With just over a week to go before entries close for this year's Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, Island businesses are being urged to put themselves forward.
In an exclusive interview with the Isle of Wight County Press, Steven Holbrook, chamber chief executive, highlighted the benefits for companies in entering the Island's premiere business awards.
This year's glittering ceremony takes place at Cowes Yacht Haven on Friday, May 12 and entries close at midnight on January 31.
After that, a panel of international, national and local judges will come up with their choices across the wide-ranging categories.
How to enter the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2023
The shortlists will be published late in March.
Steven told the County Press the awards were great for morales and goood practice.
He said: "Writing an awards entry is a brilliant way to review your business. Submissions are based on activity in the calendar year of 2022, so it’s a chance to look back at the things you have achieved in the last 12 months.
"We’re looking for stories of growth, innovation, aspiration and results. Many of us are naturally reticent but awards entries are a great chance to tell your story.
"Part of our job as a business is to connect with our customers, old and new. We use advertising and PR to spread our message.
"Being shortlisted for an award is a great way to show the quality of your business. It’s a very marketable status and reaffirms your credibility to clients and partners."
Steven said there is nothing like the feeling of celebrating success around your peers and like-minded businesses.
"Businesses are competitive – yes, that’s why you’ve entered in the first place – but businesses are also supportive of each other.
"It’s a night of standing ovations and loud cheers. You’re nominated amongst the cream of the Island’s business community and it’s a great room to “work”. Networking doesn’t get much more high-level than this."
"Your award also brings with it an elevated status and a distinction when it comes to the product and service that you offer. People buy from people, and winners buy from winners.
He said that if you’ve entered for an IW Chamber Business Award, you’re already ahead of the pack.
A business's submission forms a valuable document and it can often be adapted as the basis of other sector-based awards.
"If you get shortlisted, it’s a real moment for your business. If you win, that’s an exceptional and long-lasting achievement."
But it all starts with an entry form…
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel