Calling all Sunderland firms large and small - it's time to enter these great awards

The Portfolio Awards are under way and we are searching for the cream of industry in the area in partnership with Sunderland City Council.

Today, Councillor Michael Mordey, the council’s deputy leader, explained why it was so important for everyone from business bosses to rising stars, apprentices to loyal long-serving workers to get in touch.

“When I go around local businesses, I’m constantly surprised and delighted by the talent, determination to succeed and clever innovations I see from companies large and small,” he said. “We have superb businesses across our city and across our region, and we’re proud to be involved with the well-established Portfolio Awards that give more well-deserved recognition to our many companies.”

Coun Mordey added: “We have a lot of very successful businesses in Sunderland and in the region. It’s important for successful businesses to tell the region and the business world about their routes to positive results. It boosts employees’ morale, and shapes UK and businesses’ perceptions of the fantastic and innovative qualities so many of our companies have.

“Sunderland is known for its big industries such as advanced manufacturing and the strong automotive sector led by Nissan and its supply chain, alongside thriving contact centres, software, offshore and renewable energies.

“But the city is also a hotspot for new and expanding enterprises. Supporting new business in Sunderland and encouraging SMEs to locate in the city is central to Sunderland City Council’s economic development plans.”

It’s not just the bigger Wearside companies that are being urged to enter the Portfolio Awards.

“Smaller businesses are very important to our long term success – we’ve seen many start-ups grow into significantly larger operations, investing in the city and region and bringing high quality jobs, talent and confidence to Sunderland,” said Coun Mordey.

“All businesses are of equal importance and we’d like to see a lot more entries from different spheres and sectors but in particular we’d like to see more smaller businesses entering the awards.

“People sometimes get caught up in the doing of the job and don’t have time before moving on to the next thing to stop and think of the fantastic stories they’ve got to tell - and we want them to shout about it and tell the rest of the city and region the great things they are doing.

“Perhaps there are businesses from our many sectors who are collaborating on exciting and innovative projects either in the city or beyond? Or perhaps you’ve got a great sales story to tell us, was it at home or abroad?

“Tell us about your business because your work is important to our city. Let’s hear your business story for the Portfolio Awards.”

There’s plenty of time to enter before the closing date for nominations on September 27. Then, the judges face the unenviable task of trying to whittle down the field into a shortlist.

All of the chosen finalists will get to attend the grand finale. We will reveal the winners at a glittering evening of celebration on Thursday, November 7, at the Stadium of Light.

So come on, let’s get the process rolling by finding those businesses worthy of consideration.

To nominate, email [email protected].

As well our headline backer Sunderland City Council, we also have sponsorship support for the awards categories from Gentoo, BIC, Northern Rail, Stagecoach, The Bid, SAFC, Bradley Hall, Sunderland College and the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust. We thank them all for their invaluable support.