The race is underway to find the region’s best

This year’s search for the region’s best businesses is on and nominations are now open for the Western Morning News supported Business Challenge Awards.

Following on from the launch, previous winners Bott Ltd have added their voice in encouraging businesses to put themselves forward for one of the prestigious awards.

Managing Director of the Bude based manufacturer, Clive Woodward explains “The Awards process, and the scrutiny that follows acceptance of a formal application, gives Senior Management a unique opportunity to evaluate progress towards the achievement of business goals. It’s good to be challenged about where you are going and the awards afford a unique opportunity measure success.”

Clive continues “I was very gratified to be able to accept the award on behalf of the Bott team. It was great that the combined efforts of our employees in pursuit of Product and Service excellence had been recognized at a regional level. Our brand recognition was greatly enhanced by the award and put us firmly on the business community map in the South West.

“Two years on we are stronger, more self assured and ready to meet future challenges. What advice would I give to prospective entrants? Just get on and give it a shot. The whole process will only help you to improve your business, and the contacts made are never wasted.”

The business scene in Devon and Cornwall is thriving and the sponsors, Bond Pearce, KPMG, RBS and Twofour, want to hear from the many companies who have a success story or achievement to share.

The four awards categories this year are as follows:

Business Excellence Award
Corporate Social Responsibility Award
International Trade Award
Communications Award

Now in it’s 20th year Business Challenge is the region’s premier business award scheme recognising excellence in business. 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.

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