Deal yourselves in

Feb 27 2008 by Graeme King, The Journal

DEALS are a key signpost to inform us of the economic health of our region and the quality of the work involved is a showcase for the talent of the professions – and our entrepreneurs.

The Journal has launched the Deal Awards to recognise the strength of the corporate market in the North East and celebrate the ambition, vision and skill of our company bosses.

It will also reward the often overlooked contribution of the lawyers, accountants, advisers and investors across the region who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the deals come together.

This week we are featuring the Sale of the Year award, which aims to celebrate deals which maximise the potential of the business being sold, and secure the best results for the management, employees and shareholders who are involved.

The Sale of the Year category is sponsored by UBS Wealth Management. Paddy Lewis, investment director of UBS in Newcastle, said: “Exiting a company, whether only a few years old or one that has been in operation for generations, can be a daunting exercise.

“However, it is often said by our clients that the prospect of investing the subsequent proceeds from a sale can be just as challenging, particularly when markets are vola- tile.

“A large number of our clients come to us for sound investment advice, after the sale of their business because the UBS team have lived and worked in the North East for more than 20 years.

“They have a clear understanding of the needs of people selling businesses in the region. As a result of this UBS has continued to expand its operation in Newcastle to meet demand, particularly over the last 12 months.”

Besides Sale of the Year, there are three other awards for the work carried out and the success of deals themselves.

They are: Acquisition of the Year, MBO/MBI of the Year, and Small/ Mid-Size Company Deal of the Year.

There will also be awards for individuals: the Emerging Dealmaker of the Year, and Dealmaker of the Year.

The winners of the four awards looking at deals themselves, will be pitted against each other to win the overall Deal of the Year prize.

How to enter

ENTRY forms for each category can be downloaded from www.nebusiness.co.uk/dealawards and there is a full set of the awards rules available there.

Alternatively, you can email Kirsty Tarn, events manager, at kirsty.tarn@ncjmedia.co.uk and you need to include your contact name and address details and indicate the category or categories you wish to enter. Forms will then be emailed to you.

All entries must be received by 5pm on Friday, April 4.

• Sponsors

The title sponsor for the awards is Watson Burton LLP, and individual categories are sponsored by UBS Wealth Management, unw Chartered Accountants, Durham Business School and Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets.

• Deal Awards Ceremony

THE inaugural Journal Deal Awards will be announced at a black tie dinner on Thursday, June 26, at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead.

To secure your place at the awards, please contact Kirsty Tarn as above. Tables of 10 are available for £750 plus VAT.

Individual tickets are also available to purchase for £80 plus VAT.