The regional FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards are set to go ahead at Sage Gateshead on March 26 this year. Winners will then go on to the national finals in London on May 23.
The awards are the biggest annual celebration of the UK’s small businesses. Kerry Curtis, spokesperson for the awards, said:
“Last year’s finals were incredible, the Prime Minister Theresa May, who was unable to attend in person, sent a personal video message which was played on the screen, congratulating the finalists and paying tribute to all small businesses. There was a drinks reception with live music followed by a three-course dinner and the awards ceremony, hosted by famed impressionist Jon Culshaw. The awards hashtag trended on social media most of the night.
“We want everyone to join us in celebrating the fantastic entrepreneurial spirit we have right across the UK. We really wanted to develop an award that small businesses would be incredibly proud and excited to be involved in and for them to really benefit from.”
The inaugural FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards took place in 2018 and were a resounding success. There were more than 2,000 entries, across all categories, from all over the UK.
The national finalists from the North East last year included a company that makes ethical sportswear from waste products including plastic bottles; a DNA testing company; and North Shield’s Seaweed & Co. Young Entrepreneur finalist Shantelle Million began making her digital system for the social care sector, MiCare Plan, a reality whilst she was still a student at Newcastle University.
Another finalist from the North East, Stablewood Leisure, in Northumberland, won the FSB UK Family Business of the Year Award.
Smaller businesses or the self-employers can still apply for this year’s regional awards, with 11 categories to choose from: International Business; Ethical-Green Business; Business and Product Innovation; Micro Business; Start-Up Business; Scale-Up Business; Family Business; Young Entrepreneur (aged 30 and under); Employer of the Year; Digital Innovation and Community Business.
Entries for North East are open till 15 February and can be made at the FSB website.