The fifth annual North Devon Business Awards are now open for entries with 14 categories offering the opportunity for every business in the area to enter.
The awards are free to enter for every business based or operating in North Devon and there are no costs involved at any stage, apart from the price of tickets to the Winners Celebration on Thursday 9 May 2024 at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe.
“It’s important that the awards are free to enter so that every business knows they have a chance of winning on merit, not because they have paid to enter,” says Business Action editor and awards organiser Robert Zarywacz.
“Every award category will be judged by a panel of experienced independent business people. Feedback from entrants shows that it’s the independent judging that they value most and we are emphasising our commitment to independence and transparency this year.”
14 categories to enter
Between them, the Consumer and Business-to-Business categories cover every business at the broadest level – businesses sell either to other businesses or consumers, and some sell to both. Then there are more specific categories covering new businesses, employers, young people in business, employment or training, digital achievements, exporters, environmental achievements and a number of sector-specific awards including building and construction, hospitality and tourism, and manufacturing.
Two new artists and creative categories
New for 2024 are two categories representing the arts and creative community:
The Artist Business Achievement Award – sponsored by Creative UK – celebrates North Devon businesses that have successfully balanced the pursuit of their artistic and aesthetic aims with success as a viable commercial business.
The Artist Support Business Excellence Award – sponsored by North Devon Arts – celebrates North Devon businesses that play a vital role in nurturing and supporting artist businesses in the area.
The idea for these artists awards came from Phil Parker, co-founder of ArtMakers, a not-for-profit company. At the annual Animation Industry Awards in London, every award winner is given a unique animation cell, print or object. This inspired Phil to think about how North Devon businesses would enjoy the prospect of receiving such unique awards for their efforts. This led to a conversation with Business Action editor and awards organiser Robert Zarywacz and the creation of the artists awards with vital support from the sponsors.
Phil Parker says: “This opportunity brings together the largest artists and makers community in England, after London and Cornwall, with the diverse business community of North Devon. An opportunity to share not only creative awards but also make new connections for artists and businesses alike. A link which will highlight the impact of creative activity across the region and build new bridges and potential partnerships in 2024.”
Robert Zarywacz adds: “From the very start, the aim of the North Devon Business Awards has been to celebrate businesses of all shapes, sizes and ages from every sector. There is potential for dozens of awards categories but also a need to keep them manageable. Phil’s idea for the artists awards was irresistible, especially with strong support from sponsors, vital for the viability of the awards. I hope we will receive many entries from art businesses and supporting businesses to make these new categories a success.”
Enter your own business or nominate another
There are two ways businesses can enter the awards:
- Enter your own business using the online form or download and email the Word forms
- Anyone – a customer, supplier, partner or employee – can nominate any business they think deserves to win
Key dates
- 29 December 2023 – awards open for entries
- 23 February 2024 – deadline for awards entries at 5pm [AMENDED]
- March 2024 – finalists announced
- 9 May 2024 – winners announced and awards presented at the Winners Celebration at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe
Enter awards now
Enter the North Devon Business Awards at business-action.co.uk/awards
