Countdown is on for the East Dunbartonshire Business Awards

Organisers at East Dunbartonshire Council have now announced the first sponsors of the awards, which have 10 categories for budding businesses and enterprising entrepreneurs.

The sponsors include:

Exchange Communications - based in Kirkintilloch, Exchange Communications provides services to a vast range of businesses, from small and medium-sized through to enterprise-level solutions. It specialises in providing innovative communication products and dependable maintenance.

Aldermore Bank - established in 2009, Aldermore offers a full range of personal and business banking services and has worked with businesses in East Dunbartonshire on invoice and tax finance.

365 Recovery - the established family-run business, based in Kirkintilloch, offers a wide range of breakdown, recovery and garage services by fully-trained technicians.

Business Gateway - provides support and services to business across Scotland, from people looking to start a business through to established firms looking to grow. In East Dunbartonshire, Business Gateway can provide access to finance, planning and strategy advice, business information and a programme of training workshops.

The Business Awards are a key event for East Dunbartonshire Council, which is committed to encouraging enterprise, employment and economic development. More sponsors will be announced soon and any firms interested in supporting the awards are urged to get in touch.

Local businesses are invited to enter, with individuals also urged to nominate a firm or enterprise they work for, have received good service from or that they feel deserves recognition.

Councillor Alan Moir, Convener of Development and Regeneration, said: “I am delighted to announce the first of our sponsors for the inaugural East Dunbartonshire Business Awards.

“It is inspiring to see that kind of support from community-minded firms and organisations - helping to celebrate success stories in East Dunbartonshire.

“I am sure the business awards will be a valuable showcase of good practice and innovative working locally - rewarding forward-thinking firms and providing inspiration. I’d encourage all local businesses, large and small, to consider putting themselves forward for a nomination, as well as ask local people to nominate those businesses which deliver great services or products.”

The closing date for nominations is April 11. Forms are available via the Council website - www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/businessawards - and packs can also be sent out. Call 0141 578 8530 or e-mail [email protected].

The awards - to be judged locally by a panel of experts - will be handed out on May 9 at an event in The Eagle Lodge, Bishopbriggs.

It will also include a charity fundraiser in aid of a number of local organisations, reflecting the continuing support from businesses for good causes across the area.

Nominations for charities and organisations to benefit are being sought. You can e-mail your suggestions to [email protected]. See next week’s Herald for more details.

The aim is to find a variety of good causes which work in East Dunbartonshire to help, for example, community initiatives, children, the elderly, people with additional support needs, the environment, young enterprise and more.

Jim Holland, Editor of the Kirkintilloch Herald Series and Milngavie & Bearsden Herald - media partners of the awards - said, “I am glad to hear that local firms are seizing this golden chance to highlight innovative work and excellent service.”