The BristolLive Business Awards are back for 2022, recognising the resilience and achievements of the city’s business community. The annual ceremony, run in association with BusinessLive, is a chance to celebrate Bristol’s most successful firms - and the people who lead them.
Despite a challenging year for business, amid rising inflation and economic uncertainty, many firms have been quick to adapt and innovate - and as a result are thriving. It’s these efforts we want to celebrate.
Last year, due to the rise in Covid infection rates and government restrictions, the decision was sadly made not to go ahead with a live awards ceremony. However, we are excited to announce this year’s event will be returning to Ashton Gate Stadium on November 24, bringing together senior leaders from across a wide range of industries.
“The awards are a chance to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Bristol businesses from the city’s different sectors - and recognise the positive impact these companies have had over the past year,” said BristolLive business editor Hannah Baker.
This year, there are also two new awards being launched - the Manufacturer of the Year Award and a Diversity and Inclusion Award. The IAMBOB Special Award is also returning for 2022.
BusinessLive and parent company Reach Plc first launched IAMBOB in 2020 to support the growth of the UK's black economy. IAMBOB is a national campaign and part of the work Reach is doing to represent all the communities it serves around the UK. It includes a monthly newsletter packed with news and views from Britain’s black-owned businesses.
The award, won last year by Street2Boardroom, follows on from the work Reach is doing to champion the success of the UK’s black business community. It will go to an individual or business that has demonstrated a real spirit for entrepreneurship and innovation, and can show determination and concerted planning to achieve further success for their business.
On winning the award last year, Street2Boardroom founder Clayton Planter, said: “We're humble and thankful to win the IAMBOB award. Big up to all nominees, finalists and winners. Big up Amschela and Arima & Co; keep up the excellent work.”
Bristol-based ecommerce business Huboo was the winner of Best Large Business in 2021. Chief executive and co-founder Martin Bysh added: “As a proudly Bristol-headquartered business, we were delighted to see our efforts recognised at the 2021 BristolLive Business Awards.
“Our business was only founded in 2017, so it was both brilliant and surreal to be recognised as Large Business of the Year – a testament both to our rapid growth and our team’s commitment to helping eCommerce sellers flourish. We employ hundreds of people within Bristol, and this type of recognition is incredibly useful for spreading the word about our business and ensuring that we’re on the radar of the best and brightest local talent.”
Entries for the awards are open until 5pm, Friday 16th September. To find out more information about the awards or to enter, visit thebristolbusinessawards.co.uk. We would like to encourage entrepreneurs and business owners from underrepresented communities to apply.
Categories for the BristolLive Business Awards 2022
Diversity & Inclusion Award - sponsored by Bristol City Centre BID & Redcliffe & Temple BID
Start-Up Business of the Year
SME Business of the Year - Sponsored by Parmenion Capital Partners LLP
Large Business of the Year
IAMBOB Special Award - Sponsored by Bristol Waste
Best Tech Award - Sponsored by XLedger UK
Innovation Award - Sponsored by Renishaw
Best Place To Work - Sponsored by The Bristol Hotel
Environmental Contribution Award - Sponsored by Future Leap
Manufacturer of the Year - Sponsored by Kingston Barnes
Your Local Business Hero - Sponsored by Firstpoint Logistics
Business Person of the Year (judges choice)
Business of the Year (judges choice)
Lifetime Achievement Award (judges choice)
If you or your business would like to be a bigger part of our awards, we do have some sponsorship opportunities still available. Interested? Contact Alastair.Orchard@reachplc.com or 0116 366 5126 for further information.
