said: “The Shropshire Business Awards provides a terrific platform to highlight the fantastic work being done by some of the most innovative and hardworking companies in the county.

“The Shropshire Star is delighted to provide its support to the awards, recognising the value to the business community and county as a whole of promoting some the phenomenal businesses that exist here.

“June’s event promises to be a wonderful night, providing not only the best chance to celebrate the county’s enterprising entrepreneurial spirit, but the best networking opportunity in the county, with some of the West Midlands best businesses.”

Entries are being welcomed from businesses large and small, with the only stipulation that you must have a Shropshire base or employ people in the county.

Entry is free and you can take part in as many categories as you like. Although the awards are organised by the Chamber of Commerce, companies do not have to be Chamber members to enter.

Visit the Shropshire Business Awards website to apply for an award