Awards organisers have announced that The Plastic Furniture Company, owned by the PFC Trust charity’s founders Patrick and Frances Connolly, have agreed to be the main sponsors of the town’s showpiece event.

The Business Awards will take place on Friday, November 17, for the first time since 2019. Nominations for each of the ten categories can be done online until October 6.

The Plastic Furniture Company, manufacturers of high-quality urban furniture and bins, has close links to the area. The Connollys have provided incredible support to the community, both before and after winning the EuroMillions four years ago, have led to them supporting the Awards’ return. Patrick, managing director of the Plastic Furniture Company, said: “As a family we have lived in Hartlepool now for more than 25 years and we have seen how important it is to support local businesses and the community.”

“It is fantastic that the Hartlepool Business Awards are back this year and we are proud to be supporting an event that deserves to be on the calendar each year. They highlight much of the good work of the excellent businesses in the area.”

“The town has incredible people and brilliant entrepreneurs, this provides a platform for those to be recognised. Whether it is a small, medium or large business, or even a sole trader, I’m looking forward to hearing all about the success stories. They are sure to inspire others.”

“The Plastic Furniture Company is a huge supporter of Hartlepool. We have some of our products in use at popular places such as Summerhill and Ward Jackson Park. It will be a privilege for the Plastic Furniture Company and the PFC Trust to be at the Borough Hall and take part in such a prestigious event.”  

The application form for nominations for the ten categories at the Hartlepool Business Awards is on the official website, which also includes full details on how to book tickets/tables for the evening.

The search for Hartlepool’s best businesses and business owners was launched earlier this month at the Hartlepool Economic and Business Forum and the nominations window will close on October 6.

Israr Hussain, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Economic Growth Manager, said: “It is fantastic that we can confirm the Plastic Furniture Company and the PFC Trust are on board with Hartlepool Business Awards.”

“We all know how much Patrick and Frances have supported local groups, organisations and causes over the years so we are privileged to have them supporting these awards too, knowing they are supporting activities of local businesses in the community.”

“There are still other sponsorship opportunities for other companies or groups to get involved and we hope people make full use of those opportunities for what promises to be another incredible night.”

Hartlepool Business Awards 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.

For further information on how to nominate, book a table/tickets or take advantage of various sponsorship packages then check out  www.hartlepoolbusinessforum.co.uk