'We're only seeing the start of the changes' - a Sunderland leader's pandemic message to the city's businesses

The disruption caused by Covid-19 is bringing huge changes to the Sunderland business world.

But council leader Coun Graeme Miller said: “I think we’re only seeing the start of the changes brought about by this pandemic.

"We have worked tirelessly as a council to ensure that support is directed to the businesses that need it most – within the tight parameters set by the Government.

"And, sadly, there is no avoiding the fact that there will be casualties. But there have also been countless businesses that we have seen adapt – businesses being proactive and brave.”

He spoke to the Sunderland Echo to help launch this year’s Portfolio Awards.

The search for the elite of town industry is back, with Sunderland City Council as our headline partners, and it is the first Portfolio Awards since the coronavirus changed the world.

The partner sponsors for this year’s awards are Utillity Alliance, Gentoo, the Autism Society, Station Taxis and Bradley Hall.

The pandemic will mean ‘more agile, responsive businesses emerge from this crisis’, said Coun Miller. “Businesses embracing technology like never before – which will open them up to a new world of opportunity. The legacy of this crisis will be more dynamic, adaptable companies that are able to pivot in order to stay relevant.”

He added: “Sunderland businesses are incredible. And many are already playing a part in the new normal by adapting to create products and services that help people and businesses during this crisis.

"We are innovative by nature, and that means that we will always seize opportunities as a city. It’s a challenging time, perhaps the most challenging in our lifetime, but I have no doubt that our businesses will continue to think outside the box and find new ways to remain relevant, to first survive and then thrive.”

He urged firms to enter the awards and said: “All kinds of businesses should get involved. The strength of Sunderland’s business community is its

diversity.

"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.”

Now it is over to you.

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.

HOW TO ENTER.

There’s plenty of time to enter before the closing date for nominations and we will reveal them in due course. Then, the judges will then select a shortlist.

All finalists will get to attend the grand finale on Thursday, June 24 next year, at the Stadium of Light.

To nominate, email [email protected].

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