Time running out to enter Family Awards

Family-run businesses and their owners from across the Midlands are running out of time to showcase their achievements and contribution to the regional economy in the first-ever Midlands Family Business Awards.

The deadline for entries to the Awards is the 30th June 2010, but submissions can be made quickly and easily as the Awards' project Manager Hilary Campton explains:

"There is no charge for making an entry, and submissions can be made online at the Awards website www.familybusinessawards.co.uk before nominations close on the 30th June. The process has been created to be as quick and easy as possible, with clear explanations and information about each category and the information required, at every step of the way.

"Businesses can enter as many categories as they wish and for which they are eligible, and the Awards are open to any Midlands-based family business regardless of their size or industry sector. Businesses can also make submissions on behalf of clients' or friends' family businesses," she says.

Underwritten by insurance broker and financial advisor, The Wilson Organisation, the Awards' is a not-for-profit venture, with all proceeds going to charities supporting young enterprise and young people - The Children's Society, The Willow Foundation and The Venture Foundation.

Headline category ‘The Family Business of the Year is sponsored by RSM Tenon. Further individual Awards categories will recognise: ‘Best development of talent', ‘Overcoming adversity', ‘Personal excellence', ‘Development of international markets', ‘Business innovation of the year', ‘Fastest growing family business', ‘Commitment to the community', ‘Leading adviser to family businesses', and ‘Best newly established family business'. Category sponsors include EFG Private Bank, Connect Midlands, Aviva, Young & Pearce Solicitors, AXA Elevate, Blusource and The Mitre Group, with additional support from Regional Development Agency emda.

The Awards panel of independent inspirational judges includes James Timpson (MD, Timpson), Tim Storer (MD, Pukka Pies), Peter Thornton (former Chairman of Thorntons plc), Peter Leach (author, Family Businesses: The Essentials), Grant Gordon (Director General, Institute for Family Business), Judy Naake (founder, St Tropez), Carrie Rubins (Director, Pentland Group) and Mark Samworth (Samworth Brothers).

The judges will review all submissions to create a shortlist for all ten categories - these businesses will be invited to an informal interview with the judging panel during September, with all winners announced at a glittering awards ceremony at Nottinghamshire's Thrumpton Hall on 11 November."

For more information about the Awards visit: www.familybusinessawards.co.uk, or contact Wilsons' Marketing Manager Leah Bradley, tel: 0115 942 0111, email: lbradley@wilorg.com.