Members of Salisbury Chamber and Salisbury BID are in for a treat on Friday, April 8 as the Business Excellence Awards return from a nine-year break.

The event, which is being held at Salisbury Racecourse, brings business owners together for a special evening with a black tie dinner, entertainment, an auction for charity and recognition of the very best in local business through five special awards.

President of Salisbury Chamber of Commerce and Industry Andy Rhind-Tutt says the event is about “celebrating Salisbury and South Wiltshire’s robust and successful business community after a difficult few years”. 

“It will be a great night, with a few surprises in store as well as a comedian who will hopefully help raise money for local charities,” explained Andy.

“There will be no exclusions on size of the business that can apply, for example business of the year could be won by a large company, with hundreds of staff, but equally could be won by a sole trader. The questions will be relevant to all.”

Salisbury Journal: Andy Rhind-TuttAndy Rhind-Tutt

Once the nominations have been received, judging will commence.

The top five businesses in each category will be notified and two representatives of each will be guaranteed places at the event.

All judges will be independent of any entrant.

You can enter HERE.

View category criteria HERE.

The awards

The 2022 business excellence awards are:

Start Up Business award to be presented by sponsor The Enterprise Network – Wiltshire Council

The Start-Up Business award is open to any member who has been trading for three years or under and can demonstrate success and sustainability.
The award is being sponsored by Wiltshire Council’s Enterprise Network, at Salt Lane who specialise in supporting start-up businesses.

Salisbury Journal: The Business Excellence awards in 2012The Business Excellence awards in 2012

Employer of the Year award to be presented by sponsor Salisbury City Council Mayor Caroline Corbin

The Employer of the Year award is open to any member that employs staff and recognises organisations that go above and beyond for their employees, supporting their development, promoting high standards and providing a happy and healthy work environment.

Innovation & Sustainability award to be presented by sponsor Peter Dunbar, from Dunbar Associates

The Innovation & Sustainability Award recognizes any member providing new technology, product, or service that has been shown to demonstrably reduce costs, increase productivity, improve product quality or in some other way provide a bottom-line benefit that is innovative and sustainable.

Dedicated Business in the Community – (Longevity) award to be presented by Sarah Troughton – Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire

The Dedicated Business in the Community Award is open to any member who can demonstrate how their business has provided a long service of product, employment and support in the community and continues to do so.

Business of the Year award to be presented by Bill Browne, former editor and publisher of the Salisbury Journal

The Business of the Year award is open to any member who can demonstrate an established market position, excellent growth, expansion plans and resilience as well as effective leadership, innovation, an ethical approach to business and strong results.

Salisbury BID chief executive, Robin McGowan, right, says: “Salisbury BID are really pleased to be involved with the return of these awards and to celebrate the great businesses we have in Salisbury.

“We hope that as many businesses as possible enter these awards and attend the evening which promises to be a great event and a chance to celebrate together.”

Salisbury Journal: Mayor Cllr Caroline CorbinMayor Cllr Caroline Corbin

City council happy to take part

Salisbury City Council is very pleased to be sponsoring the Employer of the Year Award at this year’s Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. 

A spokesperson said: “The City Council are keen to support new business and initiative in the city as part of the continuing recovery from Novichok and Covid-19. The previous years have taken a huge toll on businesses and we look forward to celebrating the fantastic work they have done through such difficult times. 

“Now we are hopefully seeing an end to the pandemic, Salisbury is focusing on developing the high street of the future which will see new businesses opening in our City and providing employment to its residents. 

“The team at Salisbury City Council work hard to keep the city clean and well decorated to give companies a great backdrop in which to do business and visitors and residents a great place to shop and explore. We are very proud to be a part of such a resilient traditional original city and look forward to seeing the high street and its businesses continue to thrive in the future.”

The Enterprise Network (TEN) nurtures new and growing businesses in Wiltshire — helping them to start, grow and prosper.

The Enterprise Network is delighted to support the Salisbury Chambers Business Excellence Awards and sponsorship of the New Start Up Award.

Our sponsor

Salisbury Journal:

Wiltshire Council launched TEN in 2012 to support small, start-up and growing business in Wiltshire, these objectives have not changed, however our reach has grown, and the positive impact experienced by hundreds of local employers and businesses is testament to our success.

TEN provides start-up and growing businesses with affordable working space, access to professional support and networking opportunities. Our experienced centre managers offer the practical advice that fledgling businesses need — as well as advice on obtaining grants and funding.

Despite a global pandemic, Brexit and a myriad of challenges, nearly 100 new UK businesses were created every hour in first quarter of 2021 (Business Leader Aug 2021) this reflects the appetite and nature of the UK economy and one we continue to champion and support through our activities and networks.

Few things are as exciting and challenging as starting your own business – and if your company is based in Wiltshire, TEN is here to help you Start, Grow & Prosper.

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