Chamber awards offer 'fantastic opportunity' for young businesses in far north
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Young entrepreneurs across Caithness and Sutherland are being encouraged to enter the Caithness Chamber of Commerce business awards.
The awards celebrate entrepreneurial spirit across the north Highlands and organisers say they represent an ideal opportunity for eligible businesses to raise their profile and receive recognition.
The awards ceremony, scheduled for September, takes place during the chamber’s annual dinner – a highlight in the local business calendar.
The Young Business Award is open to enterprises that have been operating in Caithness or Sutherland for no more than five years, while the Young Entrepreneur Award is for those aged between 18 and 30 who live in Caithness or Sutherland.
The chamber supports both established businesses and new enterprises, and says these awards recognise that entrepreneurship is a vital component in the growth of the local economy.
Chamber chief executive Trudy Morris said: “Our awards are a fantastic opportunity for young businesses to showcase their achievements, and for us to celebrate and give recognition for their successes.
"At the heart of the north Highland business community, Caithness Chamber of Commerce is here to support businesses at all stages of their development journey. It is a great privilege to follow the journeys of many of our former award winners and support their businesses to flourish and evolve as they face the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
The Young Business Award winners receive two free places at the annual dinner worth £150; free membership of the chamber, including full access to all of the member benefits and business support; and a trophy, as well as media coverage.
The Young Entrepreneur Award winner enjoys the same, plus a £500 cash prize made available by Saffery Champness.
Coll Murchison-MacDonald, partner at Saffery Champness, said: “We are very pleased to sponsor the Caithness Chamber Young Entrepreneur Award. These awards can really help young entrepreneurs build their local profile and reputation.
"Being an entrepreneur at any age can be a lonely experience, and the awards ceremony will be a great opportunity to make important new contacts and to network with and learn from peers.”
Application forms and entry criteria for the awards can be found at caithnesschamber.com. Entries are open until 5pm on August 12.
