In the run-up to the entry deadline, we are speaking to each of our brilliant Business Awards Sponsors to hear why they are involved with the awards - and what their message is to any business thinking of entering (which you can do right here!).

Cerub PR - PR sponsors

We spoke with Ceri-Jane Hackling, Managing Director of Cerub PR, which provides insight-driven PR solutions to ambitious businesses who want to be seen and make a difference in their industry.

What do the Buckinghamshire Business Awards mean to Cerub PR?

"We’ve been involved in the Buckinghamshire Business Awards since the very beginning, so for us they’re really important and one of the highlights of the business calendar. We always look forward to the event as it has such a great atmosphere and it’s lovely to be able to meet up with other businesses and catch up with our contacts and friends.

"Buckinghamshire Business First members make up a very close-knit and supportive community, so I think everyone enjoys the opportunity to celebrate each other’s success. I know that on years we won, we really felt like the whole room was celebrating with us. It’s a privilege to be able to sponsor the event and work with the winners to highlight their achievements."

As former winners yourselves, what would you say to anyone that is thinking of entering the Buckinghamshire Business Awards?

"There are a lot of award schemes out there, but the Buckinghamshire Business Awards are the ones we recommend above all others. Both Buckinghamshire Business First and the sponsors take the process seriously, so you know that when you are shortlisted, you’ve been through a thorough process and really do deserve the honour.

"It’s also important to remember that the awards, apart from helping raise staff morale and being recognised for your achievements, are a great way to promote your business to a wider audience, so make the most of the opportunity.

"Finally, we often find that some people are nervous about entering awards, but what’s the worst that can happen? You need to shout about your business success, because if you don’t, who will? So, just do it!"

You are also a Partner member of Buckinghamshire Business First. Does this, and your awards sponsorship, make you feel more closely connected to the local business community?

"Since I started Cerub PR in 2003, we’ve been very involved with the local business community, attending networking events, running presentations and webinars and developing relationships with other business in the area, so we’ve always felt closely connected.

"We’re always keen to connect with other local businesses and help to facilitate introductions where we can, and our Partner status with Buckinghamshire Business First is an important part of that."

What impresses and inspires you most about the winners we see every year at the Buckinghamshire Business Awards?

"Many of the businesses at the awards started in the same way that we did, without funding and often operating on a shoestring, but they’ve succeeded through sheer hard work and tenacity, which is arguably far braver than starting a business with funding behind you, so I am always awed by the ambition and dedication that we see showcased at the awards.

"Seeing them be recognised for their achievements never fails to move me (excuse the soppiness!)."

Enter the Buckinghamshire Business Awards!

Visit the Buckinghamshire Business Awards webpage to learn all about the 12 categories (you can enter up to two).

Book onto one of our free Awards Entry Workshops where you will get hints and tips from former winners and this year's sponsors about how to compile a winning entry!