Still time to enter competition to find the best in business

The deadline for entries to this year’s competition has been extended.

Firms now have until Monday, March 27, to put in their submissions for a contest which culminates at the Borough Hall on May 11.

As well as Business of the Year, categories include Newcomer of the Year, Community Business, Training, Creative, Hospitality and Manufacturing.

There are also awards for Young Entrepreneur and Business Leader of the Year.

Tickets for the evening are £40 per head which includes a four course meal and a complimentary bottle of red and white wine for table bookings of 8 or 10.

Awards co-ordinator Andrew Steel said: “A lot of people are indicating that they are going to enter.”

But a technical hitch, he said, has caused problems at the website and Mr Steel added; “To give everyone a fair chance, we shall extend it.”

The categories which are being contended this year are;

l Service Sector sponsored by Tilly, Bailey & Irvine.

l Manufacturer of the Year sponsored by Waltons Clark Whitehill.

l The Community category sponsored by the Hartlepool Mail.

l Business Leader of the Year sponsored by the Hartlepool Business Forum.

l Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality sponsored by the Passport Group.

l Creative Industries sponsored by Cleveland College of Art and Design.

l Young Entrepreneur sponsored by The Gus Robinson Foundation.

l Most Promising New Business sponsored by Beaumont Consulting/Hartlepool Enterprise Centre.

l Investment in Training sponsored by Hartlepool College of Further Education.

l Best Small Business sponsored by the Federation of Small Businesses.

The Overall Business of the Year - which is sponsored by the Gus Robinson Foundation - is selected from the winners of each of the categories.

Last year, the competition attracted more entrants than the previous five years and there was an encouraging number of new firms putting their names forward.

Mr Steel added: “There are 10 different categories to enter which means there is something for all businesses whatever size or sector you are in.”

To enter for this year’s competition, email [email protected].