BUSINESS REPORT


BUSINESS REPORT


Businesses in Northamptonshire are being encouraged to showcase their achievements and successes by entering the Chamber Awards 2015. The prestigious competition, now in its 12th


year, is being hosted by the Accredited Chamber Networks’ national organisation the British Chambers of Commerce. It is designed to recognise and reward the


best of British businesses and for the first time the Chamber Awards will include an ‘Education and Business Partnership Award’, which will celebrate the efforts of schools and colleges to engage with their local business community. The award supports the wider


activity that Chambers of Commerce are already doing around the country to bridge the gap between the world of education and the world of work. Companies can enter a total


‘IT IS A CHANCE


FOR LOCAL FIRMS TO RAISE THEIR PROFILE


of eight categories, covering exports, small business, people development, technology and community – with the chance of winning a £10,000 cash prize.


REGIONALLY AND NATIONALLY’


NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CHAMBER keeps its members up to date with all the latest business news. Whether it’s through the pages of this magazine, via our website or by regular email updates, we will always endeavour to keep you in the picture and informed


BUSINESSES ENCOURAGED TO SHINE IN CHAMBER AWARDS


The winners of last year’s Chamber Awards


nationally, which we have had the privilege of experiencing ourselves after winning Excellence in Membership Services in the national 2014 Chamber Awards. “I would urge firms to enter the Chamber


Awards and be rewarded for being one of the champions of British business and making a positive impact to the economic recovery.” As Northamptonshire Chamber is part of the


The 2015 categories are: • Small Business of the Year • Export Business of the Year • High Growth Business of the Year • People Development Award • Best use of Technology to Improve Business Performance


• Education and Business Partnership Award • Business in the Community Award • Young Person in Business Award


BCC’s accredited Chamber network, its member companies are eligible to enter for free. The awards will comprise of a series of


Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local firms to really shine and be earn recognition for their successes and innovative ways of growing their business. It is also a chance for local firms to raise their profile regionally and


regional heats, culminating in the national final, which takes place in London in November.


To enter the Chamber Awards, visit www.chamberawards.co.uk The deadline for nominations is Friday 26 June.


FIRMS URGED TO OPEN DOORS TO STUDENTS


Employers in Northamptonshire are being encouraged to join the Open Doors 2015 programme to help bring the worlds of work and education closer together. Between 22 June and 17 July, local firms are


being invited to literally open their doors to groups of students, offer tours of their workplace and talk to students about their industry, the types of jobs available and the different pathways into the sector for young people.


The initiative is part of a major campaign


entitled Bright Futures by Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership (NEP) to inspire young people to explore the breadth of careers on offer in Northamptonshire. The drive will also challenge local businesses to appreciate the importance of investing in young people, essential for many to ensure sustainability and growth. Kate Dent, head of marketing &


communications at NEP, said: “The campaign has already secured backing from key


businesses and important industry bodies such as the British Footwear Association and we look forward to announcing additional partnerships in due course.” Bright Futures will run throughout 2015 with


a phased rollout featuring monthly focuses on key Northamptonshire business sectors throughout the year.


For more information or to sign up, visit: www.lovebrightfutures.com/employers


JUNE/JULY 2015 inbusiness 5


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