HARTLEPOOL Business Awards are back for the first time in four years.

The prestigious event, last held in the town in 2019 before the global pandemic, will take place at the Borough Hall on Friday, November 17.
The application form for nominations for the ten categories has now gone live on the official website.

There are also full details on how to book tickets/tables for the evening, as well as fantastic sponsorship packages for a night, aiming to bring the Hartlepool business community together.

The search for Hartlepool’s best businesses and business owners were officially launched last Thursday (September 7), at the Hartlepool Economic and Business Forum that was held at the town’s Centre for Independent Living.

Israr Hussain, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Economic Growth Manager, said: “It’s fantastic that these awards are back – it’s been too long.”

“The awards have always been well received by the Hartlepool business community and it is a celebration of the success stories of the town’s businesses.”

“It is something the business community can look forward to once again as we look to establish them back on the calendar each year.”

“We have not had that opportunity to showcase our businesses in this way for a number of years because of Covid-19. We should recognise how good our businesses really are.”

”The relaunch of the Hartlepool Business Awards marks the start of a new era across the business community in the town, with the newly refreshed Hartlepool Economic and Business Forum being steered by a group made up of local businesses.”

The forum encourages sole traders, small, medium and large businesses to get involved – and potential sponsors are encouraged to have their brand associated with it through the various sponsorship opportunities.

Israr, working alongside the steering group made up of local business leaders to deliver the event, said: “We want as many people and businesses as possible to apply through one of the 10 categories available.”

“We want to see everyone come together because our businesses and community deserve to have that collective recognition.”

”The return of the awards coincides with many positive moves, to make the town a better place to live and will cap a year in which the Tall Ships Races came back to the Town.”

Israr added: “Hartlepool has many good things happening in terms of schemes, regeneration, transformational projects, like the Waterfront and the Production Village … there was also the huge success of the Tall Ships. Those things are helping to put Hartlepool on the map.”

“Now these awards are on the horizon again and they will highlight what Hartlepool businesses do for the town, the region and beyond – so make sure you get involved.”

Hartlepool Business Award categories are Special Recognition, Business of the Year, Best New Business, Best Small Business, Community Business of the Year, Best Creative/Digital Business, Best Tourism/Leisure/Hospitality Business, Best Service Sector Business, Best Manufacturing/Engineering Business and Best Retail Business.

There are a range of packages available:

• Platinum main Sponsor – £5000 plus VAT
• Gold Sponsor – £3000 plus VAT
• Silver Sponsor – £2000 plus VAT
• Category Sponsor – £1000 plus VAT
• Reception Drinks Sponsor – £500 plus VAT
• Table Wine Sponsor – White Wine £500 plus VAT and/or Red Wine £500 plus VAT

To find out more information on the sponsored packages available, please click here.

For sponsorship enquiries please email hartlepooleconomicforum@hartlepool.gov.uk or call 01429 867677