''They've shown strength and resilience throughout the pandemic' - huge praise for Sunderland's businesses

A Sunderland business boss can not wait to hear the stories of Wearside firms which have showed strength and resilience during the pandemic.
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Gentoo is a sponsor of the Portfolio Awards which aims to find and reward the elite in Sunderland and County Durham industry.

It joins the Autism Society, Station Taxis and Bradley Hall as partner sponsors of the 2021 awards while Sunderland City Council is once again the headline backer of the competition.

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Nigel Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at Gentoo Group, said: “We are delighted to once again be part of the Sunderland Echo’s Portfolio Business Awards, and after a challenging year for Wearside’s businesses and communities, we are extremely proud to be sponsoring the Special Community category this year.

Gentoo is on board as a sponsor of the Portfolio Awards.Gentoo is on board as a sponsor of the Portfolio Awards.
Gentoo is on board as a sponsor of the Portfolio Awards.

“These firms have shown their strength and resilience throughout the pandemic and we are excited to celebrate the success and achievements of our businesses this year and hear the inspiring stories behind them.”

He added: “From big businesses, to one-man bands, we have an abundance of talent across so many different sectors. And we must celebrate success in all its forms.”

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Now in their 15th year, the Sunderland Echo is proud to run the Portfolio Business 2021 Awards. These prestigious awards are a celebration of excellence within the business sector across Wearside & East Durham.

Nigel Wilson from Gentoo.Nigel Wilson from Gentoo.
Nigel Wilson from Gentoo.

We want companies at all levels – whether they are small firms or some of the biggest in the area – to come forward and put themselves in the running for honours.

The full list of categories in this year’s awards, and how to nominate a company, can be found below.

Mr Wilson added: “Good luck to all of the local businesses and individuals nominated.”

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Gentoo provides more than 60,000 people in Sunderland with a place they can call home. It is a housing association that owns and manages more than 29,000 homes.

The audience at the last Portfolio Business Awards at the Stadium of Light.The audience at the last Portfolio Business Awards at the Stadium of Light.
The audience at the last Portfolio Business Awards at the Stadium of Light.

To enter the competition, follow the details below.

HOW TO ENTER

Make sure you enter before the closing date for nominations. Then, the judges will whittle down the field into a shortlist.

All of the chosen finalists will get to attend the grand finale at the Stadium of Light.

The Portfolio Business Awards.The Portfolio Business Awards.
The Portfolio Business Awards.

To nominate, email [email protected].

You can also find out more at https://www.portfoliobusinessawards.co.uk/portfolioawards2021/en/page/home

THE CATEGORIES

Small Business of the Year (under 10 Employees).

Medium Business of the Year (11-50 employees).

Large Business of the Year ( over 50 employees).

Employer of the Year.

Apprentice of the Year.

Technology of the Year.

City Centre Business of the Year.

Creative Industries Award.

Sole Trader of the Year.

New Business of the Year.

Special Community Business Award.

Best Green Business Award.

Social Enterprise Award.

Best Training Provider Award.

Exporter of the Year.

Women in Business Award.

Leisure Business Award.

Lifetime Achievement Award.

Overall Business of the Year.

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