I’m very pleased to be supporting the T&A Business Awards. This is the second time that Bradford Chamber has worked with the T&A to produce the awards and I hope that it can go on to be a long-lasting scheme.

Awards can be great promotional opportunities for local businesses of all sizes. There is a wide range of categories, recognising everyone from start-up businesses to larger, more established ones.

One of the advantages of these awards is that a business that is not a household name can be a winner because the award panel compares what each applicant has achieved against specific measures.

Winning makes employees feel proud of their company and one winner from 2010 has said that being seen at the awards event made a potential customer aware of the company’s strengths and they are now doing business together.

The awards also demonstrate the T&A’s recognition of the importance of business to a healthy and wealthy city and district. Working jointly on projects such as these awards will only make Bradford stronger, showing the skills and expertise that we have locally.

The Bradford Chamber has a role to play in working with businesses to raise their issues, to help them be as competitive as possible and to connect them with each other and to whatever help they need. We’re involved with enterprises of all sizes, from those who are taking the first tentative steps to starting on their own to the largest companies. We know that there is excellence in many local businesses, but often it is not seen outside the company’s regular contacts.

So, we urge all businesses out there to get your nominations in for one of these awards. It’s your chance to shine and share your success at the awards ceremony. Time to think about your acceptance speech! It will be another great night – get that form completed now.