The Buckinghamshire Business Awards 2019 are so close we can already taste the champagne and hear the Master of Ceremonies Derek Redmond entertaining the crowd!

With the October 9th ceremony approaching, our Sponsor in the Spotlight feature rolls on with three more valued sponsors sharing their thoughts on the Buckinghamshire Business Awards.

Aylesbury Vale District Council – sponsors of the Best in Aylesbury Vale District Award

Words from the team at Aylesbury Vale District Council

What does it mean to Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) to be involved with the Buckinghamshire Business Awards?

We see the Buckinghamshire Business Awards as a way of displaying the size and scope of the Aylesbury Vale business community and promoting The Vale as a perfect place to run a business; no matter what sector or what the output of that business is.

The Vale is a growth area and through the Buckinghamshire Business Awards we can highlight the opportunities available in our enterprise zones and business parks which are already home to a number of exciting foundation enterprises and other businesses, as well as opportunities in other areas of the district.

In particular we can highlight the opportunities for businesses locating in The Vale to take advantage of opportunities emerging from the development of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.

How would you characterise the business community in Aylesbury Vale?

Extraordinarily diverse - from innovative cutting edge start-ups through to organisations operating in established business sectors. There are businesses serving local markets, but also others taking advantage of The Vale's strategic location in terms of geography, with ready access to markets by road, rail and air. We are also conveniently located close to London, but without any of the costs associated with being located in the capital.

What characteristics stand out amongst the finalists in your category?

The businesses that have been shortlisted from Aylesbury Vale illustrate the diversity of business in The Vale. Ashridge Group is an award-winning security services, facilities management and security consultancy; Aylesbury Granulation Services is a small independent plastic recycling business turning plastic waste into a valuable raw material for plastics manufacture; and Graphite Additive Manufacturing is a leading edge 3D printing service bureau, design studio and consultancy for businesses that want to make more of the potential of rapid additive manufacturing. All the businesses have demonstrated their flexibility in responding to emerging opportunities.

Will AVDC be represented at the awards ceremony on October 9th? What are you looking forward to about the evening?

AVDC will be represented at the awards ceremony by AVDC Officers Claire Britton and Will Rysdale, and Cllr Peter Strachan who is the current Cabinet Member for Planning and Enforcement at AVDC and was formerly the Chairman of the Economy and Business Development Scrutiny Committee, and so has a significant interest in the development of the Aylesbury Vale business community as a whole. As the Vice Chairman of the Buckinghamshire Unitary Shadow Authority, he is very keen to ensure that the development ambitions of AVDC are shared across Buckinghamshire. We are looking forward to the opportunity of networking with other local businesses and organisations supporting enterprise and celebrating success and excellence at a particularly challenging time for business.

Buckinghamshire County Council – sponsors of the Apprentice and Young Person Employer of the Year Award

Words from the Buckinghamshire County Council Judging Panel for the Apprentice and Young Person Employer of the Year Award

What does it mean to Buckinghamshire County Council to be involved with the Buckinghamshire Business Awards?

We’ve had a long association with the awards and are proud to sponsor such an important category. The training and development of our young people is vital for all organisations across Buckinghamshire to retain skills locally and ensure the county’s continuing economic prosperity.

Why did you want to sponsor the Apprentice and Young Person Employer of the Year category in particular?

As we’re among the largest employers in Buckinghamshire, we know how important it is to train and develop young people. Apprenticeships really do provide a wide open door for those entering the world of work to showcase their enthusiasm, energy and creativity.

What characteristics stand out amongst the finalists in your category?

What came through from the finalists was their total commitment, support and passion for developing young people. It was part of the fabric of their business, not a bolt-on, and their resulting successes were truly inspirational.

Will Buckinghamshire County Council be represented at the awards ceremony on October 9th?

We’ll definitely be there! The chance to celebrate Buckinghamshire business at its very best – what’s there not to like!

Buckinghamshire New University – sponsors of the New Business of the Year Award

Words from Greta Paa-Kerner, Head of Business Engagement, Bucks New University

What does it mean to Buckinghamshire New University to be involved with the Buckinghamshire Business Awards?

We are honoured to be a part of the Buckinghamshire Business Awards because it brings us closer to the business community throughout Buckinghamshire. One of the university’s initiatives is to work closer with the community, and this includes the business community. Beginning in the 2018/2019 academic year and continuing onwards, we have been involved in SME accelerator programmes and we are in the process of setting up innovation hubs in both High Wycombe and Aylesbury to help stimulate SME growth and be a part of the business productivity within the region.

Why did you want to sponsor the New Business of the Year category in particular?

Working side by side with businesses is a priority for the university; that is why we wanted to sponsor the New Business of the Year category. We are actively involved in the development and the roll out of the Local Industrial Strategy into Buckinghamshire and supporting business, especially entrepreneurialism, is a part of that.

What characteristics stand out amongst the finalists in your category?

The finalists within this category came from all sectors; I was surprised with the breadth of sectors involved. The characteristic that stood out amongst the finalists was their growth trajectory. It was not only where they have come from when they started, but what plans they have in place to continue sustained growth.

Will Buckinghamshire New University be at the awards ceremony? What are you looking forward to about the evening?

Yes, Buckinghamshire New University will be represented at the event. It will be a great opportunity to celebrate business achievement across the county and feel a part of the heartbeat of commerce and productivity throughout Buckinghamshire.

Early bird ticket sales close tomorrow!

If you’re waiting before buying your ticket to the Buckinghamshire Business Awards, wait no more! After tomorrow, you’ll pay more for your ticket, so head over to the awards page now and book your early bird ticket!