Three new categories as 2016 awards are launched
THE North East Cheshire Business Awards have been officially launched.
The awards celebrate the best business across Macclesfield and East Cheshire, and take place for the sixth time in September.
They were launched with a special event at the Mere Resort in Knutsford, with representatives from more than 60 businesses gathered to hear the plans for this year’s competition.
This year there are 11 categories open to the region’s businesses with the addition of Apprentice of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year.
A Charity of the Year category is also being added and the winner will be taken forward as the Award’s own charity partner in 2017.
Entries are welcome from all businesses, regardless of size.
Sue Bowden, from Macclesfield Chamber of Commerce, the lead organiser of the event said: “Today marks that the NECB Awards are now ‘open for entries’ and I would encourage any business in North East Cheshire to get involved.
“They are dedicated to celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit, the success, talent and all that’s great about business in our area.
“The recognition from winning is not only good for potential clients but staff as well – the kudos and PR you get is fantastic, and it will make your staff be proud to work for you.”
Adam Britton from Big Brand Ideas, who won the Small Business of the Year category, told guests how his success at the wards had a positive effect on the company.
He said: “In our field we are always competing with London and Manchester for the best people. The profile from this put Macclesfield and our business more firmly on the map and has helped us attract new talent to the agency.”
SAS Daniels, which was last year’s Business of the Year over £5M winner, has now turned category sponsor, backing the Excellence in Service Award.
Nigel Read, a partner at the firm, said: “We will be looking for a business doing things differently to reach high standards of client care.”
The charity chosen to benefit from this year’s fundraising at the awards has also been announced as The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, based in Knutsford and which gives free holidays to disadvantaged children.
The closing date for entries is 30 September 2016. Entry is FREE and forms are available via the website www.necb awards.co.uk. ENSURING that your customers pay you on time is critical to the cash flow of your business.
It is important to recognise that the disciplines that you put in place from client take on and through the sales order process that lead up to the raising of the invoice are equally as important as the credit control procedure that is followed once the invoice has been raised.
This week Janice Megram, director of Veritas Commercial Services, shares her top tips on credit management. Know who you are trading with Before you start trading with a new customer, ensure that the customer completes a credit application form and signs your terms and conditions. You should obtain as much information as possible before extending credit. Decide how much credit you are prepared to give the customer