Now or never for your entry

Businesses are being urged to step into the spotlight not only to showcase the brilliant things going on in the new city and North Bucks but because of the benefits it gives firms

Rita Spada, chief executive of the Chamber, said: “Don’t leave it until Sunday to get that application in. The application form is easy to understand and to submit but it does need applicants to put some thought in about their own business and its strategy.

“We need time to examine the applications and for the judges to make visits to companies in order to compile that all important shortlist.

“Good luck to everyone – we’re on track to having a best ever awards ceremony and annual dinner. It will be great to see you there.”

Benefits to companies from winning include significant publicity through the Chamber and the Citizen.

The awards night and annual dinner, at DoubleTree by Hilton at stadium:mk on October 20, will not only be a great networking opportunity but also is a fantastic night out and can be a thank-you to employees for all their hard work.

Businesses have also told the Citizen that the application process has its own benefit. It can be a useful way of examining corporate strategy.

An array of sponsors have stepped forward.

l Business Excellence Award: Sponsor: Volkswagen Financial Services.

l Entrepreneur of the Year. Sponsor: Powernet.

l Business of the Year (above £5m turnover): Sponsor: Lynx Networks.

l Business of the Year (£1m – £5m turnover). Sponsor: Mirus IT Solutions.

l Business of the Year (less than £1m turnover): Beardow Adams.

l Achievement in International Trade.

l Best Business Improvement through application of Innovation/Technology. Sponsor: The Open University.

l Excellence in People Development. Sponsor: Nampak.

l Business Supporting the Local Community. Sponsor: Milton Keynes Shopping Centre Association

l Excellence in Customer Care. Sponsor: Abbot Fire Group

l Energy & Environmental Award. Sponsor: Coca-Cola Enterprises.

l Most Innovative Use of Digital Media in Communications. Sponsor: CMC Communications

l Manufacturing Excellence Award.

> To enter, visit www.mk-chamber.co.uk

> To be a sponsor, phone chamber operations director Helen Horwood on 01908 259002 or email her at [email protected]