Launch of Somerset Business Awards 2011 given royal seal of approval at the Bath & West Show

June 3, 2011 - PRLog -- At the launch, the 14 award categories for 2011 were unveiled and the continued support of the main event sponsor, Albert Goodman, one of Somerset’s leading accountancy firms, was announced.

Cox says, “We are delighted and honoured that the Countess of Wessex attended the launch of the Somerset Business Awards. The Awards represent a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Somerset businesses. 2010 was the biggest year yet and we anticipate 2011 will be just as hotly contested! The Awards showcase the talent and entrepreneurialism in the area and encourage best practice in business. Great businesses and great opportunities are brought together at the Somerset Business Awards.”

The annual awards recognise business success, adding credibility and achieving publicity for the winners. One of the most important and popular fixtures on the county’s business calendar, many Somerset Business Award winners go on to do bigger and better things following the success of winning an award.

With the popularity of the Somerset Business Awards soaring, the number of award categories and entries are increasing every year. New for 2011 are the following award categories: Family Business of the Year, sponsored by Albert Goodman; the Collaborative Innovation Award, sponsored by Open Innovation; and the Environmental Award, sponsored by Perrys Recycling.

Albert Goodman Partner, Paul Hake, says, “Albert Goodman is once again proud to be the main sponsor of the Somerset Business Awards and to continue our association with county’s most vibrant and enterprising businesses. Many Somerset businesses have been honoured through these prestigious awards since 2004, and all testify to it providing a major boost to their businesses.

“As well as being main sponsor, we are also delighted to be supporting the new Family Business Award.  Family businesses play a critical role in the region's economy and the community in which they are based. Albert Goodman is firmly committed to the family business sector and we bring expertise and understanding to help family businesses and their leaders achieve their objectives and aspirations.”

Open to companies of all types and sizes, the Somerset Business Awards offer an opportunity to shine a light on your company in these challenging economic times. For entry details and to apply online, please visit www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk. The closing date for award applications is 5.30 pm on 1 September. Businesses can nominate themselves and are welcome to enter more than one category, but should make multiple applications online, ensuring they differentiate between the criteria of each award.

All shortlisted companies will be invited to the glittering black tie gala dinner and prestigious awards ceremony, which will be held on 21 October at the Somerset County Cricket Club’s conference centre in Taunton.  

Sponsored by Albert Goodman, which has offices throughout Somerset, the annual Somerset Business Awards are organised by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with a wide range of individual award sponsors from the private sectors.