Businesses can enter the Buckinghamshire Business Awards here. There are 12 categories in all – so plenty of opportunity for success!

As with every year, we are indebted to the support of our sponsors who ensure we are able to stage the biggest and best business awards in the county.

Between now and the awards ceremony, we will be highlighting each of our sponsors in our fortnightly email newsletter. And there’s still time to add your name to the list of the amazing sponsors – check out the sponsorship opportunities available!

Spotlight on The University of Buckingham

Next up in our Sponsor in the Spotlight series, we speak to The University of Buckingham, sponsors of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

The winner of last year’s award was Joe Purnell of That Nerd, with Rachel Harris of StriveX and James Richardson of JR Football Ltd the runners-up.

What does it mean to The University of Buckingham to be involved with the Buckinghamshire Business Awards 2023?

"It means a great deal to us, as we work very closely with Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF) and the Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership to encourage and develop successful businesses in Buckinghamshire.

"We think that awards such as these that are promoted by BBF are very important to encourage more businesses to present their skills and performance, even in these difficult times. You will be amazed at the range of successful small and large businesses that are to be found throughout Buckinghamshire."

You have been the sponsors of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award since 2021. Why does it mean so much to you to sponsor this award in particular?

"The university’s foundation nearly fifty years ago was based on innovation and enterprise and today we continue to be one of the leading universities in innovative entrepreneurship education. For example, our BSc Business Enterprise enables students to start a business as an integral part of their honours degree.

"We are therefore very proud to encourage more young people in Buckinghamshire to establish and develop their own businesses that cater for their customers’ needs.

"We believe that this is the way in which we can help Buckinghamshire to continue to be the “Entrepreneurial Heart of Britain”."

Last year’s final shortlist was made up of young leaders doing very different things (web design, accountancy, football coaching). What impressed you most about last year’s winner and finalists?

"We were impressed by (winner) Joe Purnell, founder of That Nerd, and his approach to his customers. This can be seen from a customer’s recommendation: “Joe is a pleasure to work with, not only for his expertise and professionalism but also his patience waiting for copy, images, updates and changes. He is super speedy, super polite, super knowledgeable and an absolute pleasure to work with. I 100% recommend his services.”

"We loved the way in which (runner-up) James Richardson of JR Football Ltd used fun to improve the performance of the footballers he coaches. In a completely different type of business, we appreciated the professionalism of (runner-up) Rachel Harris of StriveX and her desire to change the way businesses work with their accountants.

"You can see from this that entrepreneurship is alive and well in a range of young business founders in Buckinghamshire."

Enter the Buckinghamshire Business Awards

Businesses can enter the Buckinghamshire Business Awards here. There are 12 categories in all – so plenty of opportunity for success!

And remember to check out the sponsorship opportunities too!

To speak to the team about anything awards-related, email awards@bbf.uk.com or call 01494 927130.