Are you up for the challenge? New look Business Challenge 2008 launches
[Embargoed until 00:01am Thursday 10 April 2008]
Today [April 10] sees the launch of Business Challenge 2008, the South West’s premier business award scheme. This year is set to be the biggest and best yet with the Challenge revamped to reflect the climate in which the region’s businesses are operating. With new award categories included this year the search is on for the best commercial business talent based in Devon & Cornwall. Over the last 20 years Business Challenge has been a key part of the business scene in Devon and Cornwall recognising excellence in business achievement, innovation and success across the region. Over the years a number of the area’s best companies have been acknowledged, including Camel Valley Wines, Cardio Analytics and Sutton Harbour Holdings.
This year four regionally based firms – Bond Pearce, KPMG, The Royal Bank of Scotland (“RBS”) and Twofour - are sponsoring the awards. Businesses from across Devon and Cornwall are encouraged to enter, regardless of size or industry sector.
The four awards categories this year are as follows:
- Business Excellence Award
- Corporate Social Responsibility Award
- International Trade Award
- Communications Award
Richard Cobb, Partner at Bond Pearce LLP explains:
"The South West has a unique diversity of business. Recognising local success is crucial to maintaining the range of firms and companies that the region currently supports. Business Challenge is a key part of that recognition process and we urge firms to enter the awards scheme."
Ian Brokenshire, Senior Partner at KPMG’s Plymouth office agrees:
"Business Challenge always reveals some great stories about Devon and Cornwall business and is a celebration of the contribution they make locally. It’s a fantastic platform for businesses of all sizes to be recognised, with the Awards open to all who demonstrate excellence and high achievement."
Tim Jackman, Director at Twofour, said:
"The new award categories highlight the different qualities which make businesses a success in the region – innovative use of communications, trading on the international stage, operating in a responsible manner, and not settling for second best in business with continual development and progression."
Martin Wright, Relationship Director, RBS Corporate Banking concluded:
All too often business talent can go unrecognised. Business Challenge 2008 celebrates both the economic success of the region and the people who work within it. We wish all businesses entering this year the very best of luck as the Challenge commences!
This year’s finalists will be announced at a gala awards ceremony and black tie dinner at the Headland Hotel, Newquay on Thursday 9 October.
Entries must be received by 6 June 2008.
Notes to editors
The Devon and Cornwall Business Challenge 2008 launched on Thursday 10 April 2008. The Devon and Cornwall Business Challenge awards are recognised as being the most prestigious in the region. The Challenge has been running for 20 years and in that time has recognised many key regional businesses for their commercial talent.
In 2008 there are four award categories:
- Corporate Social Responsibility Award presented by Bond Pearce LLP
- Business Excellence Award presented by KPMG
- International Trade Award presented by RBS
- Communications Award presented by Twofour
The closing date for entries is Friday 6 June 2008.
Finalists and other guests will be invited to a gala dinner at the Headland Hotel, Newquay on Thursday 9 October where the winners will be announced.
www.businesschallenge2008.co.uk
Please note a media pack is available from Liz Morgan (details below).
For more information please contact:
Liz Morgan
Bond Pearce LLP
Tel: 0845 415 6625
Email: liz.morgan@bondpearce.com
