Does this Sunderland firm have the cutting edge for our Portfolio Awards?

Peacocks Barbers in Whitehall Terrace is bidding to win the Small Business category in this year’s Portfolio Awards and owner Shaun Peacock said: “We are a hard working team and aim to please. This award would mean so much to us all.”

It’s only four years since Shaun first formed the firm which he has built up with “my amazing team,” he said.

“Our clients always enjoy visiting us because of the service we give them along with a happy clean environment and a great laugh. We regularly keep our hand in with training to offer a better service to our clients.

“This is something we all enjoy and we pride ourselves in the art of barbering. My business is growing every day with new clients and building up a reputation.”

Peacocks Barbers becomes the latest in a growing list of entries in this year’s awards which culminates in the grand finale on November 1 when the winners will be announced.

Shaun - who has built up 11 years in the trade - is hoping to be one of those picking up a trophy.

He has a team of two barbers, Steve Barker and Joe Lamb, as well as hairdresser Jackie Burns.

He’s done extra training himself since then to keep himself in with the latest trends in the trade.

And looking to the future, he hopes to expand his team and said: “As the business gets stronger, I want to add to the team.”

e want to hear from the people who make the area tick on the business front but we can only do that if we receive your nominations.

Individuals, businesses themselves – in fact anyone can put forward a nomination for this year’s awards for a company that they feel is deserving of recognition.

There are plenty of well-known categories from previous years such as small, medium and large business of the year, as well as exporter of the year.

Or you might want to enter sections such as apprentice of the year, technology of the year or best green business.

Whatever your choice, make sure you get those entries in so that we can honour the very best that Wearside has to offer.

Yet again, we have fantastic backers on board to help make the awards a 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 Small Business Category of the competition.

Another sponsor, BIC, is acknowledging the contribution social enterprises make to the city in the Social Enterprise Award.

Other sponsors are Northumbrian Water, Gentoo, Stagecoach in Sunderland, The Bid, ResQ, Maxim Brewery, Sunderland College, Creo, Station Taxis, Bradley Hall, and PG Legal Commercial Solicitors.

•Get nominating and let’s make this a year of celebration of the best in Wearside business.

To nominate, post your nominations to Lynn Wild, Sunderland Echo, Alexander House, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le- Spring, Sunderland. DH4 5RA.

Alternatively, you can email [email protected].