Accountants give their backing to Sunderland Echo Portfolio Awards

An accountancy firm - which is backing the Sunderland Echo Portfolio business awards - has spoken of the importance of having top-class employees.
David Cook.David Cook.
David Cook.

Local accountants TTR Barnes are sponsoring the Employer of the Year category in this year’s competition.

Director David Cook spoke about the importance the accountancy firm places on how a business treats its employees, and the impact that this can have on a business’ performance.

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He said: “We are proud to sponsor this award as we firmly believe that a good employer demonstrates a good business. In our experience the commitment and productivity of a motivated workforce has a direct relationship to the success of a business.”

TTR Barnes works with businesses to help manage growth and business change, including advising on staff evolution and development.

Mr Cook added: “Over the years we have seen expectations and demands of employees change, driven primarily by technological and working environment progressions. Flexible working and controlling of work/home life balance have become increasing priorities for employees.”

Successful businesses, he said, were “those who monitor and adapt to changing employee needs, but without compromising the efficiency of the business itself.”

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In its own business, TTR Barnes has added facilities such as its in-house tax app, a new, user-centred web design and client-accessible, cloud-based records.

Mr Cook added: “We will be looking carefully at entrants to seek out those businesses for whom good employee management is a key component of strategic success.”

Make it Sunderland is again our headline sponsor, and will sponsor our overall Business of the Year Award, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award, which is in the sponsor’s gift.

Make It Sunderland is also backing the contribution social enterprises make to the city in the Social Enterprise Award.

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Other sponsors are Maxim, Quayside Exchange, K&L Groundworks, UKasl, North East Business & Innovation Centre (BIC), Gentoo, Age UK Sunderland, The Bridges, Stagecoach North East, TTR Barnes and Sunderland College.

To nominate, send your name, address and telephone number, the name of the person or business you wish to nominate, along with their address, telephone number and email (if known).

State which category your nomination applies to (from the list of categories) and provide a description of the reasons for your nomination (no more than 300 words).

Post your nomination to: Nicola Meldrum, Alexander House, Second Floor, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland. DH4 5RA, or email [email protected] or [email protected].

Nominations must be received by September 2.