'There's no better way to celebrate success' - so get your entries in for Sunderland's newest awards!

Coun Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, praised the city’s ‘tenacity, determination and drive’ and said it was persuading companies of all sizes to come to the North East.

He spoke to encourage firms to enter the new-look Sunderland Echo Business Excellence Awards and show how well they are doing.

The council is the headline sponsor of the awards and Coun Miller said: "Sunderland people are very proud of the city and there is no better way to celebrate the diversity and success of the businesses located here. I’d encourage all business owners and leaders to apply for the new look awards this year and look forward to celebrating with all of the nominees and winners.”

The pandemic has forced firms to think in new ways and Coun Miller added: “A lasting legacy is digitisation – certainly the pandemic has accelerated digital adoption and demonstrated why cities like ours have been wise to put so much focus on expanding our digital infrastructure and capacity.

“But it has also fundamentally changed the way people live. High streets and city centres are changing, driven by changing consumer habits and demand. We’re supporting the transformation of the high street in Sunderland through our programme of city centre investment, and I think that will be key in ensuring we can support businesses to not only survive, but thrive, long into the future.”

Coun Miller highlighted successful initiatives on Wearside, from the EV36Zero investment with Nissan and Envision, to the announcement of new commitments British Esports National Performance Campus, Just Eat and Saietta.

He added: “Who can miss the physical transformation of the city, including at Riverside Sunderland, IAMP and Hillthorn Business Park – this is all driving more investment into Sunderland and creating jobs and opportunities for our people and businesses.”

This year’s competition, now known as the Sunderland Echo Business Excellence Awards, has a whole host of fantastic backers, including Sunderland City Council, who are our partners in the competition and are the headline sponsors.

Also on board are the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), Chilli Mangoes, Marelli and Sunderland College. We thank them all for their outstanding support.

To enter, take a look at the categories, choose the most appropriate for your business, and nominate using the link below.

You can nominate your own firm or a company which you think deserves an accolade.

For further information and to enter, visit the awards website at www.sunderlandbusinessawards.co.uk

Closing date for entries is Friday, September 23. Judging will take place shortly after the closing date and the shortlist will be announced in early October.

The categories;

SME Business of the Year - (Sponsored by the North East Business and Innovation Centre).

Large Business of the Year - (Sponsored by Chilli Mangoes).

Best Independent Business.

Social Enterprise of the Year - (Sponsored by the North East Business and Innovation Centre).

Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Business of the Year.

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year.

Sustainable Initiative of the Year - (Sponsored by Marelli)

Business in the Community Award.

Employer of the Year.

Entrepreneur of the Year.

Lifetime Achievement Award.

Business of the Year (Sponsored by Sunderland City Council).