North East Businesses invited to attend 7th annual Grampian Awards for Business

Businesses from across the north east are today, Monday 10th April 2006 being reminded to book their table at the 7th annual Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise.  Richard Reed, co founder of Innocent Drinks has been confirmed as the key note speaker at the awards and will address the enterprising finalists.  The event has become a key event on the Grampian business calendar with tickets selling out each year since its inception.  The prestigious awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 8 June 2006 at Ardoe House Hotel,

The Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise, which are sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Business Gateway (in association with Scottish Enterprise Grampian) and organised by Enterprise North East trust (Enterprise), recognise business success, innovation and entrepreneurial flair.  The awards include categories for new businesses, business growth and entrepreneurial business men and women.  The 18 finalists, drawn from across the north east, will each receive a certificate at the awards ceremony and the winners will receive the coveted Enterprise award along with a cheque for up to £5,000.

Chris Travis, Chief Executive of Enterprise comments, “The Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise are recognised as a prestigious awards ceremony for business people in the north east.  This year we received a record number of entries, all of which were of a consistently high standard.  The finalists are drawn from a wide variety of industries including engineering, oil and gas, food production, biotechnology, construction and renewable energy.  I am looking forward to meeting the finalists at the awards ceremony and finding out more about them and their businesses.”

Stuart Heslop, director of commercial banking, Aberdeen for RBS says, “RBS has a long tradition of supporting business in Grampian and throughout Scotland.  We work with both new start and thriving businesses providing them with essential financial advice, support and encouragement.  The Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise recognise both innovation and entrepreneurial spirit; important elements in a successful business.”

Colin Donald, director of finance and competitive business for Scottish Enterprise Grampian comments, “Scottish Enterprise Grampian is proud to have been associated with the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise since their inception.  This is the seventh consecutive year that we have sponsored the event and each year we see an increasing number of entrepreneurs and businesses being commended for their achievements.”

Tickets are now available for the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise black tie event on 8 June at Ardoe House Hotel at a cost of £80 per guest (plus VAT) or £800 (plus VAT) for a table of ten.  The event begins with a champagne reception at 7pm, with carriages at 11.45 pm.  Tickets for the event can be booked by calling 01467 672535, or emailing events@enetrust.com.  Tickets are expected to be in demand as the event has been a sell out each year since it’s inception.

Winners of the six categories will be announced on the night – New Business Award; Young Business Award; Business Growth Award; The Alick Buchanan Smith Spirit of Enterprise Award; The Sir Ian Wood Award for Innovation; The Ian Davidson Award for Entrepreneurship. Winners in 2005 included Poseidon Engineering, Zertech, double award winners Caledus, ANM Group and Graeme Anderson of boxportable.

More information about the awards can be found at www.enetrust.com.  Winners will be selected on 13th April 2006 and will not be announced until the awards ceremony will take place on 8th June at Ardoe House Hotel, by Aberdeen.

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