Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards 2008 - Award-winning opportunity for small businesses

Picture: Alastair Campbell, Roddy Graham Leasedrive Velo plc and Mike Reeves from sponsor RBS

Regus, the leading provider of workplace solutions, has just announced it is to sponsor the Small Business Award category in this year’s Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards.

The decision opens up a total of six categories now for the awards and chairman, David Murray, said: “We’re delighted that Regus has joined our fantastic line-up of sponsors, as it means there’s even more opportunity for businesses of all shapes and sizes to achieve success.

“The early response for entries has already outstripped previous years and with the economy toughening up, it seems everyone is determined to shout louder than their competitors to be heard. Winning an award is a great way to do just that.”

The lucky winner of this year’s Small Business Award, sponsored by Regus, will not only receive the prestigious trophy, but will also walk away with the keys to a Regus office for six months.

Last year’s winner, Beacon Graphics, beat off strong competition from six shortlisted entrants and managing director Jeremy Cuthbert told the audience that it had been a “great achievement”.

The award is open to businesses which have been established for at least two years and with a turnover of up to £3 million. Judges will be assessing the management of the businesses and their performance, as well as looking for innovation, creativity and potential for growth.

With a substantial presence in the Thames Valley, Regus is committed to supporting hundreds of small companies by offering a flexible approach to property that enables them to develop.

This year’s awards will be presented at a glittering dinner at Reading’s Royal Berkshire Conference Centre on November 20, by former Foreign Secretary the Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP.

The clock is ticking for entries to be submitted for the awards and, with Friday, September 26 as the closing date, companies have less than 10 weeks to enter.

This year, there are six categories to choose from in the awards:
• The Business Management Team Award – sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland
• The Innovation Award – sponsored by Slough Trading Estate
• The Dynamic Business Award – sponsored by Deloitte
• The Thames Valley Business of the Year Award – sponsored by Pitmans
• The International Trade Award – sponsored by HiFX
• The Small Business Award – sponsored by Regus

For more details about the awards and entry information on each category, visit www.businessawards.co.uk or email laura@elcot.co.uk for more information.