Sunderland fitness studio in the running for Echo Portfolio award

Fitness studio Hansom Devils, in Murton Street - and its owner Karl Hansom - have been praised for the way it has got people into shape.

Grateful customers have nominated it for a Portfolio Award and one said: “. I cannot thank Karl enough for helping me.

“I was with him from the opening of his business and I know many people feel the same as me ,and he has changed so many people’s lives for the better.”

As well as fitness sessions, people have also benefited from dietary advice and sports massage.

Hansom Devils has expanded to include soft play facilities which can be accessed by members as well as the local community.

Owner Karl Hansom described the nomination as “brilliant” and said: “We get gratitude every day from customers but it is nice to be recognised. It is two years since I set the business up and I can not believe how much it has progressed.

“The building we have got now is home for the foreseeable future.”

Entries are pouring in for this year’s Portfolio Awards but we want more.

We 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].