The Times Business Awards is returning in 2024 to find the best businesses in and around Tunbridge Wells.
The seventh edition of the annual awards ceremony promises to be another showstopper, with two new categories, a celebrity host and the opportunity to network at one of the region’s biggest business events of the year.
Next year’s gala dinner will take place in the Victorian Theatre at Salomons Estate on Thursday March 14, 2024.
Entries will be open from today (November 1) and will close on Thursday February 1, 2024.
The winners in most categories will be chosen by a panel of independent judges, but the general public will be able to have their say in two new awards.
The judges are drawn from a range of sectors, with each selected to bring their unique insight into not only what makes a good company,
but also what makes business good for the local area.
Launching in 2016, the glitzy awards ceremony showcases the best businesses the area has to offer and welcomes over 200 guests to the gala evening. Over the years celebrity presenters have included former MPs Michael Portillo and Edwina Currie, Radio DJ Ken Bruce and Strictly’s Anton du Beke have overseen the popular awards ceremony.
The 2024 Times Business Awards will see the introduction of two new categories, with both voted for by the general public for the first time. Further details of these categories will be announced on December 1.
‘Retailer of the Year’ is a new category for 2024, recognising outstanding contributions made to the local area by a retailer.
Also new for next year is ‘Food and Drink Hero’. This category is for the best companies in food and drink, with a focus on those that source locally and sustainably.
Returning to the Times Business Awards is ‘Charity of the Year’, which will honour local charities and not-for-profit organisations that play a positive role in the life of our area.
In ‘Best Family Business of the Year’, judges will be acknowledging businesses that show how being a family business has had a positive impact on its achievements.
Other Times Business Awards celebrate environmental achievements, creativity, and businesses of varying sizes.
CELEBRATING THE BEST IN LOCAL BUSINESS
Each category is available for sponsorship. For details please contact Robin Singer at: robin.singer@onemediauk.co.uk
Start-Up Business of the Year
This award recognises companies founded since January 2022, which have been attracting lots of attention.
Creative Business of the Year
This is a very strong sector for Tunbridge Wells, covering the creative, design, marketing and PR sectors which have made our town their home.
Charity of the Year
For this category, judges will analyse the charities and not-for-profit organisations which play such a positive role in the life of our area.
Green Business of the Year
This category will recognise companies for their commitment to the environment, whether through reducing energy usage, ‘localising’ their supply chains or any other green initiatives.
Best Family Business of the Year
The judges will be looking for the business that best demonstrates how running a family business has added significantly to its competitive advantage. The winner will need to show how being a family business has had a positive impact on its achievements.
Best Business 1-25 Employees
This award is for companies with a workforce of up to 25 which have maintained consistent
growth and strong financial performance, both meeting customer expectations and supporting employee welfare and growth.
Best Business 26+ Employees
Consistent growth, financial performance and an engaged, positive workforce are just some of the criteria that set these companies apart from other medium to large businesses in
the area.
Outstanding Business of the Year
This award will reveal which company demonstrates the best combination of growth, ambition and quality of management in the area. The ‘outstanding’ company has delivered on a compelling business strategy, while developing its employees’ skills and looking after staff.
TWO NEW CATEGORIES:
Retailer of the Year
This new award, nominated by the general public, will recognise outstanding contributions made to the local area by a retailer. Open to retailers large or small, with a local or national presence.
Food and Drink Hero
This new category, also voted for by the general public, is for local companies that produce or serve the very best in food and drink, especially those that source locally and sustainably. All kinds of establishments are eligible, from fine-dining restaurants to small-scale producers.
For more details, visit the dedicated website: timesbusinessawards.co.uk
