Reward for the firms who nurture their staff

Many apprentices have risen through the ranks to become captains of industry. This year, The Yorkshire Post’s Excellence in Business Awards will honour an employer who is passionate about apprenticeships and really takes time to nurture their staff.

They will be looking to emulate the success of Christeyns, the Bradford-based laundry chemicals manufacturer, which triumphed in the fiercely contested apprenticeship category at the 2016 Excellence in Business Awards.

Christeyns’ managing director Nick Garthwaite, who started his own career as an apprentice, received the award from Michael Portillo, the former cabinet minister turned broadcaster.

This year sees us welcome back global law firm DLA Piper as sponsor. We also welcome new sponsors Doncaster Sheffield Airport and Leeds Beckett University who will back the categories of Commercial Space and Entrepreneur respectively. CNG are also confirmed as table sponsors.

Over the last decade the awards have attracted a host of high profile speakers, including David Cameron, who attended when he was leader of the opposition, and the Chancellor George Osborne.

Other senior figures who have spoken at the awards include the former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, and Nick Clegg, the former Deputy Prime Minister. Apart from the apprenticeship category, entries are being welcomed in the following categories:

Companies with a turnover over £50m. Sponsored by DLA Piper: This category honours the commercial giants which conduct business on a vast scale.

Companies with a turnover between £10m and £50m: This award focuses on mid-tier firms which are the real powerhouse of the region’s economy.

Companies with a turnover up to £10m: Our region has a world class collection of SMEs and it is here we honour them.

Commercial space. Sponsored by Doncaster Sheffield Airport: Seeking inspiring uses of commercial space which showcase the real value of world class architects and designers. It can be a new build or an existing project.

Entrepreneur. Sponsored by Leeds Beckett: This award honours a rare individual who inspires others to greatness.

Young Business: Focusing on rapidly growing businesses in our region.

Outstanding Employer: This award recognises those employers that truly value their staff, and reward them in a sustainable way that nurtures the company.

Exporter: The winner of this award is really helping to drive the export-led recovery.

Technology: In this category, we are seeking a winner who harnesses technology to give their firm the edge. They are leaders, and not followers, in the technological arena.

Turnaround: This award honours a business that is flourishing after coming back from the brink.

Diversity: This honours companies that value every employee, and have gone beyond the call of duty to ensure they attract and retain a workforce that reflects the diversity of British society.

Leadership: Nobody forgets a great leader, and this award honours an individual who has displayed courage, tenacity and wisdom in a tough role.

To enter visit: http://www.jpeventsnorth.co.uk/yp/events/excellence-in-business/index.php