Firms urged to get the recognition they deserve

A rallying call has been issued to businesses across Derby and Derbyshire to put themselves forward for more awards.

In the latest Talking Business Live online session, called ‘You’ve got to be in it to win it’ companies were encouraged to celebrate their work and staff by applying for awards.

Every year there are 3,500 business award application opportunities available to businesses and charities alike.

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The discussion heard that since the onset of Covid-19, there had been many examples of individuals and organisations going above and beyond, who should be celebrated at a local, regional and national level.

The session also explored the benefits of winning awards – such as boosting profile, workforce morale and making it easier to attract new staff.

Hosted by Lisa Richards, partner at Dains and deputy chair of Marketing Derby's board of directors, the session started with Sally Eley, foundation director at The Princess Royal Training Awards.

The official awards of the City & Guilds Group, of which the Princess Royal is president, they honour organisations who have created outstanding training and skills development programmes resulting in exceptional benefits.

A company that won one of the awards last year was Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB).

David Bedlow, regional director at MAB, explained how winning had boosted the firm’s profile and helped it attract new advisers – and also offered some hints and tips to other companies considering entering.

Elizabeth Fothergill, the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, detailed three awards she could help with – the Honours List, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise (which Marketing Derby won last year in the Innovation category) and the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

She said: “In terms of the Honours scheme, Derbyshire doesn’t get as many awards as we should. If you know someone who has made a difference, you should put them forward.

“The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is the most prestigious award for UK businesses – it is the Royal seal of approval and globally recognised. Entering is a complexed process but so worthwhile.

“And the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the MBE for charities. I have had the pleasure of presenting these awards to Derbyshire recipients. Seeing the pride on the faces of the volunteers is exceptional.”

Yvonne Gorman, owner and print evangelist at Essential Print Services, shared details about how firms can enter and get involved in Small Business Saturday, while Rachel Hayward, managing director at Ask the Chameleon, who specialises in writing award applications, offered her top five tips.

And finally, Tony Walker, High Sheriff of Derbyshire, revealed details of a new awards scheme, set to launch next week, called the Derbyshire Beacon of Hope.

Organised in conjunction with Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council, the scheme aims to recognise the county’s heroes of the coronavirus crisis.

To watch the full discussion click here.