The Croydon Business Excellence Awards are ready for take-off after announcing Gatwick Airport as its headline partner for 2016.
Entries are currently being invited for the borough’s biggest awards programme, which will culminate in a gala dinner and awards ceremony on Thursday, October 6, will help to raise funds of the Mayor of Croydon’s charities. The partnership builds on the already close links between Croydon and Gatwick Airport, which is just 15 minutes away by train.
Alison Addy, head of community engagement for Gatwick Airport, said: “As a major economic driver for the South East, Gatwick enjoys strong business links with the Croydon region and is pleased to be associated with this year’s Croydon Business Excellence Awards. The awards are a great opportunity to celebrate success and recognise business excellence across Croydon.”
Businesses can enter the following categories: Commitment to the Community, Best Business for Customer Service, Best New Business (trading less than 2 years), Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Business for Food & Hospitality, Independent Retailer of the Year, Apprentice Employer of the Year, Best SME Business (turnover up to £15 million), Best Business for Staff Training & Development, Best Charity or Social Enterprise, Best Green Business, Best Business for Marketing & Social Media, Tech Innovation of the Year, Best Creative & Media Sector Business.
There will also be an overall Business of the Year, announced in conjunction with Gatwick Airport. Last year’s winner was RISEgallery and art gallery in the town centre founded by Kevin Zuchowski-Morrison.
The closing date for entries is May 6 and shortlisted companies will then go forward to a judging day. The awards are organised by White Label Creative and, in addition to Gatwick Airport, other sponsors include Allianz Global Assistance, London Borough of Croydon, Wing Yip, Croydon Business Venture, Sussex Innovation Centre, the Croydon Partnership, the Croydon Advertiser, Platinum business magazine and Croydon Chamber of Commerce.
For more details about how to enter and the awards process visit www.croydonawards.co.uk