The finalists of this year’s East Midlands Chamber Business Awards have been revealed, including some from Mansfield and Ashfield.

About 165 organisations from across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire have been recognised in the 2021 edition of the annual contest, which is once again run in partnership with principal sponsor Mazars.

The awards are split into three events for each county and feature 13 categories, with a new award this year for Collaboration Project of the Year to celebrate pioneering partnerships within Chamber membership.

There’s also a new-look Excellence in Innovation award, which replaces the Innovation in Manufacturing category, as more ground-breaking firms are invited to showcase how they are pushing boundaries in their sectors.

Winners are chosen during a virtual judging day by a panel including sponsors, a Chamber board member and a representative from the Chamber’s senior leadership team. An overall Business of the Year is also selected for each county from all the finalists by Mazars.

After the awards ceremonies were held virtually last year due to lockdown restrictions, the Chamber plans for a return to physical events in late 2021, pending Government guidance.

The Derbyshire Business Awards will take place on Friday, 12 November, Nottinghamshire Business Awards on Friday, 19 November and Leicestershire Business Awards on Friday, 3 December.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Last year, we were proud to celebrate the achievements of more than 120 organisations during what was a difficult period for many, so it’s absolutely fantastic to see even more businesses, social enterprises and charities recognised this year.

“There were so many examples of incredible innovation, growth and resilience among our members in the entries, giving us a chance to shout about all the great things our region has to offer.

“We can’t wait to hold another set of memorable awards ceremonies, hopefully this time in person, with the brilliant support of our sponsors.”

For more information about the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/businessawards2021. 

 

Nottinghamshire Business Awards 2021 finalists

Business Improvement Through Technology – Sponsored by Air IT

• Forsyth Barnes
• NT Voice & Data Solutions
• Performance Networks
• Ryley Wealth Management

 

Community Impact Award – Sponsored by Breeze Corporate Finance

• Maggie’s Nottingham
• Nottingham Forest Community Trust
• René House
• RideWise
• TTK Confectionery

 

Outstanding Growth Award

• Air IT
• CCM Group
• Eight Days a Week Print Solutions
• Forsyth Barnes
• TTK Confectionery

 

Environmental Impact Award

• JG Pears
• Plastek UK
• RideWise
• Shredall SDS Group

 

Commitment to People Development Award – Sponsored by QTS Group

• CCM Group
• Plastek UK
• Portland College
• REAL Education
• Ryley Wealth Management

 

Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by EMA Training

• Amie Betteridge – Fidler & Pepper Lawyers
• Joshua Ruthven – Page Kirk
• Martin Cull – Page Kirk
• Megan Langley – SourceCloud

 

Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Eversheds Sutherland

• Trent Peek – CCM Group
• Richard Fletcher – Ignys
• Rebecca Bull – My HR Hub
• Iwona Lebiedowicz – PAB Languages Centre
• Faye Harding – The FE People

 

Education and Business Partnership Award – Sponsored by Nottingham University Business School

• Access Training (East Midlands)
• REAL Education
• The Futures Group

 

Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Eight Days a Week Print Solutions

• KuKu Connect
• Plastek UK
• Ryley Wealth Management
• SourceCloud
• Voldi

 

Excellence in International Trade – Sponsored by DHL

• JG Pears
• Mobile Air Traffic Control Systems
• Plastek UK
• Unic International

 

Small Business of the Year – Sponsored by Nottingham Trent University

• CCM Group
• Forsyth Barnes
• PLM Global
• TTK Confectionery
• Unic International

 

Excellence in Innovation – Sponsored by HSBC

• Affari Media
• Home Curtains (UK)
• KuKu Connect
• Performance Networks

 

Excellence in Collaboration – Sponsored by Motorcycle Funerals

• Arc Partnership
• Love My Town Group
• Maggie’s Nottingham
• Rotheras