The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today launched its flagship Chamber Business Awards at London Stock Exchange. Scientifica, last year’s winner of the ‘Business of the Year’ award based in Sussex, had the honour of opening trading at London Stock Exchange, accompanied by Nus Ghani, Conservative MP for Wealden, and Ana Christie, chief executive of Sussex Chambers of Commerce.
The prestigious competition is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, recognising and promoting the best of British business through a series of regional heats, culminating in a Gala Awards Dinner, which will take place at the Brewery, London on November 30.
Entries open today and will run until Friday June 30. Next year’s winners of the Business of the Year award will have the same chance to open the market at London Stock Exchange as a prize, a rare opportunity for a private business.
Companies can enter nine categories, covering exports, small business, people development, technology, high-growth, customer service, partnerships with the education sector, social media, and health and wellbeing.
Francis Martin, President of the British Chambers of Commerce said:
“Businesses are the driving force of the UK economy, creating jobs, growth and prosperity, and helping Britain to maintain its reputation internationally. This is exactly why it is important for us to recognise and celebrate the contribution they make to their local communities and the wider economy.
“The broad spread of categories in the Chamber Business Awards reflects both the diversity of industries and skills of British firms, and the range of achievements and projects that they have been involved with.
“Each time I visit Chamber member businesses, it is inspiring to see so many companies finding innovative ways to grow their business in every corner of the UK. The Awards acknowledge the relentless efforts of these businesses and their talented employees.”
Adrian Corbin of Scientifica, Winner of the ‘Business of the Year’ award last year, said:
“Everyone at Scientifica is incredibly proud that the company won the British Chambers of Commerce Business of the Year. It is an enormous achievement and a fitting testimony to all the hard work that has gone into creating such a great company.
“We are at the forefront of high–tech British manufacturing, exporting our products to more than forty countries worldwide. We employ a highly-educated and international workforce who are all committed to producing innovative products to help further neuroscience research, and the winning of this award will undoubtedly help us expand into even more markets around the world.”
Umerah Akram, Head of ELITE UK, said:
“Ensuring the best of Britain’s innovative, imaginative and inspiring businesses can flourish in the UK is a priority for London Stock Exchange Group which is why we are proud to support the BCC Chamber Business Awards. Through ELITE, our unique business support and capital raising programme, we are creating a dynamic financial and entrepreneurial ecosystem, promoting the right type of funding for ambitious businesses at every stage of their growth journey.”