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North East Businesses Reminded To Submit Application Forms For 2011 Grampian Awards For Business Enterprise By Monday 18 April

The deadline for submission of applications to the 2011 Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise is rapidly approaching. Businesses from across the north east have until midday on Monday 18th April 2011 to complete and submit their applications.

Organised by Enterprise North East Trust (Enterprise) The Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise are open to businesses of all sizes; the awards encourage entrepreneurship and business prosperity by recognising the achievements of both new and growing enterprises. More than 130 businesses have signed up to enter the 12th annual awards and applications have already been received from a wide variety of businesses including self-taught Insch based artist, Angela Davidson Art and engineering specialists, LFH Engineering Ltd.

Businesses can enter one or more of the following nine categories:

• Promising New Business (businesses under 12 months old at deadline for applications. Nominations can only be made by a Business Advisor or RBS Bank Manager) - sponsored by Business Gateway

• Business Success (businesses that have been trading for over 3 years at deadline for applications) – sponsored by RBS

• Business Success (businesses that have been trading for under 3 years at deadline for applications) – sponsored by RBS

• The Wood Group Award for Innovation – sponsored by Wood Group

• The Alick Buchanan Smith Spirit of Enterprise – sponsored by Aberdeen City & Shire

• Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Optima UK Ltd

• Entrepreneurial Supporter – sponsored by Aberdeen City & Shire

• Employer of the Year – sponsored by Aberdeen City & Shire

• Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by RBS

The winners of the awards will each receive a unique handcrafted trophy, while the winner of the Wood Group Award for Innovation will also receive a cheque for £5,000. The trophies and cash prize will be presented at the black tie awards dinner which takes place at Mercure Ardoe House Hotel, on Thursday 30th June 2011.

Gary McEwan, Chief Executive of Enterprise North East Trust comments, “Tough economic times have affected all industry sectors; competition to win work is fierce and businesses need to be able to differentiate themselves. The 12th annual Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise provide an opportunity for businesses to showcase their achievements, receive recognition from their peers and set themselves apart from their competitors.

“It’s important to remember that all businesses, regardless of size, have a part to play in the continuing economic recovery. The awards highlight the accomplishments of small companies, growing businesses and entrepreneurs from across the north east. They also pay homage to those who support and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs on a paid or unpaid basis.”

Each award category has its own criteria and participants can enter more than one. Businesses and individuals can enter by completing a registration form on the Grampian Awards website www.grampianawards.com; a category specific application form will then be sent to the applicant. The deadline for application submissions is midday on Monday 18th April 2011.

More information about entering the awards and application forms can be found on the Enterprise website or by calling 01224 289700.