Laura Woodward-Drake, chairman of Exmouth Chamber of Commerce, writes for the Journal
The Exmouth Business Awards, run by Exmouth Chamber of Commerce, has been one of the highlights of the business social calendar over the past few years.
Often a sell out event full of glitz and glamour, a 3 course meal and prestigious ceremony for 200+ guests, the 2020 awards took to the virtual arena instead, at the beginning of the pandemic.
We still had so many amazing entries, finalists and winners, highlighting the depth of quality businesses and community groups we have here in Exmouth.
The innovation and determination in business owners and local groups was so inspiring to see, especially during one of the most uncertain times.
With more than 3,000 views of the live event and a great online atmosphere, it was a good replacement and we'd like to thank everyone who got involved.
As we come out of lockdown and hopefully on the path to recovery, unfortunately a big, in person event is off the table for any time soon.
However, the Exmouth Chamber of Commerce Exec are determined to continue the momentum and provide a forum for the whole community to come together and celebrate the wonderful array of companies we have in our town.
So, on Friday June 11th, we are running a blended event, combining a range of ways for people to interact.
From limited in person tickets (subject to guidelines) to a special initiative to ensure the home viewers can still enjoy the party - we have a few innovative extras this year and are channelling the 'love local' theme, to uplift and inspire as we start to bounce back.
There will be 10 categories, made up of a blend of our usual categories and pandemic specific ones, as we appreciate there is a need to reach a variety of situations.
All of which are designed to give people a reason to communicate their achievements during this difficult year, bringing the joy and hope back to business again.
The categories are:
- Best adaptation
- Local hero
- Best community group
- Lifetime achievement
- Best start up
- Best small business
- Young entrepreneur of the year
- Best social media presence
- Employer of the year
- Environmental impact
Full details can be found on our website and entries open at 9am Friday (April 16), through to 6pm Friday 14th of May. We encourage everyone to enter - take a look at the category descriptions for inspiration and guidance, and you'll find a few useful resources on how to write an entry on our website too.
Another twist for this year is our Best Start Up category, which will see a cash prize go towards the best business idea, as we want to support the growth of new business as well as celebrate the journeys of current ones.
The Team and I are very excited to get this event off the ground and bring the buzz back to the business community.
To find out more, get involved and enter, visit www.exmouthchamber.co.uk/businessawards2021 Or email chair@exmouthchamber.co.uk
And to keep up to date with the latest events, join our open business network group https://www.facebook.com/groups/exmouthbusiness
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