Judging for the return of Hartlepool Business Awards next month is officially underway after a “fantastic number” of nominations for each of the ten categories. Simon Corbett, the chief executive of Orangebox Training Solutions who has been named the new chair of the Hartlepool Economic & Business Forum, thinks it will be a night to remember for all of those involved.
With the support of Hartlepool College of Further Education, Orangebox, Hartlepool Borough Council and Rephrase PR & Media Services, the prestigious awards night’s return to the calendar on Friday, November 17 is on track – and excitement is already building.
Simon said: “I am Hartlepool born and bred and hugely proud of my hometown. I want to do as much as I can to give something back and I’m honoured to now hold the role of chair of the newly refreshed Hartlepool Economic & Business Forum.
“I know how lonely it can be to set up your own business, having launched Orangebox over seven years ago and I’m looking forward to being part of what will be an incredible night at the Borough Hall. The Hartlepool Business Awards can help drive positivity, and it’s the Forum’s intention to offer help and support to other fellow businesses and their leaders across the town”.
“Seeing the town’s business community come together and celebrate the achievements of others will be special on November 17 and I can’t wait to be there to enjoy the occasion. Times are hard in this well-documented difficult economic climate and it will be inspiring for the town to hear success stories. The Business Awards are for all kinds of businesses in a variety of sectors and industries, so what better way to support each other and acknowledge the great work that is being done.”
This will be the first Hartlepool Business Awards to be held since 2019 before the Covid pandemic. The Awards, due to be held at the Borough Hall, has the Plastic Furniture Company and PFC Trust as headline sponsors.
Mark Lloyd Jewellery, Tilly, Bailey & Irvine Law, J&B Recycling, Rise Tees Valley CIC, Water Babies Tees Valley, Durham & Darlington, British Business Bank, Wynyard Park, Hartlepool Sixth Form College, Evolution, Northern Utility Solutions, Orangebox Training Solutions, Hartlepool College of Further Education and Hartlepool Borough Council are also sponsors. Hartlepool Life and Rephrase are official media partners.
The nomination window closed on Friday and judges will now decide on the shortlists for the categories before a winner of each will be revealed on the night.
Simon said: “There are still opportunities available for businesses to get involved in the first Business Awards in four years and tickets are available and can be purchased individually or a table of ten. We are looking forward to seeing the Borough Hall full with local people supporting the business community. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the success of the hard-working people in our great town.”
Hartlepool Business Awards’ categories are Special Recognition, Business of the Year, Best New Business, Best Small Business, Community Business of the Year, Best Creative/Digital Business, Best Tourism/Leisure/Hospitality Business, Best Service Sector Business, Best Manufacturing/Engineering Business and Best Retail Business.
For further information on how to book a table, buy tickets or to take advantage of various sponsorship packages then check out www.hartlepoolbusinessforum.co.uk
