Awards ceremony to be less formal this year

From the Amesbury Journal, first published Thursday 16th Oct 2003.

MEMBERS of Salisbury and district chamber of commerce and industry are casting aside their formal image next month for a more laid-back approach.

The occasion is the annual awards dinner at the City Hall, when the chamber honours those who have made the greatest contribution to the business community in the past year.

Usually, the 250-member chamber opts for a formal dinner, but this year's event, on November 15, takes the form of a Caribbean party.

There will be Caribbean cocktails at 7pm, a Caribbean buffet-style dinner with table decorations in vivid colours, a Caribbean steel band, and a casino, said chamber executive officer Delia Hembury, who organises the annual event.

"We start with a cocktail reception and then launch into the awards before the dinner, steel band and casino," she said.

"We want to make it really special this year.

"The nomination forms went out at the beginning of this month and we are already getting telephone calls and enquiries.

"We're hoping for lots of entries."

She said that last month's South Wilts Expo 2003 business exhibition, run by the chamber, had boosted membership and raised the profile of the chamber.

Ten new members joined and others promised to do so.

"Things like Expo encourage members and show we are a very active chamber," she said.

The awards are presented in the following categories:

Employee of the Year, sponsored by the Salisbury Journal. First prize £1,000, with £250 for the runner-up.

Long Service Award, sponsored by the Avon Advertiser. For employees who have served 20 years or more. Prize £250.

Volunteer Award, sponsored by the Avon Advertiser. For an individual or organisation who has done a lot for charity. Prize £250.

Customer Service of the Year, sponsored by Spire FM. Prize £200 for the person nominating the winner.

Community Initiative of the Year, sponsored by Salisbury district council. Details of the prize have yet to be announced.

The City Centre Award, sponsored by Salisbury City Centre Management. For the business that has made a significant contribution to the city centre. Prize an engraved trophy and certificate.

Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Business Link. Prize £1,000-worth of business advice and a silver cup.

Entries can be faxed or posted to Salisbury & District Chamber of Commerce and Industry,

22 Bedwin Street, Salisbury,

SP1 3UT, fax number 01722 341508.

Or they can be e-mailed to

nominations@salisburychamber.

org.uk.

The closing date is November 1.

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