That time of year has come around again when we begin the process of commending the most entrepreneurial, enterprising and community driven businesses in the North East of Scotland.

The Elevator Awards 2015 (previously known as the Grampian Awards for Business Excellence) launch for registrations and applications today, Wednesday the 4th of February 2015 at 12noon, marking the beginning of a 5 month period of ‘awards fever’ culminating with the awards ceremony on Thursday the 25th of June 2015 when 10 winners will be announced to an audience of over 400 local business representatives at the Mercure Ardoe House Hotel at a glitzy ceremony.

Team Elevator expect to see upwards of 400 registrations submitted for the 10 business excellence-led awards following the trend of the last two years. Through two rigorous judging phases the applications are whittled down to three finalists in each category and then just one highly outstanding winner is announced at the awards ceremony in June.

The award categories commend various aspects of business excellence; from demonstrating tenacity through overcoming significant business obstacles, celebrating businesses who significantly impact their community through positive activities, business success under 12 month, under 3 years, or over a longer period of time (over three years) with significant scaling of a business along with those who have recognised the importance of their staff by being an employer of choice.

We have outlined the 10 award categories so you can identify which award might be best suited to you, your business or an individual/business you work with that deserve recognition.

It is very simple to get involved. Register or nominate a business or individual. Once you have done so you will receive a straightforward application form to complete with a specific word count. Once completed, this can be submitted online.

Three finalists in each category will be announced in the press and over email/on our website on Friday the 20th of March 2015. Should your application be successful and you are listed as a finalist of the Elevator Awards 2015, you will have opportunities to network with sponsors, judges and fellow finalists at the Finalist Celebration Event (Tuesday 5th May at Orchid Bar). If you are submitting an application for the Elevator Awards 2015 please ensure also that you are available on Wednesday the 14th of May when finalists will need to be available to meet and present to a panel of judges.

Best of luck to all of you completing applications - Team Elevator are here to help where we can so if you have any queries, please contact us at awards@elevatoruk.com or call 01224 289745. We also have a Facebook Page Twitter Account: @elevatorawards Google+ Account and Linkedin Page where we will be posting lots of exciting updates and announcements over the coming months.

Chief Executive of Elevator, Gary McEwan, said about the awards:

“Our greatest entrepreneurs have developed the skills and attributes required to propel their businesses upwards on a high growth trajectory.  Their resilience, focus and work ethic set them apart from others as they scale heights others do not. The Elevator Awards recognise the achievements of our best entrepreneurs and encourage all business owners to reach their peak.

My desire is to see the North-east recognised as the most entrepreneurial region in Scotland.  We are home to some of the finest businessmen and women and these awards offer individuals and businesses the perfect opportunity to shine and be recognised for their achievements.  Scotland must note the quality and depth of the entrepreneurial eco system we are creating in our region.”

Key Sponsor for the Elevator Awards, Russell Whyte, RBS Director of Corporate & Commercial Banking said: "RBS Ahead for Business is delighted to be sponsoring the Elevator Awards 2015. The awards encourage entrepreneurship and highlight and recognise some of the most outstanding businesses in the North of Scotland. I am really looking forward to being involved this year as part of the judging process working alongside Elevator and other sponsor partners."

Best of luck to all applicants!

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