At the centre of this year’s Echo awards
SHOPPING CENTRE IS ON BOARD AS A SPONSOR
Shopping centre bosses are looking forward to being part of this year’s Sunderland Echo Portfolio Awards.
The Bridges is backing the business competition as one of its sponsors and officials say the city is buzzing with lots of successes to be proud of.
Andy Bradley, Bridges Centre Director, said: “The Bridges is delighted to once again be supporting the Portfolio Business Awards, as there’s never been a better time to celebrate the successes in the city and in particular the city centre.
“The retail sector is going from strength to strength and we’ve seen a number of major players opening up at the Bridges, with the promise of more to come in the near future.
“In the last few months alone we’ve welcomed Holland & Barrett, seen clothing retailer Yours return along with unveiling plans for a giant Next store on the old Crowtree Leisure Centre site.
“This followed hot on the heels of other openings earlier this year and last - including Virgin Media, Pep &Co and Tiger.
“This boost to retail trade is not just confined to the Bridges either, but is happening on a citywide scale.
“This is evident by the thriving bar and restaurant scene, where we now have some amazing and unique places to eat, covering every conceivable kind of cuisine.
“It also great to see so many organisations working together for the future prosperity of the city and, like everyone else, we are extremely excited about all of the developments that are taking place and the huge amount of investment being ploughed into Sunderland.
“All of that investment plays a part in giving retailers the confidence to come into the city and to events like the Portfolio Business Awards, which shine a spotlight on everything that’s good about business, also helps us achieve our aims.”
Make it Sunderland is again our headline sponsor, and will sponsor our overall Business of the Year Award, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award, which is in the sponsor’s gift.
Make It Sunderland is also backing the contribution social enterprises make to the city in the Social Enterprise Award.
Other sponsors are Maxim, Quayside Exchange, K&L Groundworks, UKasl, North East Business & Innovation Centre (BIC), Gentoo, Age UK Sunderland, The Bridges, Stagecoach North East, TTR Barnes and Sunderland College.
To nominate, send your name, address and telephone number, the name of the person or business you wish to nominate, along with their address, telephone number and email (if known).
State which category your nomination applies to (from the list of categories) and provide a description of the reasons for your nomination (no more than 300 words).
Post your nomination to: Nicola Meldrum, Alexander House, Second Floor, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland. DH4 5RA, or email nicola.meldrum@jpress. co.uk or lynn.wild@jpress. co.uk.
Nominations must be received by September 2.