The British Chambers of Commerce and Microsoft urge businesses to enter the Chamber Awards 2005

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Microsoft are encouraging UK businesses not to miss the chance to enter the Chamber Awards 2005. The closing date for entries is the 27th June so there are only a few weeks to make submissions. Now in its second year the Chamber Awards 2005 aim to recognise outstanding business achievement within the UK business community.

There are eight different categories of awards and companies can enter as many as they wish. The categories comprise;

• BT Award for Most Promising New Business
• Award for Innovation Through Technology
• Entrepreneur of The Year
• Award for Skill and Workforce Development (New)
• Business Commitment to The Community (New)
• Export Business of the Year
• Export Communicator of the Year
• Business of the Year

However the top prize of £25,000 will be awarded to the company that the judges agree should win the overall title of Microsoft Award for Outstanding Business Achievement. Last year this was won by DB Shoes LTD from Rushden, Northamptonshire. The company used database technology to pull itself back from the brink of receivership and enter itself into new and profitable niche markets - even whilst fighting off competition from cheaper overseas competitors!

David Frost, Director General of the BCC commented;

“Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to celebrate and reward excellence in our British businesses. There are too few opportunities to recognise the hard work and contribution that business makes to our society. These awards could be your chance to get the recognition you deserve. Don’t miss out.”
Natalie Ayers, Microsoft’s Senior Director Small and Medium Solutions and Partners Group added;

“I have a cheque for £25,000 burning a hole in my pocket. I can’t wait until the 27th June when the judging process begins and we can hear all about the inspiring companies out there that are the pride of British business. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by… enter today.”

The Chamber Awards will be judged in two stages at both a regional and national level and will be celebrated at a Gala Dinner at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on the 24th November 2005.

Entry forms and judging criteria can be obtained by visiting www.chamberawards.co.uk. The forms can be downloaded, completed and submitted by email or alternatively printed off and sent by mail. The closing date for all entries is 27th June 2005. The awards are open to any member company of a Chambers of Commerce.

ENDS

For further information or requests for interviews please contact:

Judy Osborn at Purple Rabbit
Tel: 07834 60 20 30
Email: judy.osborn@purplerabbit.co.uk

Notes to the editors:

1. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the authentic voice of British businesses. The BCC sits at the heart of a powerful nationwide network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce serving business across the UK, which employ over five million people.

2. Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.