Sponsors wanted for awards

An annual awards ceremony supporting top county businesses which cater for children and young people is calling for sponsors.

The Businesses for Children Awards, now in its fourth year, shines a light on the hard work undertaken by those working across the county to support children and young people.

Organisers are looking for sponsors to support a variety of areas at the black tie awards ceremony, which takes place on March 11 at the Park Inn Hotel, Telford, from 6.45pm.

Nominations for the awards have now closed and the information is ready to go to the judges who will make their shortlist before Christmas.

Categories for 2017 include Children’s Charity, Shropshire Childminder, Children’s Product, Business for Babes, Nursery/Pre-school, Educational Business and Sports Business.

The 2017 awards ceremony also includes a new volunteer category.

Andra Brasovanu, awards co-ordinator for 2017, said: “We are delighted with the number of nominations we have received.

“It is certainly going to be tough for our judges to choose a shortlist. We are very excited to see what they come up with.”

Ms Brasovanu said it is now time to look for sponsors, which are vital to ensuring the awards’ continuing success.

She said: “As a not-for-profit organisation, it is thanks to our sponsors that the ceremony is held.

“There are a number of sponsorship opportunities available for 2017 and we welcome all enquiries.”

Organisers are looking for a headline sponsor as well as sponsors for video and finalist certificates plus five of the 13 awards are still available for sponsorship.

Categories for 2017 include New Business for Children and Young People, Sports Business for Children and/or Young People and BCA Shropshire Childminder plus a new award for volunteer of the year.

Miss Brasovanu said: “We cannot wait for this year’s BCAs. We are looking forward to recognising even more organisations across the county which help our children and finding out about their projects and plans.”

The evening, which will be hosted by BBC Shropshire film critic and editor of Shropshire Business Carl Jones, will begin with a drinks reception at 6.45pm.

During dinner, a game of Heads and Tails will be held to raise money for the winning charity. At the 2016 event more than £500 was raised for The Harry Johnson Trust.

To sponsor the 2017 awards, please email: businesses for children@gmail.com