I joined colleagues from Warrington Youth Club (part of the Onside Youth Zone group), who were once again shortlisted in the Community Project of the Year award. We were over the moon to be in this category again, having won it twice already in 2016 and 2015. This year not one but two of our projects had been nominated for this award and on this occasion, we were content with being finalists as the wonderful work that the Warrington Wolves Foundation have done this year was quite rightly recognised.

Other highlights across the evening were of course catching up with friends and acquaintances from businesses across the region, and especially to see Dave Thompson receive his Lifetime Achievement Award for the great work he has done in setting up the hugely important and successful Warrington Disability Partnership. Dave’s enthusiasm, dedication and commitment has made a massive difference to lives not only in Warrington, the North West, the UK but all around the World over the last 25 years. I’ve been lucky enough to meet Dave a handful of times and felt incredibly proud (and emotional) to hear the introduction from Norman Banner MBE and then from Dave himself. Many Congratulations!!

Entering you or your business into an industry specific, business and regional award can be a good form of PR:

• Completing the entry form can help remind you and the business of your achievements - successes can be sometimes be forgotten whilst we are moving on to the next project or contract so once you have completed the form – why not share the entry with your colleagues. Even if you are not shortlisted, it can be a good boost to staff morale knowing that you are proud enough to enter in the award
• Being shortlisted – is a great news story to tell your staff, customers, prospects and suppliers. This can be told in the press, on your website, via social media channels, newsletter and on the staff noticeboard
• Ceremony – yes attending an awards event can be expensive if you are taking a table of guests. Can it be combined with taking clients as a form of corporate hospitality, or staff as a thank you? If budgets are tight, many organisers offer the ability to buy individual tickets rather than a full table, so it is always worth asking. Before and during the event you can post an update on social media with a photograph, or if you prefer to just sit back and enjoy the evening a post event write up is as good
• A winner – sadly not everyone can be a winner, but if you are then this is something to shout about. Issue a Press Release, add a news story to your website and link it to social media posts and use the opportunity to thank your staff in internal communications and let your customers, suppliers, prospects know in an e-shot or newsletter
• Logos – is there a finalist or winner logo you can use for the next year on your communications and website? It’s worth checking
• Post Event – some award organisers will have separate events i.e. winners & finalists lunch which will give you the opportunity for networking. It may also be worth finding out if you can be a judge or present an award the following year.