Swindon Business News is to stage the first awards dedicated solely to showcasing and rewarding innovation in the area.
The awards, to be held later this year, will champion the businesses and individuals that are putting Swindon and Wiltshire on the fast-track for economic growth through innovation and creativity.
The awards, which are being delivered with Swindon Business News’ sister publication WestBusinessNews, have already attracted a stable of top-name sponsors.
The award categories have been selected to reflect the area’s key growth sectors and range from advanced manufacturing (including automotive) to micro-electronics and sustainability.
There will also be awards for Innovation of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Young Innovator.
Swindon Business News editor Robert Buckland said: “These awards will be far removed from the tired and out-dated format of traditional business awards. They will properly reflect the dynamism of the Swindon and Wiltshire area by rewarding those who are putting innovation at the heart of their business.
“This area is one of the most innovative in the country and it is about time an awards scheme championed this.”
Among the blue-chip businesses and organisations already committed to sponsoring the awards are: Howard Tenens – Innovation in Sustainability/Environmental Award
The company said: “Howard Tenens is very pleased to be sponsoring The Innovation in Sustainability/Environmental Award. Sustainability is at the heart of our business and, as a
market leader in environmentally friendlier truck technology, we appreciate how important it is to recognise a company’s achievements for environmental innovation.
“We have been part of the Swindon community for more than 30 years, a fact we are extremely proud of, and will continue to support the local area as part of our core business ethos.”
LloydsTSB – Innovator of the Year Award
A spokesman said: “LloydsTSB Commercial is delighted to be supporting the Innovation award and we are looking forward to seeing a wide and varied number of entries.”
Forward Swindon – Innovation of the Year Award
Chief executive Ian Piper said: “Innovation and productivity go hand in hand here in Swindon, and we are delighted to support these awards which encourage businesses of all sizes to drive for growth in the town.”
Engineering Innovation Network South West – Advanced Engineering Award.
The Swindon & Wiltshire Innovation Awards are being backed by the Technology Strategy Board.
For more information and for details of how to join the roster of blue-chip sponsors, contact Anita Jaynes on 01793 615393 or anita@swindon-business.net
