The prestigious Cherwell Business Awards were officially launched on Tuesday 5 November 2019, with a presentation and networking event at Norbar Torque Tools Ltd.
Now in their ninth year, the awards have become a much-anticipated event on the business calendar. Having established a solid reputation within the North Oxfordshire business community for showcasing and celebrating the achievements of individuals and organisations working within the Cherwell District.
Speakers included Neill Brodey, Norbar Torque Tools, as well as Cllr Lynn Pratt from Cherwell District Council; this year’s Headline Sponsor.
Liz Nicholson, of Nicholsons also formed part of the panel of speakers to share their CBA journey – from winning the CBA Established Business Award in 2019 sponsored by Spratt Endicott to being put through to the OXBAs and successfully securing the Large Business Award 2019, sponsored by Natwest. To this year, where they have made the decision to become the sponsor and judge of the Charity and Community Award 2020.
Liz Nicholson, Nicholsons said: “Nicholsons have been winners in three categories of the Cherwell Business Awards over four separate years. Having won the Established Business Award in 2019, we felt the time had come to give back to the awards scheme where we had been so successful. We are delighted to be sponsoring the Charity and Community Award this year – a category that aligns with the Nicholsons company values and is a very worthwhile aspect of business to be celebrating. We invite any charity, community group or social enterprise based in Cherwell district to apply, irrespective of business size. There are endless ways in which charity and community can be supported, so the only criteria that is mandatory is that the business is located in the Cherwell district. We hope to receive lots of applications and celebrate the fantastic charity and community support in our local area.”
Following Liz, an inspiring talk was given by Helen Wright, 9-2-3 Jobs Ltd, last year’s winner of the High Spec Composites Small Business Award on why they chose to enter the awards and the benefits of winning a Cherwell Business Award.
The 2020 Award categories include:
1. The A2Dominion – Sustainable Business Award
2. The Bicester Village – Retail Award
3. The Bicester Vision, Bicester Chamber and Wednesday Business Club – Micro Business Award
4. The Ellacotts –Business Person of the Year Award
5. The High Spec Composites – Small Business Award
6. The Nicholsons – Charity and Community Award
7. The Oxford Innovation – Innovation Award
8. The Oxford Technology Park Award – New Business Award
9. The Spratt Endicott Solicitors – Established Business Award
Plus, the coveted Norbar Overall Cherwell Winner, selected from the finalists of all nine categories.
Placi Espejo, one of the four directors of the Cherwell Business Awards, said: “I am beyond excitement to be able to see the Cherwell Business Awards launch for another year, since its first Gala Dinner, we have seen the number of nominations and applications more than tripling, the process now is extremely simple as you can do so online via our website and the benefits of being shortlisted and even better wining one of the 10 Awards are invaluable plus there will always be someone at hand to help you answer any questions you might have along the process.”
The deadline for nominations is 20 December 2019 and the application deadline is 14 February 2020. During February and March 2020 all applications will be assessed and judged, with the finalists announced on 4 April 2020. Winners will be announced at the prestigious Awards Gala Dinner to be held at Heythrop Park on 15 May 2020.