A ‘MAJOR highlight’ in the business calendar will be extra special after it was announced that an Olympic medal winner will be the host.
Greg Rutherford MBE will present the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce business awards next month at the Hilton Hotel in Reading.
Specialising in long jump Greg has represented Great Britain at the Olympics, World and European and World Athletics Championships as well as topping the IAAF Diamond League rankings. And he won Gold and Bronze medals respectively during his Olympic career.
Now he is preparing to jump into a dinner jacket for the awards, which aim to recognise the talents, innovation and entrepreneurship of companies from across the region.
Gavin Spencer, Head of Membership for the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s fantastic that Greg is hosting the night, which is set to be a major highlight of the Chamber’s events calendar.
“Mark Foster set the bar high last year with his witty banter and anecdotes, keeping everyone truly entertained throughout the night, and Greg, I’m sure, will also prove just as popular.
“Our awards give excellent regional recognition. Everyone that enters, whether they are winners or runners up, will automatically be put forward for the British Chambers of Commerce National Awards. As usual our awards are open to members and non-members alike, however, businesses must be based in the Thames Valley.
“We are already seeing an influx of completed applications ready to be judged by our team of experts that will include the category sponsor and local Chamber Council President.
“This year, every entry will also be automatically considered for the coveted Thames Valley Business of the Year award, with the winner being chosen accordingly.”
Heathrow will be sponsoring the Thames Valley Business of the Year award for the second year in a row.
Other award sponsors include GEMS, Generate UK, Grundon, Henley Royal Regatta, IBB Solicitors, International Workplace Group (IWG), James Cowper Kreston, MD2MD, Owen White Solicitors, Penningtons Manches and SEGRO.
The awards will be presented on Thursday, June 27.
Full Award Categories list
- Thames Valley Business of the Year
- E-Commerce Business of the Year Award
- Best use of Technology Award
- Employer of the Year
- Customer Commitment Award
- Export Business of the Year
- Workplace Wellbeing Award
- High Growth Business of the Year
- Small Business of the Year
- Thames Valley Newcomer of the Year Award
- Education and Business Partnership Award
- Family Business of the Year