There’s still time to get your entry into awards

Mar 26 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

THERE are just 10 days to go to the closing date for entries into the first North East Deal Awards.

Launched by The Journal and our sponsors earlier this year, they are designed to recognise the importance to the regional economy of business deals and the people who create them.

We have received a whole host of entries to ensure the competition in the various categories will be hard-fought but there are still 10 days to go to the closing date.

Journal editor Brian Aitken said: “The North East has a fantastic wealth of talent in its professional services sector. These awards will highlight the very best.

“Deals are fundamental to business growth. We will be looking for the boldest, quickest, cleverest and most efficient. While deals often hit the headlines, the entrepreneurs and professionals behind them do not always get the credit they deserve – now they will.”

And it’s not just the big stock market buy-outs that will get all the attention – we will also be rewarding the takeovers and management buy-ins at small and medium-sized companies.

And there are awards to recognise the individuals who make the most impressive contribution to the region’s dealmaking.

Award categories are: Acquisition of the Year, Sale of the Year, MBO/MBI of the Year, Small/Mid-Size Company Deal of the Year, Emerging Dealmaker of the Year, Dealmaker of the Year and Deal of the Year. The winners of the four awards looking at deals themselves will be pitted against each other for the overall Deal of the Year prize.

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 (panel, below). Tables of 10 are available for £750 plus VAT. Individual tickets are £80 plus VAT.

ENTRY FORMS

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.

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.

Entrepreneurs and professionals behind the headlines do not always get the credit