Judging panel confirmed for Business Masters Awards 2019

All members of the independent judging panel for the 2019 Business Masters Awards have now been confirmed and have urged companies of all sizes to enter the 2019 event as the deadline looms closer.

The judging panel of six senior leaders has been completed by the addition of Rashik Parmar, Leeds City Region LEP board member, and Tom Marley, chief executive of The Car Buying Group – which last year was named the winner of the Fast Growth category.

They are joined by Mark Robson, head of UK regions – Yorkshire and Humber at The Department for International Trade (DIT), Beckie Hart, regional director, Yorkshire and the Humber, CBI, Nicky Chance-Thompson, CEO at The Piece Hall, Halifax, and Kayley Worsley, Yorkshire editor of TheBusinessDesk.com.

The entry deadline for the awards – which attract more than 250 senior business leaders to the awards ceremony – is just over two weeks away. To enter click here and submit by Friday 7 December.

Robson said: “I encourage businesses to nominate themselves for one of these prestigious awards which recognises the achievements of commercial organisations of all sizes.

“The Department For International Trade (DIT) has been a supporter of these awards for many years because it is great to celebrate the success of your business, your team and your story can also encourage others to make the step to trading internationally.”

Parmar added: “Business leaders across the region are doing amazing work that is transforming business whilst creating prosperity and new employment opportunities. I am delighted to be able to hear some of these inspiring stories and help select the leaders that will motivate other businesses to embark creating their stories.”

Hart said: I am delighted to be on the judging panel for the 2019 Business Masters, the Yorkshire and the Humber region is home to a wealth of innovative, forward looking, successful companies of all sizes and in all sectors.   Competition will be fierce and I look forward to learning more about how the nominees are applying these strengths to succeed in an uncertain business environment

Hosting the glittering black tie event at the Queens Hotel in Leeds on Thursday, March 28, 2019, is the voice of business on BBC Radio 5Live, Danni Hewson.

Hewson is best known in Yorkshire for her 16 years in-front of the camera with BBC Look North. She often appears on BBC Breakfast and as a host for 5Live’s flagship business programme Wake Up To Money.

Marley, whose firm The Car Buying Group won the Fast Growth category at the 2018 Masters, added: “I am delighted that The Car Buying Group received the award for fast-growth in the 2018 Business Masters and we have since gone on to continue our growth as part of the Aston Barclay group. I am really looking forward to being part of the judging panel to assess more of our region’s impressive businesses and will be looking for companies that demonstrate true grit and determination to grow, support the local economy and create jobs in and around Yorkshire.”

The event will recognise the achievements of firms of all sizes across the region, with categories covering the full range of business activity in the region. They include two new awards, for Family Business of the Year and Property Business of the Year.

There is one award, Ambassador, for the individual who has made an outstanding contribution either in leading their business or in representing the region or their sector on a bigger stage.

Entries for the awards are now open and must be submitted by the deadline of Friday, December 7, 2018.

Rashik Parmar

Beckie Hart

Mark Robson

Nicky Chance-Thompson

Tom Marley

Kayley Worsley

The 2019 Business Masters award categories are:
Newcomer
Innovation
International Trade
Investment
Contributing to the Community
Professional Services
Property Business – new for 2019
Family Business – new for 2019
Small Business (up to 50 employees)
Medium Business (51 to 250 employees)
Large Business (251+ employees)
Fast Growth Business
Ambassador

For more information about the awards, sponsorship opportunities and ticket details, click here.