Leading law firm Pardoes, in conjunction with Bridgwater College and the Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce, were delighted to launch the second Sedgemoor Business Excellence Awards at the Sedgemoor Economic Growth Showcase held at the College last week.
The 2013 inaugural awards, highlighting and celebrating the most successful businesses in Sedgemoor, were attended by over 200 guests and sponsored by a number of local companies such as Cricketer Farm, Turners Optometrists, Butterworth Jones and many more.
A highlight of the event was the announcement of the winner of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which saw Alex Gordon, a 20-year-old Bridgwater College student, overcome severe learning difficulties and the sudden death of his father to scoop first place despite stiff competition.
The 2014 event will take place in Bridgwater College’s Energy Skills Centre on Thursday 20 March 2014 and several local companies have already stepped forward as main sponsors, including Pardoes, Milsted Langdon and Turners Optometrists. Other sponsors include The Breeze, Bridgwater College, Butterworth Jones, Exley & Smith and Sedgemoor District Council.
Although non-profit making, one of the aims of the evening is to generate sufficient funds to enable a bursary to be made available to one or more of the College’s young entrepreneurs to help them set up or develop their own business.
Denys Rayner, Chief Executive of Pardoes and Vice Chair of the Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce, explains: “The 2013 awards were amazing, packed full of talent and inspiration, and we’re delighted to have helped establish them in the Sedgemoor calendar. Well done to all the winners, and thanks to everyone who has pledged their support”
Head of Business Development at the College, Matt Tudor, says: “There is nothing better than to be recognised for your achievements by your peers, and this event helps to showcase the fantastic efforts and achievements being made in this corner of Somerset. We are delighted to be involved for a second year, and are sure that the 2014 event will be even more popular than the last.”
There are opportunities for businesses to sponsor award categories that include Business Innovation, Green Business of the Year, Best International Trader and Service Excellence, among others.
