Heavyweight support for new-look contest

THE Nottingham Post Business Awards is one of the most prestigious events on the commercial calendar in Nottinghamshire, with a track record of putting the spotlight on entrepreneurial success which stretches back more than two decades.

This year the awards have been revitalised and refreshed, with new categories, a new venue for our awards ceremony in May – the East Midlands Conference Centre – and a list of prestige sponsors.

Our headline sponsors are Browne Jacobson, RSM Tenon, JLT Specialty and Nottinghamshire County Council.

The first sponsors of the individual awards are announced today, with more being revealed next week.

For full details on the award categories and how to register to take part in the awards, please visit www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/businessawards

Retail Business of the Year

Sponsor: Vision Express

Jonathan Lawson, CEO

As an employer of more than 400 people in the Nottingham area, and 4,000 nationwide, Vision Express is committed to the City and is delighted to support the Nottingham Post Business Awards, an event that celebrates both the people of Nottingham and their business achievements.

Vision Express has more than 325 stores nationwide and continues to maintain its position as one of the leading and most trusted opticians in the UK.

Since its conception in 1989, Vision Express has gone from strength to strength, focusing on customer service in order to provide the best individual optical care and deliver the best service, the right product and great value. Vision Express has a vast range of genuine designer brands and the latest technology lenses, through to complete glasses from £29. www.visionexpress.com

Vision Express is proud to support The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, a UK-wide charity for families and individuals affected by retinoblastoma. For more details visit www.chect.org.uk.

Services Award

Sponsor: Blusource

Andrew Springhall, CEO

Blusource is now regarded as the choice recruitment business across the Midlands for individuals and employers in the legal, accountancy, banking and commercial finance sectors.

What many aren't aware of is Blusource, via its Industry & Commerce division, can successfully assist all businesses with their finance and HR recruitment needs, whether at director level or clerks for ledger or administration teams.

With offices in the heart of Nottingham city, their ethos of a "fresh approach to people" is quickly changing the tarnished image of recruitment. Get in touch, you'll be impressed.

Blusource is proud to sponsor and be part of the Nottingham Post Business Awards 2013.

Science and Technology

Sponsor: Geldards

David Williams, Chairman

We are very pleased to be able to sponsor the Science & Technology category for the 2013 Nottingham Post Awards.

Committed to Nottingham and with more than 300 staff, we are focused on delivering high quality legal advice that is practical, commercially-minded and value for money. Our dedicated technology, healthcare, life and bio-sciences teams have a strong track record in dealing with medical technology, licensing, research and development collaborations, commercial contracts and commercial and intellectual property disputes.

Growth is what everyone is looking for and science and technology are two areas where Nottingham is at the forefront of the country's efforts to rejuvenate. We want to play our part in building a culture of confidence and success. We hope that companies will put themselves forward for this award and be part of that.

Good luck to all candidates!

Creative Industries

Sponsor: Nottingham Trent University

Stephen Jackson, Chief Financial and Operations Officer

An award celebrating true creative excellence in the development of a unique product, service or design within sectors spanning interactive media, radio, TV, video film and animation; interactive digital games design; publishing (including electronic publishing); design-based services and advertising.

Nottingham Trent University is also proud to sponsor this award in support and recognition of the city's innovative growth plans for the Creative Quarter, Nottingham's largest economic initiative for the development of the design and creative industries in decades.

The 2013 award acknowledges outstanding achievement for the combination of innovative approach, entrepreneurial thinking, motivation and real design talent.

International Trade Award

Sponsor: JLT Specialty

Sally Swann, Partner

JLT Specialty (JLT) is a global insurance broker and risk management consultant. The Nottingham Risk Practice opened in June 2012 and we are delighted to be involved in the Nottingham Post Business Awards.

We are sponsoring the International Trade Award which we believe will allow local businesses who successfully trade globally to receive recognition.

Being new to the Nottingham area, our involvement will also raise JLT's profile so that potential clients and their professional advisers can understand the many ways we can help manage business risk.

We are really looking forward to reading the entries and selecting a winner.

New Business of the Year Award

Sponsor: Freeth Cartwright

Julian Middleton, Partner,

Freeth Cartwright Solicitors are thrilled to be associated with the development of new, emerging and long-standing local businesses and entrepreneurial talent by sponsoring the Nottingham Post Business Awards.

We are proud to work with many successful local businesses and their business success is usually due to talented, highly-motivated people who can go that extra mile. Being the "new kid on the block" is never easy, particularly under the current economic pressures.

We are proud to sponsor the New Business of the Year Award.