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Guest speaker named for Business Awards

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce has revealed the guest speaker for its 2023 business awards.

Furniture up-cycler Jay Blades MBE, who hosts BBC’s prime-time show The Repair Shop, will be taking to the stage at Telford’s International Centre on June 23.

In addition to his presenting work, Jay spends a large amount of time working on furniture projects for commercial and individual clients, running workshops and motivating disadvantaged people in the community. 

Jay, who has a workshop in the Ironbridge Gorge, inspires individuals, companies and charities to transform old furniture into works of contemporary design.

“We’re delighted to have Jay as our speaker this year,” said Chamber chief executive Richard Sheehan. “I know that the inspirational story of his own business journey will really resonate with our audience.”

There is just over a month left to submit entries for the 2023 Shropshire Chamber Business Awards, which look set to be one of the biggest in the event’s 23-year history with around 500 seats already reserved.

The event, which is now in its 23rd year, celebrates the stars of the Shropshire business community across 12 different categories. The competition is free to enter, and open to all businesses with an operational base in the county of Shropshire or Telford & Wrekin – whether or not they are a Chamber member.

It includes the return of long-running categories including Company of the Year, Best New Business, and Best Small Business.

There are also new-look categories this year for Global Business recognising international trade, Commitment To People, and a return of the Business In The Community award.

Entries are now open at shropshirechamberbusinessawards.com. The closing date for applications is April 14.

Kelly Riedel, Shropshire Chamber’s events manager, said: “There is a real appetite to celebrate success across our business community this year, and the event is on target to be the biggest yet. We know that Shropshire businesses are going to be facing significant challenges over the coming year, so it’s more important than ever to celebrate and recognise our success stories.”

Here is the full list of categories for 2023, and the criteria which will be used by the shortlisting panel to judge the entries:

COMPANY OF THE YEAR: The showpiece award for an all-round star performer, flying the flag for Shropshire business excellence. Judged on a combination of:

BEST NEW BUSINESS: For businesses in any sector, formed since January 1st 2021. Entries will be assessed on:

BEST SMALL BUSINESS: For businesses in any sector employing up to 10 full-time equivalent staff, demonstrating a high level of success. Judged on:

COMMITMENT TO PEOPLE: For companies which go the extra mile in looking after the needs of their customers. Judged on:

GLOBAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: For companies which are ‘flying the flag’ for Shropshire in overseas markets, through strong international trading links. Judged on:

COMMUNITY CHAMPION - BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY: For businesses which believe in the philosophy of ‘putting something back’ into the Shropshire community. Judged on:

EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING: For companies which ‘make things’ and are continuing our proud industrial heritage. Judged on:

WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE: For companies which recognise the importance of supporting both the physical and mental wellbeing of staff. Judged on:

THE TRAILBLAZER – INNOVATION AWARD: For companies who have spotted a gap in the market, and thought outside the box to fill it. Judged on:

THE ECO AWARD: For environmentally aware businesses which promote innovative practices, processes or technology. Judged on:

YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON: Open to anyone aged 30 or below in January 2023, who demonstrates flair, commitment and an entrepreneurial spirit. Judged on:

The John Clayton Award, named after a previous Shropshire Chamber president, will also be presented to someone who is judged to have made an outstanding contribution to the local business community.

Aico of Oswestry won the coveted Company of the Year award last summer – retaining its title.

Previous Company of the Year winners include McConnel of Ludlow, Grainger & Worrall from Bridgnorth, Grocontinental of Whitchurch, Salop Leisure and Caterpillar from Shrewsbury, Pave Aways from Knockin, CJ Wildbird Foods of Upton Magna, and Telford-based businesses McPhillips, Dodd Group, Smartwater, Lyreco and Reconomy.

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